U2’s Sunday Bloody Sunday | This Is Not a Rebel Song

“This is not a rebel song.”For more than forty years, Bono has introduced Sunday Bloody Sunday with those six words.But why?In this episode of The Last Mixed Tape, Stephen White explores the history, controversy and enduring legacy of one of the most important songs in Irish music.Beginning with the events of Bloody Sunday in Derry in 1972, we trace the writing of the song during the recording of War, its first performance in Belfast, the legendary Red Rocks concert, and the debate that has followed it ever since.Rather than asking who the song supports, this episode asks a different question:What happens when a piece of art leaves its creators and begins a life of its own?Along the way, we explore:• The real events behind Bloody Sunday• Bono’s reflections from Surrender• The Edge’s writing of one of rock’s defining guitar riffs• The Belfast performance that tested the song• Red Rocks and the white flag• Why Bono tore up Irish tricolours on stage• How music shapes politics and how politics reshapes musicIf you enjoy long-form conversations about music, culture and history, follow The Last Mixed Tape for new episodes every week.