Despite saying that they were hoping to have a new album by the end of 2016, it’s looking less and less likely that U2 will have the follow-up to 2014’s Songs of Innocence out until next year. According to lead singer Bono, they are also lining up a tour for 2017.

Billboard is quoting Spanish reporters who asked Bono about the status of the record while he, guitarist the Edge and their friend Gavin Friday were in Valencia, Spain, to attend the wedding of a friend. "It's not finished yet but you will like it,” he said, before comparing it favorably with one of their most beloved albums. “In terms of lyrics it is stronger than [1983’s] War; it has more clarity.”

As for going out on the road, that will likely coincide with the album’s release. "The second part of the tour is for 2017,” he continued. “You might see a few things in September or October though."

One of those “few things” in the fall is the sixth annual iHeartRadio Festival. U2 will join such stars as Sting, Drake, Britney Spears and Florida Georgia Line at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sept. 23-24.

Back in June, the Edge spoke of the band’s desire to have the new record, believed to be titled Songs of Experience, out before the year’s end, although he admitted that it might not come to pass. “We are still busting our ass to try to get it out this year,” he said. “That’s our plan right now and exactly when, we’re not sure. Now a U2 album plan has been known to be revised (laughs). This is the working assumption. This is our ambition. It could change, but we’re really doing our best to get it out this year.”

U2 Albums Ranked Worst to Best

More From 96.1 The Eagle