U2 Returns As Bono Earns His First Solo Smash

U2 frontman Bono is enjoying a big week on the music charts in the United Kingdom, and this time, he’s flying solo. The singer-songwriter earns his first win as a soloist with a reimagined version of one of his band’s classics. The new take on “Desire” is tied to his brand new documentary Bono: Stories of Surrender, and it’s given him a debut smash on his own, decades into his tenure as a global superstar.

As Bono succeeds, so too does U2. The band returns to the Official Physical Singles chart this week, which seems to suggest that interest in his solo work is benefiting the group that launched him to superstardom.

“Atomic City” Returns

U2 reappears on the U.K.’s list of top-selling tunes available on physical formats — such as CDs and vinyl — with “Atomic City.” The track reenters the tally at No. 65 this week.

“Atomic City” Remains U2’s Most Recent Hit

“Atomic City” already stands as U2’s most recent debut on the Official Physical Singles chart, as it first appeared in December 2023. It quickly surged to No. 5 the following frame, which remains its all-time peak on the roster.

The song has been absent from the physical ranking for almost a year. It last appeared in August 2024, when it returned at No. 86 for a single frame before disappearing again.

Bono’s Solo Debut

Now, U2 joins Bono on the Official Physical Singles chart, though the band lands several dozen spaces below the rocker. Bono’s cover of the group’s “Desire” debuts at No. 1. The same track, originally made famous by U2 decades ago, not only earns the singer his first solo chart-topper on this roster, but it also becomes his inaugural leader on the Official Vinyl Singles ranking. Purchases on that format appear to have propelled it to the summit of both tallies.

While “Desire” doesn’t lead the Official Singles Sales chart — which includes all forms of purchases — it still manages a strong start, as it launches at No. 7.