U2 Honored with 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize; Bono and The Edge Share a Powerful Performance in Oklahoma

U2 receives the 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize, celebrating their impactful music and activism with a heartfelt performance at Tulsa’s Cain’s Ballroom.

U2 Takes Center Stage to Celebrate Woody Guthrie’s Legacy

If there’s one band whose music has long echoed the spirit of social justice and human rights, it’s U2. Their dedication was recognized on October 21, 2025, when they were awarded the prestigious Woody Guthrie Prize at a ceremony in Tulsa, Oklahoma’s iconic Cain’s Ballroom.

The Woody Guthrie Prize, handed out annually by the Woody Guthrie Center, honors artists who embody the legendary folk singer’s passion for championing the voiceless and using their platform to spotlight the critical issues shaping our world. In other words, it's about standing up and making a difference through music—the very essence of what U2 has done for decades.

Cady Shaw, senior director at the Woody Guthrie Center, summed it up perfectly:

“U2 embodies the mission of the Woody Guthrie Prize, using music to confront injustice and inspire action. By presenting the 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize to U2, we honor a legacy of music that continues to challenge who we are and connect us the world over.”

A Night of Music and Meaning: Bono and The Edge’s Memorable Set

The ceremony wasn’t just about handing over the award—U2’s Bono and The Edge took to the stage to deliver a stirring, 45-minute acoustic set that brought the audience to their feet. They played some of their most iconic songs, including:

• "One"
• "Sunday Bloody Sunday"
• "Running to Stand Still"
• "Mothers of the Disappeared"
• "Pride (In the Name of Love)"

In a beautiful nod to Woody Guthrie himself, Bono and The Edge also performed Guthrie’s own track, "Jesus Christ". The stripped-down performance featured The Edge on acoustic guitar while Bono’s vocals carried the weight of decades of activism and emotion.

If you missed the ceremony, here’s a snippet of their heartfelt performance at Cain’s Ballroom:

Bono’s Tribute: Comparing the Guthrie Family to American Royalty

Before the music started, Bono shared some poignant words about Woody Guthrie’s influence—not just as a musician but as a family legacy deeply woven into American culture.

“If there was royalty in America, it’d be the Guthrie family. Quite like the Kennedys, well, most of them. Careful with that Camelot,” Bono remarked, blending humor with reverence.

It’s clear the honor meant more than just a trophy for U2; it was a celebration of a shared mission between the band and Guthrie’s longstanding fight for justice through song.

A Legacy of Socially Conscious Musicians

U2 joins a formidable group of past recipients of the Woody Guthrie Prize, including:

• Mavis Staples
• Kris Kristofferson
• Tom Morello
• Chuck D
• Joan Baez

In recent years, the award has also gone to Pussy Riot in 2023 and Bruce Springsteen in 2021, cementing its role as a symbol for artists whose work resonates far beyond the music charts.

U2’s Continued Commitment to Global Issues

Beyond the Guthrie Prize, U2 and Bono have remained outspoken on world affairs. Just recently, the band addressed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with Bono expressing deep concern over the actions taken by Israeli leadership, calling them “uncharted territory” in terms of severity.

He condemned Hamas’s violence but shifted the spotlight to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, stating:

“There is no justification for the brutality [Netanyahu] and his far right government have inflicted on the Palestinian people…in Gaza…in the West Bank.”

Bono’s activism continues to be a key component of his identity, highlighted earlier this year when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the US and penned a thoughtful op-ed in The Atlantic about the "gorgeous, unglamorous work of freedom."

Wrapping Up: A Night to Remember

The 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize ceremony was more than just an award show—it was a powerful reminder of how music can inspire change, build bridges, and keep the spirit of social justice alive. With Bono and The Edge’s intimate performance and U2's unwavering commitment to activism, the night will be etched in the hearts of those who believe in the power of music to transform the world.

FAQ

• What is the Woody Guthrie Prize?
  It’s an annual award given by the Woody Guthrie Center to artists who use their music to champion social justice and give voice to the voiceless, honoring the legacy of folk legend Woody Guthrie.
• Who presented the 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize to U2?
  The award was presented by the Woody Guthrie Center at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
• What songs did Bono and The Edge perform at the ceremony?
  Their acoustic set included classics like "One," "Sunday Bloody Sunday," "Running to Stand Still," "Mothers of the Disappeared," "Pride (In the Name of Love)," and Woody Guthrie’s "Jesus Christ."
• Who are some past recipients of the Woody Guthrie Prize?
  Previous winners include Bruce Springsteen, Pussy Riot, Mavis Staples, Kris Kristofferson, Tom Morello, Chuck D, and Joan Baez.
• Has U2 been active in social and political issues beyond music?
  Absolutely. Bono, especially, has been vocal about various global conflicts and humanitarian issues, recently speaking out about the Gaza conflict and advocating for freedom and justice worldwide.

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