The U2 drummer reappeared after years without playing with the band: what had happened?

For the first time in five years, the four members of U2 They were in the same stadium. Last week saw the return of the original drummer Larry Mullen Jr.who hasn’t been able to be on stage since the band began its Las Vegas residency in September.

So the 4 Irish rockers were at the penultimate presentation U2:UV Achtung Baby Live on Spherealthough Mullen – despite fan rumors – did not play but rather saw the show as a spectator.

Larry Mullen Jr., 62, submitted neck surgery before U2’s Las Vegas shows, which prevented him from performing with his bandmates on all dates. On Friday, Mullen finally arrived at Sphere and watched it all from a stage in the crowd.

The ovation from the fans

“The rumors that Larry is playing with us tonight are unfortunately not true,” Bono told the audience in footage captured on social media, standing next to guitarist The Edge and bassist Adam Clayton. “But he’s here with us!”

​So, the singer pointed to Mullen in the crowd and asked for a spotlightinterrupting the performance to allow the audience to applaud his bandmate and chant his name.

The drummer hasn’t played live since 2019, when he finished The Joshua Tree Touralthough he continued to record with U2 and played on the single Atomic cityof last year.

“Since October 1978 we haven’t played a show without Larry Mullen Jr.,” Bono told the audience. “This is the man who placed a flyer in the Mount Temple Comprehensive School advertisements many years ago. And we are very grateful that we did that and that we are here with us tonight. We wish you a quick, speedy, speedy recovery. We love you, Larry Mullen Jr.”

U2 then performed the last song of the concert, Nice dayand Bono added the lyrics “Larry Mullen, you’re beautiful.”

The replacement

Bram van den Berg, drummer for the Dutch band Krezip, took over Mullen’s duties during U2’s 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 withdraw from the Las Vegas shows. “His name is already a legend in these parts, at least for those who can pronounce his last name.”

U2’s X account shared a statement from Mullen early Saturday morning: “What an incredible night at the 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.”