Larry Mullen Jr., one of U2’s most loved members, won’t be showing up at their stunning Las Vegas Sphere Residency of 2023. While this comes as a heartbreak for many, Larry, Bono, and the others have revealed the actual reason behind the skilled drummer’s absence.
Larry has been with U2 ever since the band was first started by him back in the late 70s. Born and raised in Dublin, Larry’s distinctive drumming style comes from his years of experience playing martial beats in his younger years. Besides being a skilled drummer, Larry has also been a part of various other projects, like creating the FIFA national song for Ireland and acting in movies.
Both Larry Mullen and U2 as a band have received countless awards and achievements over the years. With 22 Grammys to his name, Larry is regarded as the 96th most popular and skilled drummer the world has ever seen, according to the magazine Rolling Stone.
All of these years of playing and performing have taken a toll on his health, causing Larry to focus on regaining his energy for now. While U2 will be continuing their 2023 performances as scheduled, Larry will be back with the gang after restoring his health.
The Las Vegas Residency: Why Was Larry Mullen Jr. Absent?
Even though Larry Mullen would make sure that he gave his all for each of U2’s shows over the years, he was battling with chronic pain throughout those powerful performances. Drumming requires a lot of energy, and after Larry suffered from the back injury at The Joshua Tree Tour, things just got much worse.
The reason behind his absence from the 2023 Las Vegas Residency is that Larry’s health hasn’t been keeping up with him, forcing him to take some time off to focus on getting better.
This 2023 Las Vegas Residency isn’t the first time Larry will be absent for the performance. Back in 1978, Mullen had to give up on a concert after suffering a foot injury following a motorcycle accident. In 2009, Mullen had to undergo an operation for his knee.
Despite the injuries, Mullen continued to play for the band and has never missed a concert since. However, once lockdown arrived, Larry was able to take the much-needed rest his body wanted, and it even provided him some time to get his body tested after drumming for so many years.
Bono and the others support Larry’s decision to take some time off. These iconic musicians have been together since the inception of U2, so their bond is nothing less than that of brothers.
No one can replace Larry’s skills, but for their 2023 residency, U2 decided to call in Bram van den Berg from Krezip to help them perform without any issues. This Dutch musician will be accompanying U2 on their Las Vegas concerts this year.
Larry Mullen Jr.: About The U2 Member
Larry Mullen, born Laurence Joseph Mullen Jr., is a drummer known for playing with the band U2. Growing up in Artane, Dublin, Larry was always interested in the world of music. By the age of 9, Mullen was taking drumming lessons from Joe Bonnie, another well-known Irish drummer. After his death, Larry began to practice on his own.
It was in 1976 that Larry placed a notice on his school’s bulletin board looking for new band members. Bono, David Evans, Dik, and Adam Clayton were the ones to respond and show up to play with Larry Mullen. However, after some time, only four members remained in U2.
Besides the band U2, Mullen has also made music with Maria McKee, Mike Mills, Michael Stipe, Nanci Griffith, and many others. Back in the 1990s FIFA World Cup, Mullen was appointed as the writer and performer behind Ireland’s National team song. Larry and Clayton were the ones making the first Mission: Impossible theme song, which helped them gain much more recognition and fame.
Larry’s militaristic beats form a distinct style, helping his band have a different vibe to their songs. While seeing him at the Las Vegas Residency had been the dream of many, rest assured knowing that Larry Mullen will be back to playing his hit songs once he’s feeling better.
