U2 Drummer Larry Mullen Jr.: Health Journey and Latest Updates Larry Mullen Jr., U2's founding drummer, faced serious health challenges from years of intense drumming, including damage to his elbows, knees, and neck, which he addressed with surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. This led him to sit out the band's historic Las Vegas Sphere residency from September 2023 to March 2024—the first time he'd missed shows since breaking his foot in a 1978 motorcycle accident—with Dutch drummer Bram van den Berg filling in.

Recovery Timeline

Mullen's path back has been steady and inspiring:

  • 2022 : Publicly shared injury details, unsure about future touring.
  • Late 2024 : Described as "getting better every week," with bandmates excited for his return.
  • November 2024 : Back in the studio recording new music, deemed "fine" by The Edge.
  • October 2025 : Positive progress updates confirm ongoing improvement post-2023 neck surgery.
  • February 2026 : Fully participating in new U2 album sessions, marking a strong comeback.

Forum and Fan Buzz

Fans on platforms like Reddit and Drummerworld praise Mullen's precise, hook- driven style that perfectly complements U2's sound, debating if he's underrated despite his foundational role. Discussions highlight his military- inspired beats from childhood marching bands and resilience, with some calling him their all-time favorite. Recent threads tie into excitement over his studio return amid new music rumors.

"He's an excellent drummer. Doesn't overplay, always has hooks in his drumming and rises and falls with the songs perfectly." – Reddit user on r/U2Band

Other Insights

In a December 2024 interview, Mullen revealed a learning disability making counting—like during complex rhythms—"like climbing Everest," adding depth to his numerically challenged yet masterful style. No tragic or recent negative events; the story is one of recovery triumphing over wear-and-tear injuries.

TL;DR : Nothing dire—Larry Mullen Jr. recovered from surgery, skipped Sphere shows, but is now thriving in the studio on new U2 material as of early 2026.

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