U2 360 Tour U.S. Dates Rescheduled: Bono is Back!

U2 have announced via their official website www.u2.com that they are headed back on tour.

Following a back injury that occured on May 11, 2010, Bono was forced to undergo emergency back surgery in Germany. The website broke the news about the injury on May 21, 2010. The injury was sustained during preparation for the 2010 European leg of the 360 Tour and resulted in temporary paralysis. The operation was successful and Bono adhered to a rigorous eight week recovery therapy regime to make sure that success was more permanent. It was a difficult time for the mega rock star, his loyal family, and for the band. On May 25, 2010, U2's management announced the postponement of the 2010 U.S. leg of the tour as a result. Guitarist The Edge also posted a video apology to the fans and an update on Bono's status.

On July 13, 2010, the website announced that U2 are going back on tour and they have found a singer- Bono is back. The band also posted a video message for the fans, one that showed them in a studio recording new songs with Bono sitting, walking, laughing, and talking like his old self. Well, a slightly subdued, more serious version of himself- probably closer to the version of himself that debates with politicians. Their message can be summed up in the words: "Thanks for standing by us and giving us this job."

Fortunately, the timing of Bono's recovery means that none of the European dates will be effected by the injury. They will be played as planned, and indeed the band are eager to, as U2 manager Paul McGuinness said, "get back to where they belong, surrounded by their audience."

The full schedule of the rescheduled U.S. dates can be found at the website. McGuinness commented regarding the rescheduling effort: "We're delighted the dates are rescheduled and in all the same venues we originally planned to play. It hasn't been easy to accomplish this and I'd like to thank the managers of the many venues and sports teams across North America and Live Nation Global Touring for their help and cooperation in making this complex new plan possible. Above all we want to thank the U2 fans for bearing with us."

Tickets for the previously scheduled performances will be honored at the door. Fans who have not yet purchased tickets for the U.S. leg may get them for the rescheduled dates at www.livenation.com and all usual outlets. Refunds are available at point of purchase if required. The website also indicates that additional dates to the 2011 U.S. leg of the 360 Tour will be confirmed later.

Resources:

U2.com, "North American Tour: 2011 Rescheduled Dates" http://www.u2.com/news/title/north-american-tour-2011-rescheduled-dates, July 13, 2010, U2.com.

U2.com, "'We're Coming Back...'" http://www.u2.com/news/title/were-coming-back, July 13, 2010, U2.com.