Dear U2, What Are You Thinking?

In this video I discuss U2's ridiculous decision to go on without drummer Larry Mullen Jr. for their upcoming Las Vegas residency.

📘— The Beato Book Interactive - $99.00 value
🎸 — Beato Beginner Guitar - $159.00 value
👂— The Beato Ear Training Program - $99.00 value
🎸— The Quick Lessons Pro Guitar Course - $79.00 value

… all for just $99.00

Catherine Sundvall
Clark Griswold
Ryan Twigg
LAWRENCE WANG
Martin Small
Kevin Wu
Robert Zapolis
Jeremy Kreamer
Sean Munding
Nat Linville
Bobby Alcott
Peter Glen
Robert Marqusee
James Hurster
John Nieradka
Grey Tarkenton
Joe Armstrong
Brian Smith
Robert Hickerty
comboy
Peter DeVault
Phil Mingin
Tal Harber
Rick Taylor
Bill Miller
Gabriel Karaffa
Brett Bottomley
Frederick Humphrey
Nathan Hanna
Stephen Dahl
Scott McCroskey
Dave Ling
Rick Walker
Jason Lowman
Jake Stringer
Steven crawford
Piush Dahal
Jim Sanger
Brian Lawson
Eddie Khoriaty
Vinny Piana
J.I. Abbot
Kyle Dandurand
Michael Krugman
Vinicius Almeida
Lars Nielsen
Kyle Duvall
Alex Zuzin
tom gilberts
Paul Noonan
Scott Thompson
Kaeordic Industries LLC
Duane Blake
Kai Ellis
Zack Kirkorian
Joe Ansaldi
Pzz
Marc Alan
Rob Kline
Calvin Wells
David Trapani
Will Elrics
Debbie Valle
JP Rosato
Orion Letizi
Mike Voloshen
Peter Pillitteri

[RickBeato]

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.

[bluejay]

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

[jkm]

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

[RuthlessMojo]

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.

[TimothyHurleyNY]

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.

[hajimeminatodani]

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

[coda]

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

[guttsgeargarage]

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

[Cherokeelion]

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.

[anninwhack]

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.

[Zundfolge]

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

[edoardomaggiolo]

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!

[treeherder]

LM Jr is a criminally underrated drummer.

[Jaco]

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.

[AndTheRoadGoesEverOn]

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.

[kevinalexander]

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.

[gijsandersvanstraalen]

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

[Dreyno]

“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.

[andzwe]

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.

[RedOut]

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