Here’s the question everyone’s asking: Could this be the final U2 world tour? The iconic rock band has been crisscrossing the globe for the past three years, and just last May, they kicked off their eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour. This tour supports their latest studio album, Songs of Experience, released back in 2017. But as Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen, Jr., get older, it’s clear the rock 'n' roll lifestyle is starting to take its toll.
Life on the Road: Aging Rock Stars and the Physical Strain
In a candid interview with The Sunday Times magazine ahead of U2’s October concerts at the Manchester Arena and The O2 Arena, the band members opened up about the challenges of maintaining their physical health while performing at such an intense level. As it turns out, physiotherapy (or physical therapy) has become an essential part of their routine, helping them cope with the demands of playing music on stage night after night.
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Adam Clayton: Staying Fit for the Stage
Adam Clayton, the band’s 58-year-old bassist, explained his rigorous fitness routine to The Sunday Times. “I work out a lot. I run and do weight training in the morning, which helps keep me in shape,” he said. “But even with all that, carrying the bass during the show can still take a toll. There are certain occupational quirks that affect the body in ways you don’t expect.” Adam went on to describe how the physical demands of performing have changed as he’s gotten older. “It was a real wake-up call to realize that things you could do in your 20s and 30s become much harder in your 40s and 50s. For me, the biggest issues are the repetitive strain injuries that affect my hips, lower back, shoulders, and neck. You just get so tight that you can barely move or turn.”
But Adam isn’t the only one dealing with these challenges. Larry Mullen Jr., the band’s 56-year-old drummer, also relies on physical therapy to stay in top form. “Larry has to have physiotherapy for an hour before the show and another hour after,” Adam revealed. “He’s in pain, and his muscles need to function properly to keep up with the demands of the drumming.”
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Staying Healthy on Tour
So, how do they manage to stay healthy while touring? For starters, the band brings along their own physiotherapist to ensure they’re getting the care they need. They also travel with a personal chef to make sure they’re eating nutritious meals that fuel their bodies. But despite these precautions, Larry admitted that the band is ready for a break once the tour wraps up in November. “We’ll finish this tour and then take some time to decide what’s next,” Larry said. “Personally, I’d love to take a really long vacation. You never know what the future holds. I assume there will be another album, but honestly, I don’t think anyone needs another U2 record or tour anytime soon. Maybe it’s time for everyone to take a break—from us and from the fans.”
