U2 to Receive 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize Honoring Their Legacy of Social Change

U2 will be honored with the 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize for their powerful music that champions social justice and inspires change.

U2 live in São Paulo, 2017, photo by Olaf Heine

U2’s Impact Recognized with the 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize

If there’s one thing that’s always defined U2, it’s their dedication to using music as a beacon for social justice. Their commitment is being formally recognized in October 2025, when the band receives the prestigious Woody Guthrie Prize at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It’s a celebration not just of their music, but of their unwavering spirit to speak up for the less fortunate – a mission central to Woody Guthrie’s own legendary legacy.

The award, presented annually, honors artists who embody Guthrie’s spirit by standing up against injustice through various art forms, be it music, film, literature, or dance. Bono and the Edge will personally accept this accolade, underscoring U2’s role as a positive force for social change.

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 Storied Connection to Tulsa’s Cain’s Ballroom

It’s a full-circle moment for U2, who haven’t trod the stage at Cain’s Ballroom since their performance on April 4, 1981. They made stops back in Tulsa in 1983 and as recently as 2018, but this time they’re looking forward to a more relaxed visit – with a cheeky nod to finally “legally buying their own pints,” as their statement put it.

Cain’s Ballroom isn’t just a venue; it’s a symbol of American music history, and having U2 return there to receive such an honor adds a rich layer of meaning to their journey.

Joining an Esteemed Lineup of Guthrie Prize Winners

U2 joins a prestigious group of past recipients, including folk icons like Pete Seeger, Mavis Staples, and Joan Baez, rock legends Bruce Springsteen, and the 2024 honoree Tom Morello. Morello described Guthrie’s influence as a “North Star” guiding his music industry approach and activist stance. He praised Guthrie’s ability to blend purpose with humanity through songs ranging from children’s tunes to powerful anthems for immigrant rights and anti-fascism.

For U2, this award cements their legacy not just as rock stars, but as artists who carry that torch forward with passion and integrity.

What’s Next for U2: New Music on the Horizon

After wrapping up their first-ever Sphere residency in Las Vegas in May 2024, U2 has been quietly working on new material. Bono shared with Jimmy Kimmel that they’re crafting an album following up 2017’s Songs of Experience — and it sounds like it’s going to be something extraordinary.

He painted a vivid picture of the band’s creative mindset:

“Songs for the kitchen, songs for the speedway, the garage — just for every part of your life. Songs to make up to, songs to break up to. U2 makes a very unique sound when we play together, and I think, yeah, the sound of a room is what we’re going for.”

It’s exciting to imagine the new tracks capturing the same soul-stirring power that’s earned them decades of love and respect worldwide.

Why Woody Guthrie’s Legacy Matters in Today’s Music Scene

The Woody Guthrie Prize honors artists who don’t just entertain but who provoke thought, inspire action, and amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard. Guthrie’s legacy is a reminder that music is a force for change — a sentiment U2 has lived by since their early days.

Their songs have always been more than catchy riffs and soaring choruses; they’re rallying cries, calls for compassion, and beams of hope for a better world. This award is a fitting tribute to the band’s ongoing mission.

FAQ

• Who receives the Woody Guthrie Prize?
  The prize is awarded yearly to artists who reflect Woody Guthrie’s spirit by championing social causes through their art.
• When and where will U2 accept the 2025 prize?
  U2 will be honored on October 21, 2025, at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
• What’s special about Cain’s Ballroom?
  It’s a historic venue tied deeply to American music culture, where U2 last performed over 40 years ago.
• Has U2 won similar awards before?
  While the Woody Guthrie Prize is unique in its focus on social activism, U2 has a long history of receiving accolades for their musical and humanitarian work.
• Is U2 releasing new music soon?
  Yes! Bono announced they’re working on new songs, aiming to capture the intimate, life-embedded sound that fans cherish.

If you’re as inspired by U2’s journey as we are, why not bring a piece of their legacy into your space? Shop your favorite album cover posters at Architeg Prints for art that celebrates music’s power to move us all.