U2 Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. Opens Up About Health Struggles and Triumphant Return
U2’s iconic drummer, Larry Mullen Jr., has candidly revealed the profound uncertainty he faced regarding his ability to perform again following extensive surgery for a series of debilitating injuries. After a significant period away from the stage to focus on his recovery, the world-renowned musician has made a remarkable comeback, rejoining his legendary bandmates.
Mullen Jr. had been sidelined from U2’s highly acclaimed “U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere” residency in Las Vegas, which ran from September 2023 to March 2024. The necessity for him to step back arose from long-term health issues, including significant damage to his neck, elbow, and knee, all of which required surgical intervention. While he remained an integral member of the band, his live drumming duties during this period were expertly handled by Bram van den Berg.
Reflecting on his recovery journey in an interview with Propaganda Magazine, Mullen Jr. shared his evolving approach to drumming. “I’ve always been an intense player,” he admitted, “but I’m trying to adopt a more relaxed approach and I’m enjoying the experience. This may not be unconnected to the fact that I’m not hurting myself like I used to…”
The admission highlights the deep personal struggle he endured. “Being honest,” he confessed, “I wasn’t sure I’d be able to get back to playing at all, so it was a big deal to be in the room with Edge, Adam and Bono again.” This sentiment underscores the emotional weight of his physical recovery and the anticipation of reconnecting with his bandmates on a creative and personal level.
Mullen Jr. detailed the necessary adjustments he’s made to his playing style. “Larry said he had to make ‘some changes’ to the way he now plays,” the article notes, specifically mentioning “how I sit at the kit and the height of the various pieces.” Beyond these physical modifications, he indicated that further adjustments involve a deeper shift in his “approach and intention,” requiring dedicated practice to implement effectively.
The drummer’s return has been met with significant enthusiasm from fans, amplified by U2’s recent release of new music. For the first time in nine years, the band unveiled new material, coinciding with Mullen Jr.’s reintegration into the band’s activities.
“Days of Ash”: A New Sonic Landscape
The new offering, a six-track EP titled “U2 – Days of Ash,” marks U2’s first collection of new songs in nearly a decade. The EP is reportedly a response to the prevailing political climate and draws inspiration from individuals making significant contributions to freedom and human rights.
The band’s announcement regarding the EP elaborated on its thematic core: “This EP is a response to current events inspired by the many extraordinary and courageous people fighting on the frontlines of freedom. Four of the five tracks are about individuals – a mother, a father, a teenage girl, whose lives were brutally cut short – and a soldier who’d rather be singing but is ready to die for the freedom of his country.” This poignant description suggests a collection of songs that are both deeply personal and politically resonant, reflecting a commitment to storytelling and social commentary. The EP’s release is a powerful testament to U2’s enduring creative spirit and their ability to connect with contemporary issues through their music. Mullen Jr.’s return to the fold adds another layer of significance to this new chapter for the band.
