U2 Release New Song Ahimsa With A.R. Rahman

Ahead of their first ever show in India - at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai on December 15th - U2 have released a new track, 'Ahimsa', a collaboration with composer/producer A.R. Rahman.

"Ahimsa" - the Sanskrit word for non-violence - "requires courage and strength.” says A R Rahman, known as 'Isai Puyal' (the Musical Storm), renowned for integrating Eastern classical music with electronic music, world music genres and traditional orchestral arrangements,  and perhaps best known in this part of the world for his work on the Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack (What's that about Superheavy, with Mick Jagger? Forget that, the man has sold over 150 million records!). Rahman’s daughters, Khatija and Raheema also add vocals to the song.

"Ahimsa is  quality that is impervious to weapons or power," he continues. "It's a mission which is most needed to heal the modern world and it is incredible timing to collaborate with U2, with their amazing legacy, to revive this movement.”

The Edge is only delighted to have had the chance to collaborate with Rahman.

"A superstar and a talent both towering and generous, we are especially excited to visit his homeland in just a few weeks. India has been on our bucket list for a very long time, the principles of ahimsa or non-violence have served as an important pillar of what our band stands for since we first came together to play music. We can't wait to experience the culture of India first hand, a place that brings together the modern and the ancient all at once.”

Bono also had a few words to add: "We were somewhat shaped and formed by Martin Luther King who was a student of Mahatma Gandhi. Martin Luther King said 'The moral arc of the universe is long but it bends towards justice….' I don't believe that anymore… It doesn't bend towards justice, it has to be bent towards justice. We have to be actively involved in our democracy to preserve it and show people how we feel and what we care about. We come as students to the source of inspiration. That is Ahimsa… non-violence. India gave this to us… the greatest gift to the world.  It is more  powerful than nuclear energy, the armies, the navy's, the British Empire. It is power itself. And it's never been more important.”

U2 promise that 2019, or what's left of it, will also see the release of four highlights from U2's extensive catalogue of songs, remixed by local Indian artists, but ahead of all that, have a listen to Ahimsa for yourself.

The 1,000th Issue of Hot Press contains an article specially written for the issue by Bono, which comprises 1,000 words for the 1,000th issue. It contains powerful reflections from Bono on India – and on the prospect of playing the vast and extraordinary country of 720 dialects, Mahatma Gandhi and Salman Rushdie for the first time. To purchase, click here...