for KING + COUNTRY Surprises With New Rendition Of U2’s “40”
Last night at Nashville’s historic Grand Ole Opry, quadruple GRAMMY-winning progressive pop artist-songwriter group for KING + COUNTRY surprised the crowd with a powerful, never before heard rendition of U2’s 1983 hit song “40,” during the first night of their current four night residency. “40” will be the first single available from the soundtrack of the upcoming Prime Video biblical drama series, House of David, which tells the story of the rise of King David and his fight against Goliath.
The lyrics of “40” are derived from Psalm 40, one of the Psalms of David from the Old Testament of the Bible. The group will perform the song live at each of the remaining concert events, through December 20. The single will be available to stream on platforms early 2025 and the soundtrack for the series will be available at a date to be announced.
House of David, which is produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Wonder Project, will premiere on Prime Video February 27, 2025 with three episodes and one episode weekly thereafter in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
House of David tells the story of the ascent of the biblical figure, David, who eventually becomes the most renowned and celebrated king of Israel. The series follows the once-mighty King Saul as he falls victim to his own pride. At the direction of God, the prophet Samuel anoints an unlikely, outcast teenager as the new king.
As Saul loses his power over his kingdom, David finds himself on a journey to discover and fulfill his destiny, navigating love, loss, and violence in the court of the very man he’s destined to replace. As one leader falls, another must rise.
The series stars Michael Iskander as David, who was cast following a four-month international search and is fresh off his role in the Tony Award-winning musical, Kimberly Akimbo. House of David also stars Ali Suliman (Jack Ryan, Arthur the King) as King Saul, Ayelet Zurer (Angels And Demons, Man Of Steel) as Queen Ahinoam, Saul’s trusted wife, Stephen Lang (Avatar: The Way of Water, Don’t Breathe) as Samuel, and Martyn Ford (Mortal Kombat 2, The Sandman) as Goliath.
“We are beside ourselves that U2 gave us permission to reimagine their anthem ‘40’, which is inspired by one of the most powerful kings to walk the Earth, King David,” said for KING + COUNTRY. “It is only fitting that this song be the first single off of the soundtrack for the upcoming Prime Video series, House of David, and we are thoroughly looking forward to sharing it with you all in 2025.”
for KING + COUNTRY is one of the music industry’s most respected and decorated duos. Brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone have been awarded four GRAMMY Awards, an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, 10 GMA Dove Awards, and 17 K-LOVE Fan Awards. Their 13 No. 1 songs have produced an astonishing 2 billion career streams.
The RIAA Platinum-selling act’s live show has been hailed as a must-see concert event that continues to wow sold-out crowds whether in the U.S., Australia, Germany, Netherlands, or New Zealand. for KING + COUNTRY’s WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR?, released in 2022, became the duo’s second Top 10 album on the Billboard 200; following their RIAA Gold certified album, BURN THE SHIPS, which also debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart.
The duo has had seven consecutive No. 1 songs including “For God Is With Us,” “joy.,” “TOGETHER” (feat. Kirk Franklin & Tori Kelly),” and the 11-week Platinum smash, “God Only Knows.” The global hitmakers have collaborated with a diverse list of artists including Jordin Sparks, Hillary Scott, Dolly Parton, NEEDTOBREATHE and Timbaland, amongst others.
Joel and Luke Smallbone are committed to numerous philanthropic efforts focused on human trafficking, children in need, as well as numerous programs in support of the arts. Additionally, “UNSUNG HERO,” Joel Smallbone’s directorial debut film from for KING + COUNTRY Entertainment, was theatrically released via Lionsgate on April 26, 2024, and won the GMA Dove Award for “Feature Film of The Year.” Titled from the duo’s song of the same name that was dedicated to their parents, the biopic follows the Smallbone family’s immigration from Australia to the United States.
House of David is based on an idea by Jon Erwin. Jon Erwin, Jon Gunn, Jonathan Lloyd Walker, Justin Rosenblatt, Chad Oakes, and Michael Frislev are also executive producers on the series. Justin Rosenblatt served as the executive in charge of production on behalf of Wonder Project. Dallas Jenkins, the creator and producer-director of The Chosen, is a shareholder and special advisor to Wonder Project. In association with Wonder Project and Amazon MGM Studios, House of David is produced by Nomadic Pictures and Argonauts, along with Kingdom Story Company and Lionsgate Television.
