U2 Larry Mullen Jr. Speech / Beautiful Day, Las Vegas 2024-03-01

U2:UV Achtung Baby Live At Sphere.
Larry Mullen Jr. in da house !
Exclusive for www.u2gigs.com

[@johnrayner3940]

Must be quite an experience for Larry to watch the band play that he's been the drummer of, non-stop, for the last 45 years. Hard to imagine what that must feel like.

[@brinsonharris9816]

He wasn’t just the drummer-he was THE founder of the band.

[@johnrayner3940]

@@brinsonharris9816Yeah. Very true

[@civilservice7806]

Forgive me, but what is Larry dealing with ?

[@brinsonharris9816]

@@civilservice7806 According to media, he’s had back surgery to relieve pain caused by sitting and wailing on the kit night after night for 40+ years. An MD will tell you we all have disc degeneration from aging process, but some people have debilitating pain from it. Larry’s playing was certainly a factor in having the surgery. Very physical and repetitive. I’ve also read he had some kind of problem with his Achilles tendon and was wearing a “moonboot” recovering from treatment for that at the Vegas show. Don’t know if it was related to his drumming, but it seems likely it was. If you look at footage of Larry playing throughout his career, you can see he’s really intense as he plays. Charlie Watts always looked like Mr. Spock on the kit, Larry was the other end of the spectrum. He does look kind of sad in the clip. I think he’s retired from the band like Bill Wyman did from the Stones and was melancholy that he was done, and was remembering how it all started and how it was ending for him. Just a guess, but you can see he doesn’t look happy. The band had signed contracts for the Vegas residency so they had to find a sub for Larry, who was still recovering from the surgery. I’ve seen an interview where Larry talked about how difficult and tiring U2 tours were, and he mentioned Springsteen and E Street seemed to be having fun, and U2 tours weren’t fun at all. I think the 2015 shows where they played multiple nights in only a few locations may have been an effort to make touring less arduous. My last U2 show was 2009 in Tampa (first was also in Tampa, 1983), and I couldn’t travel to see them in 2015 or go to Vegas. This may have been the last go for the band. How much new music was played at the Vegas shows? Almost none.

[@dav2145]

And he has been having trouble even since the mid 1980's, I think it was a problem with his wrists he had treatment for way back then. He mentioned it in an interview with a drum magazine. By all accounts he physically hits the drums hard, but also his playing style and technique is hard on the joints, muscles and tendons. He seemed to start playing more from the wrists and hitting less hard from some time in the early 2000's generally speaking. I hope he gets better and is able to come back, though he has given it his all and what more could we ask of him?​

[@signedelacroix7213]

Larry is in a super good mood, he almost smiled.

[@virginiedallongeville7854]

We need Larry !!! 😢 he looks sad 😞 Larry is a great musician, U2 needs him !

[@noel8537]

You can see it in his expression...😭😭😭

[@malia6460]

I agree with you, I bet that Larry may have been crying too :(

[@jayceewriter7826]

We need you LMJ. Much respect to LMS

[@unknownuser0006]

Poor Larry, his face says it all

[@MyVideos-fm7ug]

He just had the surgery; though. So yeah… he’s going to be hurting for a little while. And as long as he puts for 100 percent effort into his physical therapy; he’ll be back at it again My dad had a major back surgery back in 2007, which led to him having 3 more surgeries after catching MRSA in the hospital recovering. After nearly 2 years off from work, he went back and had no problems since. And that was him working down in the coal mines, which is a pressurized damp environment notorious for causing physical ailments. Being in all that air, which a single fan can pull around 285,000 cubic feet of air per minute from the surface and down a 1,000 to 1,300 foot vertical ventilation shaft

[@nala9750]

Aww sweet, miss you Larry, thank you Bram, Love U2

[@GenX9r9r]

Tough to stomach, evidently for Larry too... He exited graciously but quickly after the accolade.

[@MyVideos-fm7ug]

He was probably feeling some pain and just wanted to get out of there before traffic got too crazy

[@malia6460]

Hello, you are awesome and I appreciated your time on posting this. Larry is also my favorite drummer as well as Bram(I love them equally) and this made my day. Like me, when I left early whenever I felt unwell or just overwhelmed, I believe that Larry left early because he was unwell, overwhelmed or need a bathroom break or any personal reason. I'm also hoping he returns fully recovered for the next U2 tour.

[@Cybersue22]

I love the way he and Ann lean into each other when he sat down. That's love after 40+ years. ❤

[@Lily_fan]

Hermoso ver a Larry ❤ se lo extraña. ❤❤

[@k-poplover6537]

SUPER

[@UKBreakz]

Best band in the world! Played this song to my wife when we walked down the isle to get married! It was a Beautiful Day!

[@orenchi0132]

I'm so glad to have Larry back, but also sad to say goodbye to Bram.

[@endamullen9689]

Bram leaves a lot wealthier

[@user-ml5ij5vr6z]

ALWAYS A BEAUTIFUL DAY WIT U2 ❤️❤️❤️❤️ 🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷🇱🇷

[@user-ml5ij5vr6z]

LARRY YOUR THE BOMB GREATEST DRUMMER 🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁LOVE YA

[@danielmiller3400]

His face looked so sad, makes sad.

[@danielmiller3400]

*me

[@steveb6718]

Larry said years ago, he ain't doing endless shows in Vegas...

[@thejeanjeanie]

So great. ❤ thsnknu for posting.

[@k-poplover6537]

LARRY Y LOVE YOU

[@michelemarchi9942]

Con tutto il rispetto,, pe uno che segue gli u 2 dai primi anni 80. Non ci sono u 2 senza Larry.... Gli U2 sono loro...il rrsto sono altre cose

[@patpetrillo7342]

Larry has more integrity in his pinky than Paul has throughout

[@henriqueerenner5741]

What?

[@MariaSousa-ou7yj]

Nossa que tristeza 😢😢 meu coração doeu 😢 volta logo baterista lindo

[@johngrohs8031]

Here's to hoping that Larry returns to the band soon after his injury. I enjoyed Bram with the group on this tour. But i'm pretty sure on their next album and on their next tour. Larry will be back and more healthier than ever.

[@andysmith6218]

That’s assuming that they will tour again ….

[@colinmcdonough4034]

​@andysmith6218 They are going into the studio this Spring with Larry to finish the new album with an Autumn/Winter release. World Tour starting in Europe next year.

[@user-bk3gn7wl1e]

@@colinmcdonough4034I wouldn’t bet on that

[@colinmcdonough4034]

@@user-bk3gn7wl1e very well placed sources have reported this. Sources who have a strong track record of having correct information.

[@HAL_9000__]

Ali still looking quite beautiful.

[@rocknrolla2260]

Larry forever!👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@user-wz6ep2sk9c]

U2 - integrity lost and metamorphosis. They became exactly what they were making satire 1991-97. When you loose your soul, magic is gone and no more masterpieces you created gracefully. Larry is conscience of the band and I think he had enough.

[@yenhoff22]

I am 66 years old. I have passionately followed U2 since I first heard Sunday Blood Sunday, in 1978/79. But I felt a little disappointed when I saw this work proposal. Their career didn't need this.

[@TurboJimbo]

Remember it’s a beautiful day !! I know I’m not a hopeless case !!!

[@GuadalupePicasso]

I do like that U2 went with a pretty obscure, though obviously very talented drummer, as opposed to a more high-profile, name-recognition one.

[@selenesimonson9930]

Larry hand picked him. He blended in perfectly with a band who have been together for 45 years!

[@MyVideos-fm7ug]

I couldn’t agree more. None of the typical “let’s get Danny Carey to fill in” nonsense. I love to see it when regular musicians no one has ever seen or heard of, but hold a LOT of energy, passion, and talent from being a lifelong fan who got into playing BECAUSE OF, for example, U2 / Larry Mullen Jr…. to see them get the opportunity to actually perform with them, and even become close friends, it’s really cool to see that Les Claypool and Geddy Lee are a good example. Les said that if you told him bsck in 1983 that he was going to be one of Geddy Lee’s good pals in 10 years, he would have shit his pants out then and there.

[@GuadalupePicasso]

@@MyVideos-fm7ug totally agree! And, Bram did a phenomenal job filling in for Larry!

[@Boninhau2]

Obrigada Larry, vida longa aos U2! ❤

[@thejeanjeanie]

❤❤❤❤❤thank uuuuu

[@augustmozart1055]

I get a feeling Larry won't be back ..or at least tour. After surgery and injuries it will be very hard to play at that level again, this dude is in his 60's now.

[@colinmcdonough4034]

Touring with the band in Summer 2025. The whole point of the surgery was to enable him to continue drumming.

[@graysonbr]

The Sphere is simply a great fit for this band!

[@matthewbird4741]

Looks like James Packer was there too.

[@DAZnBLAST]

Bono's wife Ali Hewson next door but one left to Larry

[@user-bk3gn7wl1e]

He still got paid

[@user-mk5ih9mt3]

U2ですね～👏 MAZDAアイルランド、ありがとうございました👋

[@hgkroll66]

Wait... he got up and LEFT??!! What was that about?? I thought he gave them his blessing to do this without him. I have so many questions...

[@selenesimonson9930]

I’m sure he left before the last song so as to avoid any crowds.

[@malia6460]

I bet that he also needed a bathroom break

[@jocimardominguez]

Larry the lobster at the u2 concert !

[@youropionmattersnot]

It's oops just too much. Sorry. Zeeeerooo intimacy and focus on the stage.

[@mid5606]

Larry looked uncomfortable as if he was obliged to be there. He didn't even wait until the end of the gig.

[@deeice5398]

I'm pretty sure he exited before the end so as not to be mobbed when leaving. He was probably making his way backstage to be with the band.

[@selenesimonson9930]

He was wearing a gigantic moon boot-so I’m sure he wanted clear access out.

[@tommoore3292]

He couldnt listen to bonos shit talk anymore

[@selenesimonson9930]

Why would he be obliged to be there?

[@mattabouttrails]

He's proper pissed off i reckon. U2 should of never done theses shows without him.

[@rebecalinares5393]

yes an absolute disgrace; how money driven bastards are they.

[@selenesimonson9930]

U2 signed a contract to perform at the Sphere. If he was pissed off he wouldn’t have been in the audience!

[@rebecalinares5393]

@@selenesimonson9930 U2 without Mullen its not U2. What about performing in the Sphere without Bono? and replacing him with some imitator ? Would you still be defending the shows?

[@selenesimonson9930]

@@rebecalinares5393 It wouldn’t happen. When Bono needed emergency back surgery in 2010 the 360 tour was postponed for a year.

[@rebecalinares5393]

@@selenesimonson9930 So then why did it DID happen without the founder Lawrence Mullen?

[@Stevedrums741]

Anyone know what's ailing Larry? I know he's always been the most reluctant to tour.

[@guitardds]

Back surgery. I’m sure a career of playing drums has deteriorated his Lumbar spine.

[@brinsonharris9816]

Saw an interview w him probably 20 years ago where he related how difficult and laborious U2 tours were. He mentioned how much fun Springsteen and E Street seemed to have touring and from his perspective, U2 tours were just a monumental hassle. His expression tells me he’s where Bill Wyman was in 1993. I doubt we’ll see him on the kit again. We love ya, Mr. Mullen! And we get it. Enjoy yourself-you’ve earned it many times over.

[@Stevedrums741]

@@guitardds : I've been gigging for 35 years and for me it's my neck.

[@guitardds]

@@Stevedrums741 yeah man, it’s horrible. It’s usually cervical or lumbar. Sitting down night after night for 2+ hours a straight

[@StratsRUs]

Dude

[@sidlawman2]

Shouldn’t be playing without LM. Just my thoughts.

[@suedehead101]

was lenny kravitz sat behind larry?

[@Cornerboy73]

I believe so, yes. He was at the show anyway I hear so that was likely him.

[@DreamArchitect]

@@Cornerboy73lame

[@craigjacobson3832]

I wonder why he left early? when they were playing that song for him?

[@noahchamberlain9797]

Probably to avoid the crowds on the way out so they don’t bother him

[@noelmcmurray6147]

​@@noahchamberlain9797 place is full of secret exits for that very reason straight down to waiting car, no hassle, whether end of gig or not. Celebrities don't walk in/out of these places standing in line....thus those private passages, like a VIP elevator within feet of the celeb box.

[@smiling390]

I was wondering the Same Thing as soon as I saw that!! I mean, if it was going to be like that for him, why go??

[@selenesimonson9930]

His foot was in a gigantic moon boot. He acknowledged the crowd warmly.

[@k.t.5405]

Larry aint coming back...sorry dudes 😕

[@louissaraiva2296]

Actually I'm having the same feeling about Larry maybe not coming back . This residency with Bram worked out so well and basically U2 found their guy to be able to keep touring . If Larry does come back , it might still be with Bram on the main drums and Larry on percussion . I don't know but just a feeling .

[@k.t.5405]

Larry cashed out long ago... Watch Apple music's "Behind U2s Residency" interview. Bono inadvertently spills the beans about whats REALLY going on. @@louissaraiva2296

[@jayceewriter7826]

Oh hey Bram

[@k.t.5405]

its in the Apple Music "Behind the Scenes"interview towards the end...Bono comes clean with the fans about whats really going on with the LMJ.@@louissaraiva2296

[@noahchamberlain9797]

I think Larry is retiring. Bram is a worthy fill in he proved it after this residency. With Larry’s blessing things will be fine

[@pauleuc2212]

I'm sure he could have played for the last song and stand with the band

[@robertovisco2170]

😢💚🤍🧡

[@corillaz5817]

He started U2.

[@ttony777cpespective3]

Bono’s wife sitting beside Larry’s wife.

[@Pimpsteen1974]

He looks irritated

[@NicolasVanhove]

I thought he was running over to the stage to say something, but he did not.

[@bid84]

I thought he was going to zip wire onto the stage

[@selenesimonson9930]

He was wearing a gigantic moon boot -recovering from ankle surgery.

[@HAL_9000__]

@@bid84😂

[@Molly-oj3zd]

@@selenesimonson9930where did you read that?

[@selenesimonson9930]

@@Molly-oj3zd there’s a picture of it

[@edmundmclean2814]

Larry’s demeanor and his exit even before the gig was over says it all. The guy is done with U2.

[@brianlynch5112]

Why's that? Whats the inside story ?

[@sheilawooters1961]

​@@brianlynch51120

[@MyVideos-fm7ug]

Naaahhh… you think so? I doubt it. And I say this because back in 2007,my dad had his back thrown out at work in the coal mines when their rail vehicle they use to get from the main portal to the working section derailed He had 4 different surgeries, not only to remove a slipped disc, but to get rid of the MRSA that he contracted while in recovery. That was 3 surgeries just to get rid of it Then he spent a yeah in rehabilitation bringing his total time off work to 2 years. He ended up going back to work until he retired with no other issues So taking that into consideration, I can’t see Larry Mullen Jr being finished just yet… at least not due to continuing back troubles

[@selenesimonson9930]

Larry’s foot is in a moon boot; leave the guy alone. He didn’t have to come to the Sphere at all.

[@MyVideos-fm7ug]

@@selenesimonson9930 it’s a Japanese jump boot. That’s what those are called. Get it right

[@kimr45]

That place as cool as it is, looks like it could set off a nasty case of vertigo on the stage all that projection going on around me, would just set it off. Anyhoos, nothing I'd ever have to worry about.

[@indignow]

For me, seeing Larry leaving before the song ends is the definitive end of this band's legend. 47 years of rock. history. There will not be no album at all, no further tours. End of it. Maybe Edge solo albums or collabs. Bono's new memoirs and a decent retirement.

[@colinmcdonough4034]

New album out before the end of the year, World Tour with Larry starting Summer 2025.

[@narinauitenweerde795]

You are wrong. Thankfully. They already have things planned.

[@geraldjenkins7719]

Something tells me you maybe right Indignow.From the look on Larry's face as he left in the middle of "Beautiful Day" U2's lustrous career could finally be over.Even though there is talk of the release of their "Guitar Driven" new album sometime next year.Followed by a world tour in 2025.Just maybe their farewell tour.

[@mikeneilson3722]

Poor Larry, I really feel for him and I just thought that was so shit of U2 to do that.

[@noelmcmurray6147]

Are you referring to Bobo over dragging out, with his phony platitudes way beyond reason....that was bobo's agenda. Way OTT and embarrassing to Larry . so, he did the right thing and split mid song...sending his message back.... Actions speak louder than words.

[@selenesimonson9930]

@@noelmcmurray6147 if you hate the band why bother watching? Larry was acknowledged every night they performed. The band signed a contract to perform at the Sphere.

[@froutaband]

What happened to Larry exactly?

[@alter.oliver]

back problems....

[@mid5606]

He had back surgery.

[@selenesimonson9930]

He’s had several surgeries and recently had ankle surgery-he was wearing a large moon boot at this concert.

[@kalaharikreef7371]

Last great song these codgers ever made. They should have finished 24 years ago.

[@selenesimonson9930]

The concerts at the Sphere were amazing! 40 sold out nights.

[@DreamArchitect]

@@selenesimonson9930sorry downvoted

[@jebakaPiSd]

I guess he regrets it.

[@selenesimonson9930]

Regrets what?