Just announced: U2 will receive the 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize, an honor that highlights not only their musical brilliance but also their unwavering dedication to social justice, activism, and humanitarian causes. This prestigious award, named after the iconic American folk singer whose music championed the struggles and voices of ordinary people, is presented annually to artists who embody Guthrie’s spirit by using their art to inspire change.
For more than four decades, U2 has done exactly that. Since their early beginnings in Dublin, the band has built a career defined by powerful music and equally powerful messages. From anthems like Sunday Bloody Sunday and Pride (In the Name of Love) to global campaigns for human rights, poverty reduction, and equality, U2 has consistently combined artistry with activism. Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. have used their platform to shine a light on global issues, raising awareness and mobilizing millions of fans to take action.
The Woody Guthrie Prize recognizes artists whose work transcends entertainment, and U2’s career epitomizes this mission. Their music not only fills stadiums but also sparks conversations about freedom, justice, and unity. The award also acknowledges the band’s long-standing involvement in humanitarian initiatives, from Bono’s ONE Campaign to their efforts in supporting global health, debt relief, and the fight against AIDS.
Receiving this prize places U2 in the company of past honorees who, like Guthrie, understood the power of music as a force for social good. For fans and admirers worldwide, it reinforces what has long been known: U2 is more than a band—they are storytellers, advocates, and leaders who continue to use their voices for change.
The 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize is not just an accolade; it is a testament to U2’s enduring legacy as one of the most impactful and socially conscious acts in music history.
