Get ready for an update on the legendary U2 drummer, Larry Mullen Jr.'s health journey! It's been an exciting road to recovery for Larry, who underwent neck surgery in 2023, forcing him to miss the band's iconic residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas. But fear not, because the latest news is nothing but positive!
Bono, the iconic frontman, shared an uplifting update earlier this week while in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he and The Edge received the prestigious Woody Guthrie Prize for 2025. Addressing the absence of their bandmates, Mullen and bassist Adam Clayton, Bono revealed, "They are in incredible shape, and Larry's drumming skills are at an all-time high. His drumming is simply mind-blowing!"
Larry has been an integral part of the studio sessions with the group over the past year, working on new music, including some tracks produced by the legendary Brian Eno. In May, he made a surprise appearance with U2 at the Ivor Novello Awards in London, where they were honored. Larry's casual drumming on an acoustic guitar during a performance of "Angel of Harlem" was a highlight, marking his first performance with the band in over five years.
In a heartfelt conversation with the BBC, Larry admitted that his return was more challenging than expected. "Being away due to injury was difficult," he shared. "But being back in a creative environment, even if I'm not fully recovered, is an extraordinary feeling. I missed the band more than I realized."
During the Woody Guthrie Prize ceremonies in Tulsa, Bono and The Edge treated the audience to an acoustic set, performing U2 classics like "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "One." They also paid tribute to Guthrie himself with a snippet of "This Train is Bound for Glory" and a powerful harmonica solo by Bono. Their rendition of "Pride (in the Name of Love)" featured a unique twist with a piece of "They Laid Jesus Christ in the Grave."
In a discussion with producer T Bone Burnett, Bono opened up about the influence of folk legends like Bob Dylan. "Bob Dylan brought us to a place where songs became instruments to open up new worlds," he explained. "Without Dylan, I might not have discovered the world of Woody Guthrie."
Bono spoke optimistically about America's future, emphasizing the need for citizens to stay engaged and focused. "America is a song yet to be fully written," he said. "The poetry is there, but it's still being crafted. Don't assume it will continue to be extraordinary on its own. It won't; you have to work for it."
Bono and The Edge shared a sneak peek of their new song, reportedly titled "One Life at a Time," which they wrote about the tragic killing of Palestinian activist and consultant Awdah Hathaleen earlier this summer. The lyrics are powerful: "One father shot three children crying / If there is no law, is there no crime? / If there is no hope, what's there to rhyme? / History is written one life at a time, one life at a time."
This glimpse into U2's recent activity is a treat for fans, as the band has been hard at work on new music. The song's message is a powerful one, and it showcases the band's ability to address important issues through their music.
Bono also provided insight into the band's songwriting process, particularly for "Sunday Bloody Sunday." He reflected on how the song's tone and sound influenced his lyrics, saying, "You can't just sit down and write a song about a subject. You have to occupy a feeling."
"It's often the band's music, especially Edge's guitar playing, that tells me what to sing about," Bono explained. "In this case, it was Edge who guided me. He said, 'It's a song called 'Sunday Bloody Sunday,' what about that?' And I had to find my own unique way to approach it."
"That's the beauty of being in a band," The Edge quipped, eliciting laughter from the Tulsa crowd.
U2's most recent album, "Songs of Surrender," released in 2023, featured reinterpretations of their classic songs. It was tied to Bono's book, "Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story," and the accompanying tour. Before that, the band's last album of original songs was "Songs of Experience" in 2017, which Bono described as U2's first rock record.
As for the future, U2 is one of the few classic rock bands that can still reunite with their most famous lineup. It's a testament to their enduring legacy and the bond between the band members. So, keep an eye out for more updates and new music from these rock legends!
