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what is wrong with larry from u2

Larry Mullen Jr. from U2: Health Concerns Explained Larry Mullen Jr., U2's founding drummer, has faced significant health challenges over the years, primarily from the physical toll of decades behind the drum kit. These issues peaked publicly around 2022-2023, when he underwent neck surgery that sidelined him from the band's Las Vegas Sphere residency.

Past Injuries

Mullen has dealt with chronic wear-and-tear injuries common among drummers:

  • Damage to elbows, knees, and especially his neck, which he assessed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Earlier hand problems requiring multiple surgeries—reportedly eight operations per finger in some accounts—stemming from untreated pain over years.
  • He stepped back from touring in late 2022, saying he couldn't drum for U2 the following year to prioritize long-term recovery.

These setbacks forced a replacement drummer for the Sphere shows, with bandmates like Adam Clayton noting the sadness but supporting his choice for a sustainable career.

Recent Recovery (as of Late 2025)

Positive updates emerged in October 2025:

  • Post-neck surgery (2023), Mullen is making steady progress and rejoined U2 in the studio for new music.
  • Bono shared that Mullen's drumming remains exceptional, and he's thrilled to be back creatively, even if not fully at 100%—"some bits falling off," as he humorously put it to the BBC.
  • The Edge confirmed he's improving weekly, with the band excited to "make a racket" together soon.

Fans on Reddit buzzed about this, linking it to rumors of a nearly finished album slated for Fall 2026, with a single possibly dropping in summer.

Forum and Fan Chatter

"Soooo according to u2songs.com the new album is just about finished and should be out in Fall 2026!" – Reddit user on r/U2Band

Discussions often mix concern with optimism:

  • Some worry about his hands and neck holding up for tours.
  • Others celebrate his resilience, sharing stories of his "miraculous" recovery and U2's adaptive songwriting.
  • No major new issues reported into 2026; focus remains on his studio comeback.

Why It Matters for U2 Fans

Mullen's return signals brighter days ahead. After missing the Sphere (a career highlight), his presence fueled fresh tracks like a teased "One Life at a Time." At 64, his story underscores rock 'n' roll's physical demands—but also the band's loyalty and his grit.

TL;DR: Nothing drastically "wrong" now—Larry's recovering well from neck surgery and injuries, back drumming with U2 on new music as of late 2025, with fans eyeing a 2026 album.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.