U2 have released a new single, “Ahimsa” – a collaboration with legendary Indian composer A.R. Rahman – ahead of their first ever performance in India on December 15 as part of their Joshua Tree tour.
The Sanskrit word for non-violence, “Ahimsa” celebrates the spiritual diversity of India and connects the spirit of U2 with Rahman.
“Ahimsa requires courage and strength,” explains Rahman. "A quality that is impervious to weapons or power. 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.”
Working with A.R, says The Edge, had been "an absolute joy”.
"A superstar and a talent both towering and generous, we are especially excited to visit his homeland in just a few weeks,” continues the guitarist. “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.”
The fight against injustice has always been so important to us, adds Bono.
"We were somewhat shaped and formed by Martin Luther King, who was a student of Mahatma Gandhi,” adds the singer. “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.”
Ahead of next month’s show in Mumbai – which will mark U2’s final live event of 2019 – they will wrap up a series of dates in Australia and New Zealand with a November 27 concert in Perth before heading to Singapore, Japan, South Korea and their first-ever appearance in the Philippines.
See also:
U2 add Philippines concert debut to Joshua Tree tour
U2 expand 2019 Joshua Tree tour
U2 announce Joshua Tree 2019 tour dates
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