U2's Larry Mullen Jr. Recovery Update and Recent Band Activities
U2's drummer Larry Mullen Jr. has been making significant strides in his recovery from neck surgery in 2023, which caused him to miss the band's residency in Las Vegas. Bono provided an update on Mullen's condition during a recent event in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the band received the Woody Guthrie Prize for 2025. Bono praised Mullen's exceptional drumming skills and mentioned that the drummer has been actively involved in the band's studio work, including collaborations with Brian Eno. Mullen also made a surprise appearance with U2 in May at the Ivor Novello Awards in London, marking his first performance with the band in over five years.
During the Woody Guthrie Prize ceremony in Tulsa, Bono and the Edge performed a selection of U2 classics in an acoustic set, paying tribute to Guthrie and Bob Dylan. Bono emphasized the importance of protest songs and shared lyrics from a new song titled "One Life at a Time," inspired by a tragic event. This glimpse into the band's recent activity hints at their ongoing work on new music.
Bono reflected on the band's songwriting process, particularly on the iconic track "Sunday Bloody Sunday," during a conversation with producer T Bone Burnett. He highlighted the emotional depth and tone of the song, attributing much of the band's musical direction to Edge's guitar playing. The band's most recent album, "Songs of Surrender," was released in 2023, featuring reinterpretations of their classic songs. Prior to that, their last album of original material was 2017's "Songs of Experience," described by Bono as U2's first rock record.
U2's creative journey continues to evolve, with the band exploring new musical territories and drawing inspiration from their rich history. The recent developments in their songwriting process and live performances showcase their enduring passion for creating impactful music that resonates with audiences worldwide.