Hal Willner (April 6, 1956 – April 7, 2020) was a record producer, music enthusiast, archivist of forgotten pasts, father, husband, mentor and friend to many.
This website is a repository for all of the tributes, articles, words, and memories that Hal’s friends and loved ones have shared since his passing and it exists to collect them all for Hal’s family and friends.
If you are new to the wonderful world of Hal Willner please explore the “Productions” tab so you can start by getting to know the immense body of work Hal has contributed to the history of music and the history of cool.
Hal’s latest production, AngelHeaded Hipster: The Songs of Marc Bolan and T. Rex, was what he referred to as his “white album“. It came out on September 4th 2020 as a limited edition double white vinyl as well as the standard edition double black vinyl and double CD and can be ordered online at angelheadedhipster.tmstor.es or in record stores worldwide.
If you would like to add something to this page please do get in touch with me (see about pages).
- U2 “Song for Hal”
On April 3, 2026, U2 release “Song for Hal”, a COVID-19 lockdown lament, with The Edge on lead vocals, written for the band’s friend Hal Willner, who would have turned 70 on Easter Monday and passed away almost 6 years ago to the day.The song and video is part of their “Easter Lily” EP release. The Easter Lily EP is accompanied by a special digital e-zine edition of Propaganda. Titled U2 – Propaganda – Easter Lily, this magazine features contributions from the four band members including sleeve notes from The Edge; Adam Clayton on art and the journey of recovery; a conversation between Bono and Franciscan …