U2 has made history by becoming the first Irish songwriters to be named Ivors Academy Fellows. They are the second group to receive the honor – the highest distinction that the organization behind the annual Ivor Novello Awards bestows – joining the Bee Gees. The award will be presented at The Ivors ceremony in London on May 22, with U2 bringing the total number of distinguished Fellows to 32, which includes fellow music luminaries Paul McCartney, Elton John,Andrew Lloyd Webber, Annie Lennox, Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, Sting, and Bruce Springsteen, who received the honor in 2024. Throughout their celebrated career, U2 has amassed eight Billboard No. 1 albums, 22 Grammy Awards, and four Ivor Novello Awards. “To be recognised in this way by The Ivors Academy feels very special indeed,” U2’s Adam Clayton said in a statement. “The appreciation of one’s peers is a humbling honour and we are immensely grateful.” (Billboard)
