U2’s Bono has jokingly recalled how he felt “like a stalker” asking Rosalía for permission to release a song inspired by her.
The Irish rock band are currently promoting their sixteenth studio album, Carnaval de Luz, which includes the track The Mirror Maker (Rosalía).
In an interview for Rolling Stone published on Monday, Bono – real name Paul Hewson – revealed that he was greatly influenced by the Spanish superstar’s 2025 album, Lux.
“It’s just a little embarrassing that she became so popular before we put out the song. But that doesn’t matter to me. Everyone knew about Martin Luther King too,” he began, recalling how mutual friend, Penélope Cruz, eventually connected him to Rosalía. “I called Penélope: ‘What am I gonna do?’ (Penélope said), ‘Just call her.’ I’m like, ‘I look like a stalker.'”
However, Bono recounted how the Despechá singer quickly offered her seal of approval.
“(Rosalía has) been really encouraging, and made me laugh a lot,” the 66-year-old continued, noting that they have never met in person. “I sort of don’t think I could meet her now. I’m just working up courage to send her the final mix.”
Elsewhere in the conversation, the With or Without You hitmaker described Rosalía as an artist who has the ability to “go through the mirror”.
“Patti Smith was one for me when I was growing up. There’s many. Not enough,” he added. “Certainly, Rosalía is one of them. And it’s this idea that we’re body, soul, and spirit. This rather old-fashioned, quaint idea. And she approaches it with great courage and great self-effacing humour… There’s not just physics, there’s metaphysics.”
Carnaval de Luz, which includes single Silencio, is set to be released on 13 November.
