And Finally Artist News Gigs & Festivals Live Business

U2 halt Berlin show after Bono suffers “complete loss of voice”

By | Published on Monday 3 September 2018

U2

The moment we’ve waited decades for finally arrived this weekend. Bono was hit by a “complete loss of voice”. He’s confident that it’ll return though.

U2 were five songs into a performance in Berlin on Saturday night when Bonzo’s voice failed him. He attempted to finish ‘Beautiful Day’ in a sub-Mark E Smith style that was actually quite appealing. However, eventually he just gave up and rocked back and forth while the rest of the band carried on, seemingly oblivious to the fact that he’d stopped singing.

Once his bandmates had finally shut up, he croaked: “I’m so sorry… I was ready to sing for you, but something has happened and I think we can’t go on. It’s not right for you. I’m sure this is not a big problem but I’m gonna have to do something”.

I’m not sure the audience could make out a word of what he was saying, but when he suggested a “ten to fifteen minute break” they all cheered. Maybe they all needed the loo and thought Bobo had just seen the strained looks on their faces. Whatever, they got plenty of time to do whatever they needed to do, because the band never returned, instead calling the whole show off.

“We’re so sorry for tonight’s cancellation”, said the band in a statement. “Bono was in great form and great voice prior to the show and we were all looking forward to the second night in Berlin, but after a few songs, he suffered a complete loss of voice. We don’t know what has happened and we’re taking medical advice”.

Bongo himself later added that all was well and the croak was temporary: “I’ve seen a great doctor and with his care I’ll be back to full voice for the rest of the tour. So happy and relieved that anything serious has been ruled out. My relief is tempered by the knowledge that the Berlin audience were so inconvenienced. There was an amazing atmosphere in the house, it was going to be one of those unforgettable nights, but not for this reason”.

The show has now been rescheduled for 13 Nov, so those “inconvenienced” attendees can console themselves with the knowledge that they’ve got four and a half bonus songs in the bank.



READ MORE ABOUT: |