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Larry Mullen Jr. Was At U2’s Penultimate Sphere Show

Author Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter

Larry Mullen Jr. was forced to sit out of U2’s Sphere residency in Las Vegas. However, the drummer was in attendance to take in the penultimate residency gig.

During the Friday, March 2 show, Bono took a moment to acknowledge the sidelined Mullen Jr. In fan-shot footage, Bono said, “The rumors that Larry will be playing with us tonight are not true, sadly. But he is here with us!” Mullen Jr. was then shown in a crowd on the Sphere’s screens, which led to loud ovation from fans.

U2’s official X (formerly Twitter) account shared a brief statement from Mullen Jr. He wrote, “What an incredible night at Sphere. So grateful to Bono, Edge and Adam, and, of course, Bram [van den Berg], for an amazing job. Very emotional night for me, personally – Larry Mullen Jr.”

 

Why Larry Mullen Jr. Didn’t Participate in Sphere Residency

U2’s Sphere residency was the band’s first live shows in four years. Unfortunately, they were without Mullen Jr. He told The Washington Post in November 2022 that he won’t be able to perform in 2023 due to needing surgery due to the wear and tear of drumming for decades.

At the time, the outlet wrote, ” … if the band plays live in 2023 it will probably be without him, as he needs surgery to continue playing.” (Indeed, Mullen Jr. underwent shoulder surgery. If you watch the aforementioned fan-shot footage, he only raises his right arm to wave to fans. He kept his left arm in a stationary, fixed position.)

In honor of its residency, U2 released a new song in September 2023 titled “Atomic City.” The video for the single harkens back to the band’s classic video for “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,” which was also filmed on Freemont Street in Las Vegas in 1987. The video is also reminiscent of the clip for “All Because of You,” which also saw the band perform on a flatbed truck through the streets of New York.

Despite not taking part in the residency, Mullen Jr. took part in the recording of “Atomic City” and its accompanying video.

 

5 Rock Acts We'd Like to See at the Las Vegas Sphere

  • David Gilmour

    Gilmour doesn’t perform much anymore, so having him do a Sphere residency would be really special. He undoubtedly has enough of a catalog to warrant such a grand venue. Also, you just know he could really bring an impressive visual experience, too. A Gilmour Sphere residency would continue to make the venue the most in-demand attraction in Vegas.

  • Tool

    Let’s just say it: Maynard James Keenan is a f—ing weirdo. (Yes, we do mean that in a positive way.) It would be fascinating to see how he would play to such a larger-than-life venue. As far as visuals go, their existing music videos could be projected on the massive screens, and it would be outstanding! The video for “Vicarious” alone would be trippy AF. Of course, Tool would likely create original visuals for the performance just because they could.

  • Paul McCartney

    How do you make a larger-than-life rock figure even larger? Have them take on Sphere! If anyone could do it, it’s obviously Sir Paul. Like with Gilmour, there’s an ample catalog to play with. Plus, he’d be able to sell out countless nights at the venue. Nothing but wins all around for this one!

  • Nine Inch Nails

    Giving Trent Reznor the kind of visual freedom Sphere could offer would be interesting, to say the least. It would just be fascinating to see what he would do with all of the technology. He would surely come up with a concept literally only he could dream up. Let’s hope a NIN residency will eventually become a reality.

  • Slipknot

    Remember how we noted Sphere is capable of “atmospheric simulations including fog, scent and wind”? Just imagine how Slipknot would utilize scent in a venue. Sure, there’s a good chance it would be gross, but it’s not like you’d want some earthy patchouli incense at a Slipknot show. Plus, their visuals are overwhelming at their shows already. Just think of what they would do with those screens!

Erica Banas is a news blogger who's been covering the rock/classic rock world since 2014. The coolest event she's ever covered in person was the 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. (Sir Paul McCartney inducting Foo Fighters? C'mon now!) She's also well-versed in etiquette and extraordinarily nice. #TransRightsAreHumanRights

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Author Erica Banas // Rock Music Reporter
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