Is Larry Mullen Leaving U2? Drummer Drops Cryptic Statement Before Band’s Potential 2023 Tours

Is Larry Mullen leaving U2?

Mullen sparked the buzz after his recent interview with journalist Geoff Edgers for a Washington Post article for the band's profile. He and the three members - Bono, Adam Clayton, and The Edge - revealed U2's tour plans in 2023.

However, the drummer said he would not be part of it.

According to the staffer, Mullen said he needs more surgery to continue playing with his bandmates.

"You only do this if you're having the best time. And not everyone is going to make it because the price is so high," he said, adding, "I don't sing from the same hymn sheet. I don't pray to the same version of God. So everyone has their limits."

Ultimate Classic Rock and Culture noted that the speculations began after the interview, with fans fearing that the U2's co-founder would leave soon.

Mullen also revealed during the interview that the lack of shows amid the COVID-19 pandemic allowed him to look into his health. He found out that there was damage already.

Still, Edgers assured in one of his tweets that Mullen set the record straight about leaving U2 or retiring. Instead of these things, the drummer reportedly wants to get himself healed before playing with the band again.

The Washington Post journalist ended his tweets with a revelation that Mullen is dealing with physical issues drummers deal with.

Fans Want Larry Mullen To Join U2

After learning about his health issues, fans sent well-wishes to Mullen and told him to take all the time he needed before coming back.

However, some disapproved of it and said U2 would not be U2 without him. They also found the interview disturbing since the member could "pull the plug" anytime he wants.

Larry started the band and as far I'm concerned he can pull the plug on it when he feels like it. Probably why there's been no confirmation of a Las Vegas residency next year. New album end of 2023. World Tour 2024. For love or money, money, money......
— Bobby Cripouris (@NextMediaMogul) November 29, 2022

There's no U2 without LMJ. If they play without him, it will tarnish everything. Being the same 4 members from start to finish is their legacy. Its a joke if they tour without him, even with his blessing. Is the $$$$ worth your soul?
— Mike Lucio (@RocketSports9) November 29, 2022

Larry never talks ever. That you got him to talk means he had something to say. The media loves Bono but among fans, and probs music world, Larry's are more powerful then Bono's because they are rare. Still disturbing. Go back, get his full story.
— Hann23🌎 (@hann23) November 29, 2022

U2 should not tour without LMJ. No LMJ, no U2. If this is Guy O’Seary influencing others I wish Paul McG was back in play. U2’s legacy is tied up in U2 being LMJ, A, B +TE. It trashes the “one quarter of an artist concept that underpins bono speechifying on tour and ONE+book.
— pete vallelly (@PeteVallelly) November 29, 2022

Amid the worries, they celebrated U2's recent achievement after the band made it to the list of honorees at the Washington gala.

U2 joined Amy Grant and Cuban-born US composer Tania Leon at Washington's Kennedy Center on Sunday. The band scored the award after winning 22 Grammys and selling 170 album units worldwide.

The Irish rock band was formed in 1976 in Dublin, and it has since released hit albums since it debuted, including "Boy," "October," "War," "The Joshua Tree," "Rattle and Hum," "Zooropa," "Pop," "All That You Can't Leave Behind," "How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb," "Songs of Innocence," and "Songs of Experience."