U2 Receives 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize: Honoring Social Consciousness and Musical Legacy
U2's The Edge and Bono were honored with the 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize at a ceremony held at Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The award is given annually to individuals who embody Woody Guthrie's social consciousness and musical legacy. Previous recipients of the prize include Pete Seeger, Bruce Springsteen, Mavis Staples, Kris Kristofferson, Tom Morello, Chuck D, and Joan Baez. The Woody Guthrie Center's senior director, Cady Shaw, praised U2 for using music to address injustice and inspire action, making them deserving winners of the prestigious award.
During the event, Bono addressed the audience in Tulsa, emphasizing the importance of remembering history to prevent its repetition. He also acknowledged the significance of the Guthrie family in American cultural history, likening them to royalty. The duo performed a set featuring U2 classics like 'One', 'Sunday Bloody Sunday', and 'Running to Stand Still', as well as a cover of Guthrie's 'Jesus Christ'. This performance marked U2's return to the stage after their residency in Las Vegas in 2024.
Bono hinted at new music in the works, expressing excitement about the band's creative process and the sound of their upcoming material. The event celebrated U2's commitment to using music as a platform for social change and highlighted their enduring impact on the music industry. The 2025 Woody Guthrie Prize recognized U2's dedication to challenging societal norms and inspiring audiences worldwide through their music.