U2 Shoots ‘Street of Dreams’ Video in Mexico City With Larry Mullen Jr. Back Behind the Kit

On May 12, a crowded street in Mexico City turned into an unannounced film set. U2 gathered on top of a school bus, its sides covered in graffiti by artist Chavis Mármol, to shoot the video for “Street of Dreams.” The single will appear on a new album expected later this year, the band’s first since 2017’s Songs of Experience.

Larry Mullen Jr. sat at the drums. He’d missed most of the group’s recent activity, including the 40-night Sphere residency, while recovering from neck and back surgeries. “I’m not gonna lie, it wasn’t easy missing the Sphere residency through injury,” Mullen told Rolling Stone earlier this year. “But I ignored my symptoms over a few years and just pushed through. Turns out I’m not invincible.” His return to the studio came gradually—first for the six-song EP Days of Ash, then a follow-up, Easter Lily. Those were warm-ups. Now he’s back with some technical adjustments: a changed seat height, a more relaxed approach to playing. “I’ve always been an intense player,” he said. “I’m trying a more relaxed approach, and I’m enjoying the experience.”

Bono described the upcoming material as “more songs of celebration than lamentation … almost a carnival vibe.” He added, “You can only kick at the darkness for so long. We’re going to try and make the light brighter real soon.” The album has no confirmed title or release date, but Sept. 25 will mark the 50th anniversary of the band’s first rehearsal—a moment that may or may not coincide with the project’s arrival.