In a surprising twist that has left fans buzzing, U2 frontman Bono has announced a secret side project: a solo jazz album under the alias Blue Eyes Dublin. The album, shrouded in mystery until now, is set to drop on 30 June 2025, marking a bold departure from the anthemic rock that made him a global icon.
Titled Midnight in Dublin, the album promises to showcase Bono’s love for jazz, a genre he has quietly admired for decades. According to insiders, the record blends smoky, late-night lounge vibes with lush orchestral arrangements, featuring Bono’s rich baritone in a way fans have never heard before.
The alter ego Blue Eyes Dublin is a playful nod to Frank Sinatra’s legendary Ol’ Blue Eyes moniker, mixed with a distinctly Irish twist. Bono has long been a fan of Sinatra’s phrasing and storytelling, and this project allows him to explore that influence in depth while paying homage to his hometown.
Recorded in secret over the past two years, Midnight in Dublin features collaborations with some of jazz’s most respected musicians, including Grammy-winning pianist Robert Glasper and acclaimed trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire. The album’s lead single, Whisper of the Liffey, is set to premiere next month.
Bono revealed that the idea for the album came during lockdown, when he found himself diving deep into jazz classics. “There’s a freedom in jazz that’s intoxicating,” he said in a statement. “It’s been a thrill to step outside my comfort zone and explore this world without the weight of expectations.”
Fans of U2 shouldn’t worry—this isn’t a permanent shift. Bono assures that the band is still working on new material, but Blue Eyes Dublin was a passion project he couldn’t resist pursuing. “Sometimes you just have to follow the muse,” he teased.
The album’s tracklist includes original compositions as well as reimagined jazz standards. One standout is a haunting rendition of Autumn Leaves, with Bono’s vocals accompanied only by a melancholic piano. Another, Dublin Serenade, is an original ballad that paints a vivid picture of the city at dusk.
Critics who’ve had an early listen describe the album as “surprisingly intimate” and “a masterclass in vocal restraint.” Unlike U2’s stadium-filling sound, Midnight in Dublin is built for dimly lit clubs and quiet, reflective moments.
To promote the album, Bono (or rather, Blue Eyes Dublin) will perform a series of intimate shows in select cities, including Dublin, New York, and Paris. These exclusive gigs will feature stripped-down arrangements and storytelling between songs.
The announcement has sparked excitement not just among U2 fans but also jazz enthusiasts curious to hear how one of rock’s most distinctive voices adapts to the genre. Social media is already ablaze with speculation, with #BlueEyesDublin trending worldwide.
With its June release date just months away, Midnight in Dublin is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing musical surprises of 2025. Whether you’re a die-hard U2 fan or a jazz aficionado, Bono’s latest venture promises something fresh, unexpected, and deeply personal.
Mark your calendars—30 June 2025—and get ready to hear Bono like never before. Blue Eyes Dublin is coming, and it might just be the coolest thing he’s ever done.
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