U2 Reveals New Song "Ahimsa" In Celebration Of First-Ever Indian Concert

U2 The Joshua Tree Tour 2019 - Sydney

In preparation for the band's first-ever performance in India coming up in December, U2 teamed up with legendary Indian composer A.R. Rahman for a one-off song, "Ahimsa."

The song's title comes from a Sanskrit word meaning non-violence. The band said in a statement that the song is meant to celebrate the spiritual diversity of India.

"Ahimsa requires courage and strength," Rahman said via a press release. "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."

Rahman is renowned for incorporating electronic music and Eastern classical music within orchestras. The Edge called working with the composer "an absolute joy." He added that performing in India has been on the band's "bucket list for a very long time."

Listen to the song in the player below or here.

Bono pointed out that one of U2's primary idealogical influences, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was a student of Indian social, spiritual and political icon Mahatma Ganghi. The band sees its upcoming trip to India as a pilgrimage of sorts.

"We come as students to the source of inspiration," Bono said. "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's 'Joshua Tree' tour arrives in Mumbai on December 15. Leading up to the concert, the band will also re-release four classic songs that have been remixed by local Indian artists.

Get all of U2's tour dates here.

Photo: Getty Images


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