Bono? What happened in Berlin?

September 2, 2018 Alan Cross 0 Comments 2 min read

If there’s one thing you can say about U2 is that unless it is absolutely, completely, and utterly unavoidable, they never cancel a gig. If the show doesn’t go on, it’s because Bono has had a near-fatal bike accident or near paralysis with a back problem.

Harder U2ophiles than me will know the answer to this: Has U2 ever stopped a show, unable to continue? I can’t think of a time in the band’s 42-year history–certainly not of an occasion in the last 20 years.

But that’s just what happened in Berlin at the Mercedes-Benz Arena Saturday night during the song “Red Flag Day,” which appeared several songs into the set. Bono stopped in mid-song, turning to the crowd saying “I think we can’t go on. It’s not right for you.”

U2 playing in Berlin, Bono has lost his voice after just a couple of songs – show paused, but likely to be cancelled pic.twitter.com/CdcJE9FIqg

— EFTM : ? + ? + ? (@EFTM) September 1, 2018

Well that’s a first. Bono has had to stop in Berlin – lost his voice and visibly distressed. pic.twitter.com/U889GIuYc7

— Fergal Quinn (@fergalpquinn) September 1, 2018

The band later issued this statement:

We’re so sorry for tonight’s cancellation. 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.

As always, we appreciate our audience’s understanding and all our fans’ support in Berlin and those who travelled from afar. We will update you very soon.

Adam, Larry and Edge

This was the second show on the Innocence + Experience Tour. The first night, also in Berlin, went off without a hitch.