Ailing U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jr. attends penultimate Sphere Vegas concert

Although U2 had to move forward with or without original drummer Larry Mullen Jr. when it began its Las Vegas residency in September, the four Irish rockers were on hand Friday for the band’s penultimate performance. U2:UV Achtung Baby live at Sphere.

Mullen underwent neck surgery before U2’s shows in Las Vegas, which prevented him from performing with his bandmates night after night. On Friday, Mullen finally arrived at the Sphere, not on stage, but watching from a box in the crowd.

“The rumors that Larry will be playing with us tonight are unfortunately not true,” Bono told the crowd at captured footage on social networks. “But he is here with us!”

The musician and activist then pointed out Mullen in the crowd and called for a spotlight, pausing the performance to allow the crowd to cheer their former bandmate and chant his name.

Bono, Mullen, guitarist The Edge and bassist Adam Clayton founded U2 in 1976 and saw no lineup changes until Mullen’s health problems last year. U2:UV Achtung Baby live at Sphere It is the group’s first live show since The Joshua Tree Tour 2019.

“Since October 1978 we haven’t played a concert without Larry Mullen Jr.,” Bono told the crowd. by variety. “That’s the man who put the note on the notice board at Mount Temple Comprehensive School all those years ago. And we are very grateful that he did it and that he is here with us tonight. We wish you a speedy, speedy, speedy recovery. We love you, Larry Mullen Jr.”

U2 then performed their final song of the show, “Beautiful Day,” and Bono added the lyrics “Larry Mullen, you are beautiful.”

Bram van den Berg, the drummer for Dutch band Krezip, took over percussion duties from Mullen during the Las Vegas residency, which ended Saturday after the original run of 25 shows was expanded to 40.

Bono said van den Berg saved the day when Mullen had to retire from Las Vegas shows. “His name is already a legend around here for people who know how to pronounce it.”

U2’s Twitter account shared a statement from Mullen early Saturday morning: “What an incredible night at Sphere. “I am very grateful to Bono Edge and Adam and of course Bram for an incredible job, a very emotional night for me personally.”

The next group scheduled to perform at Sphere is Phish, which will begin performances in April.

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