U2 is one of the biggest rock bands in the world–of all time, really. They are no strangers to success, but they also know what it’s like to not reach the same heights they’ve once risen toward. The group has seen its highs and lows, its ups and downs, and now it looks like they’re at the beginning of another fruitful, exciting chapter.

After a few bumps and some years of relative quiet, the future is looking bright for U2. The band has seemingly turned things up in the second half of 2023 thanks to a number of successful ventures and the hints of what is to come.

The rockers started 2023 with a new album, though it didn’t become a breakout success like so many of their past releases. Songs of Surrender saw the group re-recording reworked versions of many of their biggest hits. The set did break into the top 10 on the main albums chart, but it didn’t spend much time on the Billboard rankings before disappearing.

The relatively tepid performance of Songs of Surrender seemed to suggest that they may no longer be the dominating rocking force they once were. But that’s all changed in only the past few weeks.

In mid-2023, U2 were announced as the first headliners for Las Vegas’ newest concert venue, the Sphere. The band introduced the world to the most high-tech home for music that’s ever existed by launching their U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere residency. While it was initially only supposed to run for a few weeks, the demand was intense. The fact that so many thousands of people were willing to fly to Nevada to see them was an instant reminder of the power of U2.

Midway through the run of U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere shows, U2 doubled down on their newfound success. The band extended their residency, adding concerts into February 2024. They not only proved they could still fill a massive venue, but they will forever be known as the first act to demonstrate the awe-inspiring power and possibilities of the space, which is covered in LED screens.

Alongside the launch of their concert residency, U2 also surprised and delighted fans by releasing more new music. The band dropped a one-off tune titled “Atomic City” to coincide with their historic new concert venture.

“Atomic City” quickly reached a number of Billboard charts, and in the weeks since it arrived, it has continued to perform well on many. The track wasn’t just a quick win, as is often seen on the weekly tallies, but one that has managed to find a foothold and an audience, especially at rock radio. The single has become the band’s highest-rising hit in many years on several lists, even giving them their first No. 1 on at least one chart.

As they’re enjoying the success of both U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere and “Atomic City,” U2 isn’t resting. The band recently teased their next chapter, opening up about the album they’re planning on writing and recording. In an interview, Bono referred to it as “an unreasonable guitar record.” While one of the members is still recuperating from surgery, and thus they can’t proceed at the moment, the others seem raring to go, promising to help bring guitars back to prominence.

A new album from U2 is always exciting, but they are now set up for even greater success with a future project than they might have been just a few years ago. The second half of 2023 has been great to the Irish rockers, and it has turned the tables for them, perhaps reminding many that they are not only hugely talented but just plain massive. What comes next, and when it might arrive, is yet to be seen, but U2 may be about to enter their biggest era in a long time.