Mullen Jr. may not play 2023 U2 shows
I Tis unlikely U2 will play any live dates next year with drummer Larry Mullen Jr., who has disclosed he needs surgery if he is to continue performing.
As you might have guessed, Las Vegas factors into Mullen’s ability to play drums.
Reportedly, and as of today, Mullen’s ongoing health concerns have not altered the band’s plans to open the MSG Sphere next fall.
Mullen told The Washington Post this week, in a rare interview, of his plans for surgery. The 61-year-old is battling neck and elbow problems and has a history of knee and back ailments.
The information was paraphrased deep in a profile of U2, pegged to the band’s upcoming Kennedy Center Honor. The awards show will be telecast at 8 p.m. Dec. 28 on CBS.
From the Post story, referring to Mullen: “He’s blunt — he says if the band plays live in 2023, it will probably be without him, as he needs surgery to continue playing — and admits the dynamics in the band are not the same as they were decades ago.”
Mullen’s absence would significantly shake up the band’s personnel for its reported series at the MSG Sphere next fall. Published reports and sources familiar with the band’s booking have indicated the residency is to run six weekends, 12 performances total, beginning in September. Those plans reportedly remain unchanged.
The piece’s author, Geoff Edgers, added context on his Twitter page. “I interviewed Larry on Zoom earlier this month. He was gracious and thoughtful. When I asked a question, he typically paused to think in silence before responding. I got the sense he appreciated the chance to speak in a story about the band he essentially founded.
“I did not ask about his physical issues. He volunteered them. He said that he had been told, in the past, to rest or get work done and take time off. Instead, he pushed himself to perform. He does not want to now. He wants to fix his issues. Because he wants to drum again.”
Edgers also shared quotes from Mullen that were not in the original story:
“I really miss the audiences. I miss that interaction even though I’m sitting behind a drum kit. … My body is not what it used to be physically. Like next year, I won’t be performing live next year. I don’t know what the band’s plan is. There’s talk of all kinds of things.”
Mullen also offered, “I have lots of bits falling off, elbows, knees, necks, and so during COVID, when we weren’t playing, I got a chance to have a look at some of these things. So, there’s some damage along the way.”
There has been no confirmation of the Sphere shows specifically from U2 or venue officials. But Bono referred to the band’s next live venture in an interview last month on “The Brendan O’connor Show,” hosted by the highly rated Irish media personality.
The U2 frontman said, “I can’t announce Vegas; you’d have to shoot me! But if it happens, I can promise you it won’t be like anything you’ve ever seen in Las Vegas or anywhere, ever. There’s no place yet big enough. For us to go, it has to be something that no one’s ever gone before.”
And later:
“It will center around ‘Achtung Baby,’ which we feel we need to really honor. But it will also … but we have to have the new songs out don’t we? There’s no place yet big enough. If we can build one for our audience. But it will be, for us to go, it have to be like no one has ever gone before. That sounds a bit ‘Star Trek.’ Part ‘Star Trek,’ part traveling salesman.”
Win-win at 10
Jeff Civillico has range. This is the case whether he’s balancing on a stepladder in his stage show or hosting virtual fundraisers and corporate events.
The crafty showman’s Winwin Entertainment charity organization celebrates its 10th anniversary with a 10hour Zoom telethon starting at 10 a.m. Friday. The event will stream live from Show Creators Studios in Las Vegas and feature magic, juggling, singing, dancing, music, comedy and ventriloquial artistry. And that’s just from Civillico. We kid. But he can do most of it. More pertinent for this event, Civillico is celebrating the growth of Win-win over the past decade. The organization has arranged in-person and virtual visits to children’s charities and medical facilities by entertainers, athletes and celebrities. While expanding across the country, Civillico has helped set up 862 shows with 227 performers since launching in 2013.
Vegas magician John Rotellini is being honored for his more than 200 performances, surpassing all other Win-win volunteers. Civillico, a former headliner at the Imperial Palace (now The Linq), the Flamingo and Paris Las Vegas, says Friday’s monetary goal is $100,000.
Cool Hang Alert
Column and Kats family fave Skye Dee Miles’ “Midnight Skye — The Revival,” at Ghostbar at the Palms, has moved to 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, beginning … now! Miles’ show is a musical, and spiritual, experience. Ghostbar’s new hours, as of Dec. 30, will be 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Get there — then hop on the elevator. No cover.