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

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