U2 recently celebrated a historic milestone as the recipients of the 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize during a powerful ceremony at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa. Bono and The Edge returned to the legendary venue for the first time since their 1981 tour to accept the honor on behalf of the entire band. This prestigious award recognizes artists who carry forward the legacy of social consciousness and activism that defined the life of Woody Guthrie. During the evening, the duo participated in an intimate conversation with T Bone Burnett to discuss their long-standing commitment to using music as a force for global change.
The special fundraising event featured a surprise six-song acoustic set that highlighted the deep connection between the band’s catalog and Guthrie’s folk roots. Fans were treated to moving renditions of “Sunday Bloody Sunday” and “One” along with a cover of the Woody Guthrie classic “Jesus Christ.” Anna Canoni shared her family’s appreciation for how the Dublin rockers have spent decades confronting injustice through their art and humanitarian efforts. This induction places the group alongside previous honorees like Bruce Springsteen and Mavis Staples in a lineage of standard bearers for justice.