U2's Bono reveals Rosalía tribute song
Bono explains U2 wrote 'The Mirror Maker (Rosalía)' to celebrate the Spanish artist as a living inspiration, sparked by his obsession with her 2025 album
Bono has revealed U2 wrote their new song 'The Mirror Maker (Rosalía)' to celebrate Spanish singer-songwriter Rosalía as an extraordinary living artist. The track is a departure for the band, who Bono said normally write songs about people in jail or dead heroes.
His fixation began with Rosalía's 2025 album Lux, which he calls an obsession. Bono discussed the metaphor of the mirror in artistic creation, citing Patti Smith as an artist who inspired him to 'go through the mirror'. He said Rosalía approaches ideas of body, soul, and spirit with great courage and self-effacing humor, themes he explores on U2's new record. Bono believes they share the aim of re-enchanting the world through art. He finds it both annoying and inspiring that Rosalía arrived at the same creative point just before U2 did.
Creative evolution and collaboration
The song started around 2017 as a demo by The Edge called 'Kuti Rocker', a nod to Fela Kuti. It passed through other working titles including 'Delilah' and 'Child of the Age' before becoming 'The Mirror Maker (Rosalía)'. Producer Garret 'Jacknife' Lee explained the original idea was to convince Rosalía to sing on the track.
That plan changed. Jacknife Lee said they realized it didn't make sense for Rosalía to sing on a song about her. He thought Bono's impersonation of her soprano, which opens the track, sounded great, so they kept it. The album version is what Lee calls the '196th version' of the song. Band members questioned the direction during the process, with Lee recalling them asking, 'Why are we singing about Rosalía?'
Seeking connection and blessing
Bono sought Rosalía's blessing before releasing the song. He reached out through mutual friend Penélope Cruz, feeling vulnerable about the request. "I look like a stalker," Bono said of his hesitation. Cruz's advice was simple: 'Just call her.'
Bono confirmed the song is about Rosalía and said she has been really encouraging, making him laugh a lot. They have continued to text but have not yet met in person. Bono is still working up the courage to send Rosalía the final mix. He finds it embarrassing that Rosalía became so popular before U2 released the tribute, but notes everyone knew about Martin Luther King too, implying fame before tribute is not unusual.
The track appears fourth on U2's 16th studio album, Carnaval De Luz. It is the band's first collection of new material in nine years, following 2017's Songs Of Experience. The album Carnaval de Luz is set for release on Friday, November 13 on Island Records.
