How U2 And David Letterman Made A Documentary In Only A Few Weeks

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, musicians all around the world all had to find something to do. They couldn’t go about their normal lives–much like everyone else–as touring and promotions were largely halted. Some artists wrote and recorded new albums, some took to online performances, and one of the biggest rock bands in history did the one thing they had avoided for decades: they looked back.

For some time now, U2 has been working on a retrospective new album titled Songs of Surrender. The set, which arrives on March 17, features reimaginings of some of the band’s biggest and most beloved hits. This project isn’t about remixes or making these songs relevant to a younger, new audience. Instead, it’s about the original songwriters re-examining these smashes, remembering what inspired them, and deciding what they mean now.