“We’re coming back,” U2 have told their fans.
In a video posted on the U2.com website, the band declared that they were ready to return to the stage following Bono’s surgery for a serious back injury last May.
“I can sit, I can stand, I can move around a bit, feeling strong, feeling confident,” said Bono. “And I’m ready, rebuilt by German engineering, better design, I’m told, and I’m going to be fighting fit next summer in the US. Looking forward to this summer in Europe.”
The band had to cancel an entire North American and Canadian leg of their 360° Tour, due to have started on June 3rd, after Bono (50) injured his back during rehearsals in Munich.
The tour has been rescheduled for next year, and will open in Denver, Colorado on May 21st.
The band’s 2010 European dates, which is due to begin in Turin on August 6th, will go ahead as scheduled.
In the video, Bono also apologised to fans “for the trouble this injury has put you all through, those of you who bought tickets, and y’know, organised hotels and travel plans.
“It’s a very big deal,” he said. “People go to a lot of trouble to get U2 tickets and we don’t take it for granted. Thank you for standing by us in our hour of need.”
While recuperating from surgery, Bono used his “forced indolence” to work on new songs for U2, which the band may perform onstage.
In a separate statement, U2’s manager Paul McGuinness said they were delighted the dates had been rescheduled, in the same venues they had originally planned to play. “The band wants to get back to where they belong, surrounded by their audience.”
It has been estimated that the cancelled dates could cost U2 up to $150 million ( €118 million).
Their 2009 tour grossed more than $300m (€236m), making it the highest grossing tour of 2009.
