U2 have spoken about recording a duet with country legend Dolly Parton that the band says became her final studio performance before her death, and about why they will not accept censorship in their live shows.
Final duet with Dolly Parton
Members of the Irish rock group described the collaboration with Parton as a poignant moment, saying the singer’s contribution now stands as her last recorded vocal. They framed the session as an honour and a bittersweet milestone given her passing, emphasising the emotional weight the track carries for them.
The 'grudge match' behind the new album
The band also characterised the genesis of their latest album as something of a "grudge match," signalling that creative tensions and vigorous debate among the group played a key role in shaping the record. They suggested that those clashes ultimately fuelled the music, turning disagreement into a driving creative force rather than a hindrance.
Onstage censorship and artistic freedom
U2 reiterated a firm position against being censored while performing, arguing that artistic expression and the right to present material to audiences without interference are central to who they are as a band. They presented their refusal to accept restrictions as tied to their broader identity and values as performers.
Band reflections and public response
In speaking about these issues — the Parton duet, the internal strife behind the album, and their stance on censorship — the group sought to place their new work in the context of both personal loss and the combative creative process that produced it. Their comments are likely to shape public and critical discussion as listeners hear the record and respond to the news of Parton’s final recording.