U2 are plotting a new stadium tour, their first since the Joshua Tree Tour in 2019. The news comes via a new Rolling Stone cover story, which reveals the band has begun rehearsals for an as-yet-unannounced trek. Larry Mullen Jr., who missed U2’s Las Vegas Sphere residency after undergoing surgery to address a congenital fusion in a facet joint in his neck, intends to rejoin the band for the upcoming tour.
“I’ve had it so good that I’ll accept that,” Mullen told Rolling Stone. “Even if I can’t play for two and a half hours, if I can play for an hour, that’s enough.”
Mullen’s Return From Surgery
Mullen’s return is the clearest signal that the tour is moving forward. The fusion in his facet joint required surgery, and Mullen has publicly acknowledged the recovery process. His willingness to play even a reduced set is notable.
The Setlist Question
The Rolling Stone story also reveals that U2 are figuring out how much new material to include in the setlist. That is a significant development for longtime fans.
Bono has apparently floated the possibility of playing smaller venues around the stadium dates. In those intimate settings, the band could perform setlists featuring more new music. The contrast is stark: a stadium show with the usual hits, and a club show with unreleased tracks.
The Rehearsal Timeline
The band has not announced dates, cities, or ticket details. The Rolling Stone cover story confirms only that rehearsals have started and that Mullen is planning to join the band.
For now, the focus remains on the music itself.
What Fans Should Watch For
The smaller venue idea is the most interesting part of the announcement. A stadium tour typically features a polished, crowd-friendly setlist. A club show, by contrast, offers a chance to hear newer material in a more intimate setting.
“Even if I can’t play for two and a half hours, if I can play for an hour, that’s enough.”
U2’s Recent History
U2’s recent history includes the Joshua Tree Tour in 2019, which marked their last stadium outing. The Las Vegas Sphere residency followed, though Mullen was absent due to his medical condition.
Key Facts From the Story
The Rolling Stone cover story provides the clearest picture of where things stand:
- The band has begun rehearsals for an as-yet-unannounced stadium tour
- Larry Mullen Jr. intends to rejoin the band after recovering from neck surgery
- Bono has floated the idea of smaller venues featuring more new material
- No dates, cities, or ticket details have been announced
Our View on the News
U2’s stadium tour is real, and it is coming soon. The band is rehearsing, Mullen is returning, and new material is on the table.
The smaller venue idea is the surprise. It gives fans a reason to attend both stadium shows and club shows, potentially hearing fresh songs in a more intimate setting. The club dates could be the best way to see what the band has been working on.
The tour is still unannounced, so fans should keep an eye on U2’s official channels for updates. The rehearsals have started, and the band is clearly moving forward.
For now, the excitement is real. U2 are plotting a new stadium tour, and the music is coming.
See the video the story is built around at Consequence.
Get the Notebook.
The day's best stories and every fresh verdict, in plain English, in your inbox by seven. One email a day, no more.