U2 become first Irish songwriters inducted into Fellowship of The Ivors Academy

U2 have become first-ever Irish songwriters that the Academy has inducted into Fellowship during its 81-year history, and follows on from their four previous Ivor Novellos. With their inclusion, the total number of Fellows rises to 32 and places them alongside pioneering songwriters such as Paul McCartney, Kate Bush, Joan Armatrading and Bruce Springsteen.

“We were a band before we could play, let alone write songs… In fact it was our inability to play other people’s songs that kicked off our own songwriting. Early musical heroes like The Ramones, Patti Smith, The Clash were our inspiration. There’s alchemy at play, turning base metals into gold… your shite into gold would be another way of putting it,” says Bono.

@U2 to receive songwriting’s highest honour: Fellowship of The Ivors Academy

Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. make history as the first Irish songwriters inducted into the Fellowship of The Ivors Academy, the highest accolade the Academy bestows. ✍️

Their… pic.twitter.com/iez8XgcqJK

— The Ivors Academy (@IvorsAcademy) March 20, 2025

Roberto Neri, CEO of The Ivors Academy said: “We are proud to welcome U2 to Fellowship of The Ivors Academy as era-defining songwriters whose legacy continues to propel musical innovation and inspire social progress. As U2’s politically charged anthems have sparked global change, The Ivors Academy is committed to championing creative integrity with the same unwavering passion. At a time when AI threatens to undermine human creativity, U2’s Fellowship stands as a testament to the irreplaceable role of songwriters and composers in shaping culture and inspiring change.”