U2 to receive one of songwriting's highest honours: Fellowship of the Ivors Academy 21 Mar 2025
BONO, THE EDGE, ADAM CLAYTON AND LARRY MULLEN JR. BECOME THE FIRST IRISH SONGWRITERS TO BE BESTOWED WITH THE IVORS ACADEMY'S GREATEST ACCOLADE
SELECTED BY FELLOW SONGWRITERS, FELLOWSHIP RECOGNISES U2'S ENDURING INFLUENCE AND IMPACT ON THE CRAFT OF SONGWRITING
The Ivors Academy has today announced U2 as the latest songwriters to become Academy Fellows, the highest honour the organisation bestows. With this, Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. become the first-ever Irish songwriters that the Academy has inducted into Fellowship during its 81-year history.
Formed in Dublin in 1978, U2 is one of the greatest songwriting partnerships and most influential bands of all time. The band's songwriting is marked by an emotional authenticity that has crafted some of the most powerful songs in the history of rock spanning nearly five decades, including 'I Will Follow', 'Pride (In The Name of Love)', 'Bad', 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For', 'With or Without You', 'One', 'Beautiful Day', 'Walk On', 'Vertigo', 'Magnificent' and 'Ordinary Love'.
Their distinctive sound and constant innovation has resulted in 15 iconic studio albums, more than 175 million records sold worldwide and 28 industry-defining landmark tours. The only band in history to have topped the Billboard 200 in the US in four successive decades, they have also achieved 10 UK no 1 albums. U2 have received countless accolades including 22 GRAMMYs and Amnesty International's Ambassador of Conscience award, as well as four Ivor Novello Awards – winning the Special Award for International Achievement in 1994, Best Song Musically and Lyrically for 'Walk On' in 2002, Outstanding Song Collection in 2003 and International Hit of the Year for 'Vertigo' in 2005.
U2's early songs announced a band unafraid to tackle issues of social unrest and human rights, shaping rock's engagement with political activism. Their achievements as songwriters are marked by the ability to blend anthemic melodies with socially and politically charged lyrics, addressing both personal and universal issues such as love, faith, war, politics and religion. Having written many of the most enduring and iconic songs and lyrics in modern rock history, U2's songwriting legacy continues to expand and resonate with audiences worldwide.
Bono said: "We were a band before we could play, let alone write songs... In fact it was our inability to play other people's songs that kicked off our own songwriting. Early musical heroes like The Ramones, Patti Smith, The Clash were our inspiration. There's alchemy at play, turning base metals into gold... your shite into gold would be another way of putting it."
The Edge said: "Songs are kind of magic. The best ones feel like gifts from some other dimension, but to catch them you have to make yourself available. I'm not sure songs can change the world but they sure have changed mine."
Adam Clayton said: "To be recognised in this way by The Ivors Academy feels very special indeed. The appreciation of one's peers is a humbling honour and we are immensely grateful. We've been playing our songs in this country for over 45 years, thank you to all those who have not just supported us, but carried us... producers, engineers, crew, fans, management, label."
Larry Mullen Jr. said: "Making music collectively, as we've done for close to 50 years, has been an incredible experience and privilege for the four of us and I believe it's a testament to a band that values individual creativity and independence of mind. We are grateful to each other and very grateful to The Ivors Academy for recognising us with this award."
Induction into Fellowship of The Ivors Academy is a prestigious honour reserved for legendary songwriters and composers who have mastered and defined their craft. With U2's inclusion, the total number of Fellows rises to 32. As the highest tier of Academy membership, Fellowship places U2 alongside pioneering songwriters such as Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, Joan Armatrading and Bruce Springsteen – who became the first international songwriter to receive the honour last year.
Tom Gray, Chair of The Ivors Academy said: "With fearless poetic lyricism always centre-stage in panoramic musical vistas, the sound of U2 has redefined the fabric of popular music. Their songs are sweeping catalysts: hymnals and rallying cries. U2's induction into Fellowship honours their seminal contributions to music through exceptional songwriting craft."
Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy said: "We are proud to welcome U2 to Fellowship of The Ivors Academy as era-defining songwriters whose legacy continues to propel musical innovation and inspire social progress. As U2's politically charged anthems have sparked global change, The Ivors Academy is committed to championing creative integrity with the same unwavering passion. At a time when AI threatens to undermine human creativity, U2's Fellowship stands as a testament to the irreplaceable role of songwriters and composers in shaping culture and inspiring change."
Recognised as a pinnacle of creative musical achievement since they were first presented in 1956, winning an Ivor Novello holds a special place in music as they are judged by acclaimed songwriters and composers from The Ivors Academy, with winners joining a roll call of greats that includes Adele, Stormzy, RAYE, Lana Del Rey, Annie Lennox, Amy Winehouse, Dave, Skepta and John Lennon.
Listen to a U2 takeover of The Ivors playlist here, and find more Ivors-related content on the songwriters and producers homepage here.
This year's nominees will be announced on Wednesday 23 April and the winners will be revealed at The Ivors with Amazon Music at Grosvenor House in London on Thursday 22 May 2025.
NEWS & PRESS
Tickets For Good announces launch of Belgian business at Wallifornia, opens £3m funding round
The Wallifornia Conference Startups alumni returns to reveal latest expansion news. TfG recipients include some 500k registered healthcare workers, teachers, and charity workers across UK, EU and U.S. It's distributed 1million+ free and discounted tickets from 1,000+ live event partners, including Dua...more
Lewis Capaldi surprises fans in London's Covent Garden to launch 'Room to Reflect' meditation booth with TikTok
SCOTTISH SUPERSTAR PARTNERS WITH TIKTOK TO ENCOURAGE THE NATION TO TAKE A MOMENT TO RESET FROM EVERYDAY LIFE The ‘Room to Reflect’ experience was narrated by Lewis Capaldi, offering a sanctuary from the London daily grind to meditate and escape the...more
Beatport Live Launches 'The Block'
A Touring Container Stage Spotlighting Emerging DJs at Junction 2, Creamfields, and The Prospect Building Over the last five years, more than 400 nightclubs have closed in Britain and Beatport recognises the urgent need to offer more than just a digital...more
BDi Music signs exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Paige Bea
Bea is a sought after musician, songwriter, DJ and emerging producer. BDi Music has signed artist and songwriter Paige Bea to an exclusive worldwide publishing deal. Paige Bea is a London-born musician, songwriter, DJ and emerging producer. Originally trained as an opera...more
Bandcamp Daily's Summer 2025 Hotlist Spotlights Its Most Anticipated New Releases
Open Mike Eagle, Wet Leg, Kokoroko, Alex G, Susumu Yokota and more are all featured in the Summer 2025 Hotlist Bandcamp Daily, the editorial arm of the world’s largest online music marketplace and community, has released its 2025 Summer Hotlist, a curated collection...more
Universal Music Greater China announces strategic global alliance with "Godfather of Mandarin R&B" David Tao and his company Great Entertainment
Universal Music Group to Release David Tao’s New Studio Album STUPID POP SONGS, with Physical Pre-Orders Opening Soon Universal Music Greater China (UMGC), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced a strategic global...more
David Bowie Centre - V&A Announces More Detail, plus The Last Dinner Party and Nile Rodgers
From guest-curated displays to unrealised projects, the V&A announces new details on the David Bowie Centre - opening at the V&A East Storehouse on 13 September 2025 A new home for David Bowie's archive – V&A East Storehouse's David Bowie Centre – gets...more
WMA announces expansion of UK & European Publicity, Social and Marketing Divisions
Andy Saiker appointed as Head of PR, Social & Marketing (UK & Europe) Global digital marketing and creative agency, WMA are delighted to announce the appointment of Andy Saiker as Head of PR, Social and Marketing (UK & Europe), effective immediately....more
Tems Launches The Leading Vibe Initiative, Empowering the Next Generation of Women in Music
APPLICATION DEADLINE THIS JULY 13TH Two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer, Tems announces today the launch of the Leading Vibe Initiative, a groundbreaking platform designed to support, connect and amplify young women in music across Africa, with a vision to...more
WeAre8 Announces 8fest: The World's First Social Media Music Festival, curated by industry insiders
The next generation of music talent is about to transform your social feed experience. WeAre8, the social media bringing social and economic freedom to artists worldwide, today unveils 8fest - a global, three-day virtual festival running next week from11-13 July 2025,...more
The Money Trench - The Music Industry Podcast celebrates its first anniversary with two new headline sponsors
The podcast curated by Mark Sutherland and executive producer Mike Walsh will launch its 50th episode with the support of SoundOn and Tixel The Money Trench – The Music Industry Podcast with Mark Sutherland (‘TMT’), is celebrating its first anniversary with...more
Cyanite and ON AIR strengthen partnership to deliver AI-driven insights for playlist curation in MusicMaster Scheduling
To redefine music programming for broadcasters and audio platforms, ON AIR has integrated Cyanite's industry-leading AI music tagging into the familiar MusicMaster Scheduling environment. This collaboration unlocks entirely new, data-driven pathways for playlist curation, helping radio stations and content creators...more
Warner Music buys Skorpioni Music's catalogue
Independent label's strong legacy in Finnish music will endure Warner Music Finland has bought the catalog of renowned independent record company Skorpioni, which had announced earlier this year that it would be ceasing operations. This is a significant transition in the local...more
Bauer Media Audio Appoints Paul Eldon as Director of Measurement
Bauer Media Audio has appointed Paul Eldon as Director of Measurement, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and trust in audio measurement across all its markets. Paul brings over 15 years of experience in media measurement, audience analytics and advertising technology. He...more
Music industry unites to raise over £715,000 for Nordoff and Robbins Music Therapy at O2 Silver Clef awards
David Gilmour, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Mika, The Last Dinner Party, The Corrs, Chase & Status and more honoured at glittering evening ceremony at JW Marriott Grosvenor House The UK music industry joined together tonight to honour some of its most iconic and...more
The Beatles' Apple Corps Ltd. Announces Tom Greene as New CEO
Today, Apple Corps Ltd. announces the appointment of Tom Greene as Chief Executive Officer, effective September 2025. Since 1968, Apple Corps Ltd. has overseen The Beatles’ creative and business interests. During that time The Beatles – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George...more
Tees Reborn: Bravado's Radical Upcycling Project Aims to Thread a Greener Future for Merch Business
More than 400,000 leftover tour t-shirts will be respun into new items and sold on tours this fall Bravado, the world's leading artist merchandise and lifestyle company, announced today the launch of an ambitious program to upcycle obsolete or unsold t-shirts...more
BandLab Expands Licensing Platform to Connect Artists and Rights Holders to AI Companies, Opening the Door to Legal AI Music Models
BandLab, the world's largest social music creation platform, today announced a major expansion of BandLab Licensing (licensing.bandlab.com), introducing a structure with clear guidelines that allows artists, labels, and publishers to signal interest in licensing their music to train AI models....more
Warner Music Group and Bain Capital announce launch of joint venture to invest up to $1.2 billion in iconic music catalogs
Warner Music Group (NASDAQ: WMG), the global music entertainment company, and Bain Capital, a leading global private investment firm, are launching a joint venture to allow for the purchase of up to $1.2 billion of legendary music catalogs across both recorded music...more
Chrysalis Records announces Tina McBye as Senior Vice President, Commercial Music Operations
Chrysalis Records, which is part of the Reservoir group of companies, has announced the promotion of Tina McBye to the position of Senior Vice President, Commercial Music Operations. Based in the company’s London offices Tina will report directly to Alison Wenham,...more
BRIT School Chair of Trustees Josh Berger CBE Hosts Fundraiser Event at Ronnie Scott's for the UK's leading free Arts School
Current and former students staged a showcase - representing all areas of the creative industries from dance and music to spoken word and musical theatre. Former student and Ivor Novello award winning songwriter, Dan Gillespie Sells performed, and newly graduated rising...more
RSA announces David Joseph CBE as new Chief Executive Officer
Former Chairman and CEO of Universal Music UK to lead Royal Society of Arts into bold new future The Royal Society of Arts (RSA) is delighted to announce the appointment of David Joseph CBE as its new CEO. David will formally...more
Exclusive after show tickets released for sold-out Ladies Who Rock event
In addition, an online auction offers chance to win works from top contemporary artists, as well as film memorabilia, and VIP experiences Now in its 5th year, Ladies Who Rock fundraiser which takes place on 10 July at Hotel Café Royal...more
TikTok and Tomorrowland announce a global partnership to bring the best of electronic music to global audiences
TikTok today announces a new partnership deal with Tomorrowland (7m followers), the world-famous electronic dance music festival, to deliver unprecedented digital festival experiences for global music fans. The new wide-ranging, year-long partnership will see TikTok serve as Tomorrowland's Official Content Partner, offering 24/7 festival...more
The UK's Official biggest songs and albums of 2025 so far revealed
Alex Warren overtakes Lola Young to land the biggest single of the year so far with Ordinary (OCC)Sam Fender scoops the biggest new album release of 2025 Sabrina Carpenter's Short N' Sweet deluxe edition and UK tour keeps her in front in...more
Open letter from WIN CEO to European Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera
Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera European CommissionRue de la Loi / Wetstraat 2001049 BrusselsBelgium 30 June 2025 Dear Ms. Ribera, I am writing regarding the investigation by the Directorate-General for Competition into the proposed acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings LLC (Downtown) by Universal...more
Taylor Swift and Charli XCX Help Attract Record 23.5 Million Music Tourists Spending £10 Billion at UK Music Events - New Report Reveals
UK Music Calls on Communities to Get Behind Music in new Hometown Glory Report Taylor Swift, Charli XCX, Bruce Springsteen, Sam Fender and Dua Lipa helped lure a record 23.5 million music tourists to concerts and festivals in the UK in 2024, a...more
BMG Brings Seeed catalog under one roof
BMG has acquired the artist and label rights of the German band Seeed. The agreement covers their first five albums: New Dubby Conquerors (2001), Music Monks (2003), Next! (2005), Live (2006), and Seeed (2012). With the release of Bam...more
Amazon Launches the Ultimate Oasis Fan Destination
Plus Chance To Win Tickets To Live ‘25 tour Amazon announces exclusive CD and Vinyl products available to pre-order on July 8 - with up to 15% off selected CD, Vinyl, and Merch for Prime members in celebration of Prime Day (July...more
Apple Music celebrates 10 years with the launch of a new global hub for artists designed to foster creativity and connection
Tune in to Apple Music Radio for a broadcast celebration with hosts Zane Lowe, Ebro Darden, and special guests as they reminisce about their favourite moments from the past 10 years while looking toward the future As Apple Music marks its...more
THE HEADLINES
V&A East Storehouse to open the David Bowie Centre (see News)
ESCA calls on the EU to block Universal Music’s deal to buy Downtown (see News)
Virgin Music CEOs push back against critics of Downtown Music deal (see News)
Record labels are running on empty (see Opinion)
AI music is going viral, but it’s not what fans want (see Comment)
The Velvet Sundown may be the first breakout AI band from Suno (see Digital)
Amid cuts, WMG to "continue to supercharge our capabilities in long-term artist, songwriter, and catalog development" (see Business)
WIN CEO writes to European Commission Vice-President over Universal's acquisition of Downtown (see Comment)
If Spotify truly champions discovery, it should champion fair compensation from the first stream (see Comment)
Selected Glastonbury coverage (see News, Features, Showbiz, Reviews)
Streaming is both retail and radio – it shouldn’t be (see Comment)
Impala’s Helen Smith on UMG's planned Downtown acquisition (see Comment)
Retiring Arista CEO David Massey shares his top 10 career highlights (see Features)
Budweiser’s royalty loophole ad: How AI and social have changed the value of creators (see Comment)
When did making music get so lonely? (see Comment)
How will Taylor Swift’s masters ownership saga be remembered? (see Audio&Visual)
The copyright war between the AI industry and creatives (see Comment)
Interview: Lyor Cohen, the head of YouTube Music (see Features)