U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jr. has revealed that he may not join the band if they intend to tour in 2023.
In an interview with Mullen, he spoke about his absence The Washington Post last month The words of the drummer, who has been active in the band since its formation in 1976 interviewer Geoff Edgers wrote that “if the band plays live in 2023, it will likely be without him as he needs surgery to continue playing”.
In his own words, Mullen has been vague about his independence from U2, saying that he is “autonomous and … precious”.[s his] autonomy”. The drummer continued, “I don’t sing from the same hymn sheet. I don’t pray to the same version of God. So everybody has their limits, and you only do that when you’re having a good time.”
Addressing fans’ concerns that Mullen’s comments signaled an exit from U2, Edgers shared a series of subsequent quotes from the drummer on Twitter, adding further context about his injuries and touring intentions. Mullen said his “elbows, knees” were hurt [and] necks,” he “got a chance to see” during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Another Larry was quoted as saying: “I’ve had a lot of teeth, elbows, knees, necks fall out and things like that during Covid, when we’re not playing, I’ve had the chance to see some of these things . So there’s some damage along the way.”
— Geoff Edgers (@geoffedgers) November 29, 2022
Due to drumming injuries, which he called “road damage,” Mullen said he “wanted to take some time off to heal myself.” She continued, “My body is not what it used to be physically. I won’t be performing live next year, just like next year. I don’t know what the band’s plan is. There are different things.” Edgers confirmed in the thread that Mullen never said he was leaving or resigning from U2.
“So I’m going to take some time off, treat myself to it. And I really enjoy playing, I enjoy the process of playing and being around creative people. I enjoy it. I don’t care. If it’s big or small, it’s a little water it looks like a sprout you are looking for.
— Geoff Edgers (@geoffedgers) November 29, 2022
“I really miss the audience. Even though I’m sitting behind the drum kit, I miss that interaction … My body physically is not what it used to be. Like next year, I won’t be performing live next year. I” The group I don’t know what the plan is, all kinds of things are being talked about.
— Geoff Edgers (@geoffedgers) November 29, 2022
Elsewhere, Mullen spoke about the importance of healing to return to live shows, as he “really misses it”[es] audience.” The drummer also spoke about his continued stint with U2, saying: “I really enjoy playing and I enjoy the process of playing and being around creative people. I enjoy it… It’s like a sprout looking for water .
At the same time, in his interview Post Fellow U2 member Bono said the group “comes closer to breaking up more often than you think.” The frontman continued: “Usually after really good albums, they become expensive in your personal relationships, because you push each other and reach your elastic limit.”
Mullen’s inclusion on the tour comes after Bono last month hinted that U2 would perform in Las Vegas in 2023 as the first act to grace the city’s new MSG Sphere. Bono refused to rule out that the band would perform at the venue next year.
Elsewhere, U2 received a lifetime achievement award at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington last week, along with fellow honorees George Clooney, Amy Grant, Gladys Knight and composer and conductor Tania Leon.