Dear U2, What Are You Thinking? 

I think most people are missing the point to this post. My issue isn’t a replacement drummer as much as the fact that they took out an ad during the Super Bowl to promote a gig that one of the four members is not going to play. This extended video ad shows all these new fans (and one old one) to U2 that are desperate to hear the Achtung Baby record. If it’s so important for these “new fans” to hear, U2 play this particular record, isn’t it important to include all the original band members? Is this something that could’ve been advertised on U2.com and not the biggest sporting event in the US? Bands replace members or have musicians fill in all the time but they don’t advertise these gigs on the Super Bowl. As a long time, U2 fan, I thought it was an odd move. Larry is the driving force behind the band. The were a stadium band because of him.

From what I understand the band still hasn’t found what they are looking for.

U2 may have committed to opening the sphere before the construction went at least a year beyond schedule. They were probably contractually bound to opening the venue. Further, the development of the very technology being used may have been heavily dependent on U2's residency and all the multimedia used, developed, and tested just to get it working. Most importantly though, U2 is a four-piece equal partnership operation. It used to be 5-equal before manager Paul McGuinness retired. Nothing gets done in this band without Larry's approval. They have at least 2 albums ready to come out. Their future is a long-range campaign, probably planned years in advance and opening the most revolutionary high-tech concert space is a MUST-DO for them. In my opinion, Larry likely had a huge part in this decision and very likely a very huge part in selecting Bram van den Berg as the drummer to stand in for him. Larry's not just the band's drummer. He's the founder and 25% owner. I'm sure Larry is 100% cool with this. And if you disagree, you should probably speak to Larry Mullen Jr. about it. Love ya, Rick.

In over 40 years, this is the first time Larry's called in sick. I think we can give the band a break.

The real 5th member is Terry Lawless who plays all the keys and triggers loops from beneath the stage. A true legend of a guy

My fear is that this means that Larry's health problems are much worse than they're letting on. :(

The fact that Larry could not play due to a back injury was made clear well in advance. I found that out on general media. I've been a fan for many decades. As I am a Beatles fan. I was at the sphere the second night. 14 hours travel each ways for a 3 night stay. It was great beyond belief, without Larry who was badly missed. Bram van den Berg was superb ! As a bass player myself have loads of respect how he gelled with Adam, which must have been a big ask. During the gig they threw a song at him he had not rehearsed to keep him on his toes. It was raw. Just brilliant. Bram van den Berg is not Larry and will never replace him, but give him credit. He was playing in front of the most amazing spolight I've ever seen.... Respect for Bram van den Berg

"It's no secret ambition bites the nails of success" The Fly - U2

I will never forget the first time I listened to Unforgettable Fire w my little sister. We were sitting on the floor with our ears next to the speakers of our parents giant furniture stereo. The opening drum sequence to a sort of homecoming still gives me chills.

Larry Mullen has been suffering from back problems since the 80’s. It is something he has struggled with for a long time. As someone who has chronic back problems (I have two metal rods in my spine) I can understand where he’s coming from. Ultimately this was done with Larry’s blessing. He’s not being permanently replaced. I imagine that this residency has been in the works for awhile. They probably signed contracts a long time ago and are therefore committed to it.

Bram grooved incredible hard with respect for the original parts Larry played. Great, great job Bram, congrats!!

Seeing them live during the Joshua Tree tour in 87 at 17 is one of those timeless memories. They were fantastic live back then. I can understand them missing the connection with the crowd from the stage, and Im guessing Larry gives his blessing… if he didnt want them to go without him I dont think they would.

I am a drummer and I appreciate your support and respect for how important the role of and the person drumming is!

I love U2. And can't believe I'm saying this. But there is no way I'd go see them for that show. I saw them in 2017 for the Joshua Tree Tour. And their first song that night is burned in my memory. Larry Mullen, Jr walked out on stage, by himself, and kicked off Sunday Bloody Sunday. How could U2 do a show without him? Well, they can't. Because it's not U2 without any one of those band members. Period.

LM Jr is a criminally underrated drummer.

Larry Mullen Jr. is the drummer that made me want to play drums. I have a hard time thinking of U2 without him. It just feels wrong.

The Beatles toured with a fill in drummer when Ringo was sick. If they could do it, I see no reason why U2 couldn’t.

Lets turn this around with historical perspective. How many great bands haven't toured an amazing album/show without one of its band members?

The Drum intro to "bullet the blue sky" is as iconic as John Bonham's intro to "when the levee breaks". Just as Led Zeppelin couldn't go on without Bonzo, I don't see how U2 can go on without LMJr.

And then..there was the more than fantastic Bram van den Berg...what a great drummer..and in full respect to Larry.

When Phil Collins, at age 70, slowly walked out to sit on a stool and sing for Genesis as his son played drums, I realized what a toll a lifetime of drumming takes on the body. If LMJ needs some tweaks to play later in life, I hope he has the best surgeries and recoveries.

Understandable, though listening to this makes me feel a bit sorry for Dutch drummer Bram van den Berg, who will replace Mullen and can't wait to play with the band. He's been a huge U2 fan since he was a kid, so it's a once in a life-time dream come true.

It seems as if nobody here gets it. There is only one Grand Opening, only 1 first show in a venue like the sphere. Nobody has seen anything like it. It was an honor for them.

Love the channel Rick! I CAN believe how much it's grown over the last couple years I've been watching. Keep it up!

To be fair, this gig has apparently been in the works a very long time. With a contract, designed sets & production, people sub-contracted & everything. The band didn’t plan on doing it without Larry. And I know he’s given his blessing to the other three members to proceed & honor their contract-I just wish if they must preform without any member of the four, that they’d do it under another name. U2 are unique in rock for their longevity & NEVER having any lineup changes for 43 yrs. It’s a shame, because I love the album Achtung Baby so much. And I still love U2. Legends. GET WELL SOON, LARRY.

U2 is one of those bands where every member brings a unique flavor to the band. Larry Mullen Jr's drums are iconic. I can hear the drums right now in Sunday, Bloody Sunday without listening to it. It's amazing drumming. So iconic. I agree with you on this, Rick. Not having Larry in the band when Larry is fully capable is a misstep. Give him the time off to rest and recoup and then hit it. Don't replace.

Not everyone has the grace to leave the stage on top like REM did.

I’m a fan of your channel Rick, but I totally disagree with this one. Page and a plant played w/o Bonham or JpJ and I was so grateful to see them, Pimk Floyd played without Syd or Roger and again I was so grateful to see them. Larry is amazing and yes, it’s a bummer he’s not playing for sure, but if the other guys want to rock then they surely should.

I'd have a problem with this if Larry asked them to wait so that he could fully recover, but he's given the band his blessing to move forward. If anything, I'd say it's a pretty selfless move so that U2 fans don't have to keep waiting to see the band live (and there are still a lot of younger U2 fans who have never seen them live). A lot of things can happen in a year or two, and the band isn't getting any younger. Plus, it's not out of the ordinary for someone to fill in for a band member. Things happen, but to quote a Queen song, the show must go on...

This band moves in mysterious ways.

I think that Bram van den Berg has nothing to do with this. If you were a drummer, and U2 would ask you to play gigs with them, would you say, no thank you? Come on... And Bram said, that there is only one Larry Mullen Jr.. So what he did, will do, took a lot of guts, and is fantastic. Look at Bono, Edge, Adam, and Larry. Beause they decide.

It was actually a (potentially) brilliant move. We were at the Sphere on the first night and the technology was the show. Don't get me wrong, the music was amazing but the experience was like standing in a pair of virtual reality googles. This sets up a second residency or tour billed as Larry's return. Expect "Pop Mart - 2027" at a "Sphere" somewhere in Europe, on the 30th anniversary of that album. We'll be there.

Larry is a one of a kind drummer who ads something totally unique to the band. Has to be there.

Been a fan of the band for 30+ years. One of the most admirable and impressive things I find with U2 is their camaraderie and togetherness. The same line up without interruption for over 40 years. Simply put U2 is Bono, Adam, Larry and Edge. When Bono was injured in 2010, U2 made the decision to cancel Glastonbury. Yes it was a disappointment but if they couldn't ALL play it, then they'd wait until they could. I think it's really poor that they're willing to go ahead with the Las Vegas residency without Larry. I think it would have been better received by fans and the media (in terms of integrity and solidarity) if the band declined the gigs, saying sorry but we can't do this without Larry....maybe next year. Where is that group mentality? That integrity and loyalty? Larry was interviewed just before the Kennedy Awards and his answers appeared quite negative. Almost like he was unaware and uninformed of U2's plans for the coming year. Get the impression that Larry has decided he's had enough, Bono and Edge are desperate to continue at all costs and Adam is very torn and conflicted. Can't help feeling a bit disappointed.

It’s not U2 without Larry Mullen Jr. He is my favorite member of the band.

Bram first couple of nights had struggles with tempo or following the click. But he settled in and has done a very formidable job. I did not miss Larry and I’m sure Larry coached Bram to do the gig. I’mglad they did the residency in this incredible new venue. I’m sure they missed Larry but it was definitely full blown U2 up on that stage. The only absolutely irreplaceable guys in U2 are Bono and Edge.

"What are you thinking?" could define the last 20 years of U2. I say this as a massive fan in 90s/00s.

A group (or artist) knowing when to leave the stage at their peak is an elusive skill. Crossing the line between relevancy to being a musical curiosity is a thin one.

I of course would prefer they play with Larry but being a life long fan and having not seen them live since Dec 2019, I’m still very much looking forward to this show. Especially at this new venue which will probably be amazing, and Achtung Baby is my second fav album just behind The Joshua Tree. You definitely make good points but 3 out of 4 members (as long as one is Bono) will be sufficient for me. Zoo TV tour is still the best tour I’ve ever seen. I just pray that I can get tickets.

Regret never seeing them, but can’t imagine traveling expense and show expense to see this show? Their whole catalog is so deep with HITS! Great band , great music. LM Jr. (…the rhythm section of that band) is the heart and soul.

Larry is my favorite U2 member. I can't imagine myself watching a show without him on the stage.

Yes, as a fellow drummer it is frustrating how easily we are replaced... Devil's advocate though: maybe Larry isn't physically able to play all those songs in one night? Drums really take a toll on the body.

Larry: Guys, I can´t go to the Super Bowl gig... Are you guys still gonna do it? Bono: With or without you...

I remember being in a Music store in 1983 and they played the video for New Years Day, I was transfixed, Been a U2 fan since. depending on the day, different albums are my favourite, but War, The Unforgettable Fire, Joshua Tree, are far and away my favourites. I can't imagine them playing without Larry Mullen Jr., much like I can't imagine Rush playing without Neil Peart. I don't fault them, just don't know if I would pay to see them.

I was 9 when my father bought me my first drum kit, and Larry was the first drummer that fired up my imagination. Then came Ian Paice, Stewart Copeland...almost 20 years later, now I play jazz and experimental music; something that Larry probably wont like. But Larry was my gatekeeper to drumming and I still admire him a lot. Thank you Larry and I wish you all the best for your recovery. Also a big thank you from Italy to Rick for all your videos, which are super!

The Rattle And Hum record wasn’t a misstep in my opinion. It was a solid album and the movie is incredible.

As a 29 year old fan I have to say Achtung Baby is in fact my favorite album of all time- but I realize this isn't an opinion I've ever heard someone my age express 🤣 I share your feelings about this residency, but also have other concerns. Larry Mullen not playing is really unfortunate, and as much as they say it's just because he has to have back surgery- I can't help but wonder if that is cover for the fact that he might be burned on out on playing with U2. Sad as it is no band lasts forever, and he has made comments recently (and in the past) that suggest he might be ready to move on, apart from whatever health issues he is facing. I think in 2010 he said "I don't see myself at 65 playing in Vegas".... Aside from Larry I have real concerns about whether Bono is up to the task of singing these songs again. If you've seen any of their limited live material of the last 3-4 years, it is clear his voice is not what it used to be at all- he can't hit any of the high notes he used to. After he completely lost his voice at a show on the last tour, and hearing how limited his range is in recent performances, I just don't know how he can pull off the big stadium belting rock voice that is required for this material. The Songs of Surrender release shows that even in a controlled, studio environment, he isn't able to sing the songs like he used to. Pretty much all of the songs are either lowered by many keys, or he just doesn't go for the high notes at all. U2 is a stadium band, and if Bono doesn't have the voice to fill these stadiums, I don't think there will be much steam left in U2's live shows. Breaks my heart to say it, I've been obsessed with this band for 15 years now, can sing & play most of their biggest songs on every instrument. U2 is a big part of the reason I love music so much today, but it might be time for them to move on 😢

Rick, have you considered updating your original take on this? 600+ thousand tickets sold

“Rattle and Hum” is a fantastic album. Captured a moment with the live stuff and the new songs were epic. “Heartland”, “All I Want Is You”, “Angel of Harlem”, “Desire”, “When Love Came to Town”, “Van Dieman’s Land”. That’s more great songs than some bands have in a career.

Never thought I would see Rick reach the "old man yelling at clouds" stage, but here we are.

I loved so much when a free u2's album appeared in my iTunes. It turned to be my favorite album from them... weeks later I went to the store to buy it physical.

Did you see the show, Rick. It was a concert of a lifetime.

I have been a big u2 fan since 1984, saw them for the first time in 1987 in Gothenburg, Sweden. I think Achtung Baby is their best album. Can't believe they're going to play without Larry Mullen Jr. absolutely sick. Can't they wait for him to recover?

I've been a huge U2 fan for the past 43 years. Since Larry gave his blessing, I'm OK with it. They don't have a tour booked, just the residency, so my hope is that Larry will heal from his surgery and be back with the band.

This didn’t age well, because a) the show turned out great, b) it’s commonly understood now that the contract predates Larry’s injury and c) the ‘nobody’ is doing fine.

6 months after...the world is glad U2 introduce the Sphere to the world and the internet is full of videos of that night - tickets start from 500$ and everybody wishes to get in. As much as i love Larry It was a briliant idea to do this.

Their first 5 albums are really my jam - special mention to the masterpiece of The Unforgettable Fire.

Larry's work on Joshua Tree, in particular One Tree Hill, speaks for what a great drummer he is

Rick, Larry had surgery and is recuperating !! That's why they have a stand in playing with them !! Don't worry he's not leaving the band just recuperating!!

Love U2, specially the magical period between War & Achtung, saw them live 1st time in the amazing AB tour, will always be a special part of my musical life. Even through their ups and downs, it was always the same team, now it seems that no more and plowing through just for the sake of trying to remain relevant (& making big bucks in the process) is so just anti U2, at least the one I fell in love with. Look at Rush, when NP passed, they had the integrity to call it a day, and more power to them. Bono & Edge need to look into their hearts and stop, for the sake of their legacy. And don't get me started on the awful decision to record new versions of their classics!

I walked into a Tower records when October came out. I was transfixed and it didn't leave my turntable for 4 months. Been a big U2 fan ever since. Well, until the 90s. But they were the real deal. Saw them in the 80s in front of 150,000 at the US festival and then in front of 80,000 people.

The Stones continued without Brian Jones, Mick Taylor, Bill Wyman, and now Charlie Watts…Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers continued without Ron Blair, Stan Lynch, Howie Epstein…Van Halen continued without DLR,…Journey and Santana continued without…pretty much everyone! The list goes on and on. Arguably, great stuff happened in each band as they evolved. Sometimes line-ups changed amicably, sometimes in anger, sometimes for ego and money, sometimes in illness/death, sometimes in addiction, sometimes in burnout, sometimes to save off-stage relationships - lots of reasons. Is Larry obligated to always want to do/play/live as his HS friends always want to, even in his 60’s? If Larry has chosen not to proceed and the other guys want to do it, and all are okay with that, why not live and let live without judgement? Music benefits from harmony more than dissonance. If Larry is harmonious with the guys, who are we to create dissonance? I hope it sparks new energy. Respect the individuals, expect nothing; and accept what’s offered and what’s to come - just might be better than ever!

I originally thought doing the Vegas shows without Larry was a terrible idea. Since then I've seen some of the video footage from those shows and it looked and sounded amazing. This is something that took a few years to prepare for, so I can see why they couldn't postpone. Bran was a very capable replacement drummer for these shows. The fans that attended the Vegas shows looked like they enjoyed and had a good time. I had my doubts, but I was very impressed with how things turned out. Having Larry in the audience the 2nd last show and saluting him was a nice touch. Rick, keep posting these great videos.

Look at the venue! u2 has always pushed the boundaries of experiential concerts they couldn’t pass on this opportunity to be the first ones to perform there

Hardly seems fair to expect that a band can only perform live providing that all original members are on stage. Why should the illness or death of one member dictate the end of everyone else's passion and career? Ticket sales will reveal how people feel about it anyway. Hopefully Larry is able to heal up well and get behind the kit again soon. His drumming is unique and is an important part of the U2 sound!

From what I understand Larry has given his blessing for the band to play with a stand in drummer.

Queen without Freddy is a deal breaker for me but U2 without Larry Mullen? Once a new drummer settles in even the most ardent U2 fan won't tell the difference unless they're looking at the guy sitting on the throne.

Rick, As usual, You ROCK! Spot on; I've been a fan since the inception.

Achtung Baby is their near perfect masterpiece. Saw the ZooTV tour at Yankee Stadium. The first time I heard 'One' live, I openly wept. The lyrics, the sunflowers, the buffalo falling off the cliff...speechless. I can't vision anyone else behind the drum kit other than Larry. But if tickets aren't in the Taylor Swift range, I'll be there.

I've been a fan of U2 since the first album, but it actually took me a few decades to realize the heart and soul of U2 music, the real magic of the band has always been that rhythm section. Adam Clayton & Larry Mullen Jr., no one has done it better.

After reading several very hysterical comments I will give my opinion: U2 has maintained its formation since 1976, I think it should be the maximum case of longevity for a band. They only acted without a member on 2 occasions, Adam Clayton on the ZooTv tour and Bono when he had an accident (U2+1). U2 must have a contract to fulfill and Larry has a health problem... what is the problem that the group acts with the consent of Mullen???? Of course, if it were not so, it would be very bad, but there is no indication that this is the case. Furthermore, his absence is not definitive. And if it were, I want Larry to keep collaborating on future projects. We fans know that he is the origin of U2. Greetings from a U2 fan from Argentina.

I was a metal head when they came out. My sis friend told me I gotta hear this band. HOGWASH I said! Played me New Year's Day and I felt something that hooked me from then. Thank God I wised up!!! Soooooo many hours spent listening to them!!! Thank U U2!!!

We were out in Vegas in August 2022 and I asked our Lyft driver what that big sphere thing was when we drove past it. They were still finishing it up at that point, but he said it was a new entertainment arena. He also said that U2 was slated to be the first act with a residency in it when it opens in 2023, so they had to have that deal inked for a while even at that point. I'm guessing they were working on it way before Larry had to go into back surgery.

I love Rick´s rants. It´s pure passion. By the way: when legends start to perform in Vegas, this is mostly the beginning of the end. Just my 2 percent.

Bram has done wonderful drumming in the first 2 sphere concert..... after these 25 shows, Larry will be back. Stop complaining and enjoy the music.

What do you think now after the most shows are played? Bram is doing a good job and Mullen will come back for the next album and tour. Tickets are too expensive but I would like to see them in Vegas. But it's not possible because music is not a product. But the show and the music is great performed.

As Pat Metheny said in your interview, it doesn’t matter who the headliner is on the marquee, it’s the drummer. Larry Mullen is the tightest drummer I’ve ever heard. When U2 played Live Aid, he and Adam Clayton kept a vamp going in rock solid time for something like ten minutes while Bono surfed the crowd… it was amazing. I’m interested but skeptical to hear what they sound like with someone else behind the kit.

I stumbled onto a Yamaha drum piece about Larry some 6 months back. They were visiting him at home etc. He was heavily hinting about being beat up physically and needing serious time off to heal- he also hinted and at possibly being done with touring live as well.. His choice in the end. It ain’t easy when you got that many miles in your rear view mirror. Let’s collect all the data I’d say.. all the best⚡️

Nope, not missing the point. Player injured so substitute comes on, does a great job. Player back well again and gets back on the pitch, substitute having done a great job.

Rick. I first saw u2 in 1984 at Birmingham NEC England. Fan since seeing under a blood...in 83 on the tube. True original fan. Like you it's not perfect. But what a catalogue. I'm 53 now. Hope to see them in the English Midlands again. Love your stuff.

For what it’s worth for the two people to read this, I’m a life long fan of the band’s. Seen them 17 times. Even in Times Square when Bono couldn’t join. If Larry gave his blessing, then so be it. I hope to see the Vegas show. The sphere just screams U2!

Zoo Station has one of the best lyrics in music imo. "Time is a train, makes the future the past. Leaves you standing in the station, your face pressed up against the glass". Ranks right up there with Billy Joel's "they're sharing a drink they call loneliness, but it's better than drinking alone".

Hey Rick, love your videos always! Even though I don't like the idea of U2 playing without Larry, he's not being replaced by some random drummer. Bram vd Berg is the drummer from very successful Dutch band Krezip. Their stuff is very nice :)

Rick, I'm a big fan of your videos and I've learned a lot from watching them. I probably wouldn't have ever listened to Joe Pass if it wasn't for your video on him. I also love the "what makes this song great series." I play the drums as a hobby and I think the first song I learned to play well was "Sunday Bloody Sunday." I'm also a huge U2 fan. I've seen them 48 times and was also at Aloha Stadium for the U2 / Pearl Jam show that was epic. I'll never forget watching Eddie Vedder jumping all over the stage with U2 singing "Rocking in the Free World." I've now seen U2 3 times at the Sphere and I have no words to describe what an amazing spectacle it is and the band sounds better than ever. It's like nothing I've seen before and recommend to all that it's a must see. I was also torn about the Larry situation but.... I'm ok with it and actually think that Bram van den Berg is a better drummer than Larry and seems to enjoy himself much more than Larry ever did at a gig that I saw. Larry always looks pissed. Maybe Bono get's under his skin. Bram can play some of the grooves without having to rely on an extra floor tom on his left (I know you and drummers will understand what I mean by this). I know he formed the band and he'll profit tremendously from the U2 residency and.... he'll be back. At the end of the day, I'm totally ok with it and respectfully agree to disagree with you on this one. Keep doing your videos! Rocking in the Free World, Alberto

U2 is one of my favorite bands ever. I'm only 34, but discovering Achtung Baby and the ZOOTV Sydney performance pretty much changed my life around 15 years ago. I will always admire them, and I still consider No Line on the Horizon their last great successful attempt at something unique only they and their producers are capable of. A Vegas residency, to me, is in itself sad, but without Larry Mullen, it's an absolute waste. I truly love U2 and always will. But their desperation to say "relevant" has been their worst enemy for a while. No Line on the Horizon was an artistic triumph, but a commercial disappointment, and since then, they've seemed desperate to get their moment again, ignoring what people most expect: great, adventurous music. They will never be the trendiest band in the world, and that's just fine. It's a shame they seem to care so much about the spotlight they were so good at rejecting not so long ago. In any case, U2 will always be an amazing band, I just wish they realized it more often.

saw them front row at Soldier Field 6/28/97 on the Pop Mart Tour...changed my life. I can't imagine them without Larry behind the kit.

I think they made a commitment to MSG and Larry could not go and the call to be first at the Sphere was the draw. I saw them at Sphere and Bram I thought was great. I am no music expert and no U2 purist, but they put on a heck of a show in a unique setting and it was great and people loved it.

Bono sang it years ago and it is true...especially for U2. "You glorify the past when the future dries up."

I think the harsh reality may be that the average person going to see a show in Vegas doesn't know anyone in the band other than Bono and maybe The Edge. The band and management know this. The hardcore U2 fan will be pissed, but 80-90% of the concert going public can't name most members of a band or their albums, they know the hits and show up expecting to see Bono and whoever else is playing they really don't care about.

I can't help feeling that Achtung baby is their best album... one of the best albums that came out in those years at all. Not a single song an that album disappoints and I bet I will still listen to it when I'm old(er) lol.

As someone who’s attempted to play his parts, I’d say Larry is tough to replace

My money would be that they had a contractual agreement to be the first band to perform in The Sphere set years ago, likely before the ground was even broken to build the thing. Given this arena was built specifically for visuals and sound and some supposedly awesome live experience, U2 would be the perfect band to open the place, probably with some special effects and visuals that have been in development for a long time just for this show. I would imagine it would be far too expensive for them to back out at this stage. Larry isn't out of the band, and no doubt he's still going to get a quarter share of those shows. I would imagine he was likely pushing them to move forward so he could get that check (or at least didn't have to pay back what they likely were already paid)

Really funny to see that we Dutch people and media are really proud that a Dutch drummer is going to play with U2. But from a U2 fan perspective I can fully understand your criticism.

Achtung Baby for me is one of the best records of all time and the one that influenced me the most. And it's not just the songs, it's the sonics too. To me, it always sounds like the Berlin of the early 90's resonating with the Berlin of the 20's and 30's. The Fly must have one of my favourite guitar solo's of all time. It's not a difficult solo in terms of notes, but the sound is sheer genius. I still try to capture that exact sound on my guitar to this day. No idea how they got that sound on the record.

Good point Rick!!! Larry is a pivotal member as others are in U2, any of the musicians of U2 are "IRREPLACEABLE"!

Not sure what the fuss is here. 1. They had a commitment to play, hard to change contracts like this. 2. LMJ couldn’t make it but gave his blessing for a replacement. 3. The band announced long in advance that LMJ couldn’t join and there would be a replacement drummer, so no surprises. 4. If you don’t want to see U2 without LMJ, then don’t buy a ticket. 5. In the end Bram did a great job, showing that the band selected their drummer wisely, probably with input from Larry. Hopefully Larry recovers quickly and will be back for the next album/tour. Honestly, how many bands haven’t had to temporarily replace a band member, especially for live gigs. And some bands permanently replace band members (Rolling Stones, AC/DC, even Queen is trying to continue without Freddie).

I still say to this day. My favorite concert ever was U2 The Unforgettable Fire Tour May 1985 . Can't imagine them without Larry.

When Bono had his bike accident a handful of years ago, the band was slated to play a televised gig, and they had a number of star singers fill in for him. Didn't go too well. They came out & said at the time that they wouldn't do such a thing again. Well, here we are.

Rick is an encyclopedia, exceptionally gifted, hard working and multi talented. Whether hes' talking about U2 or Bach his take is always amazingly refreshing and enlightening.

I am really looking forward for that concert. I have been a fan since I remember, actually I was in that concert in Honolulu in 2006, there was a marathon the next day and I had to sleep on the beach because I couldn’t find a hotel. Nice memories.