U2 HAS told its fans, “We’re coming back.” In a video posted on the U2.com website, the band declared it was 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 injured his back during rehearsals. The tour has been rescheduled for spring/summer 2011, and will open in Denver, Colorado on May 21st, 2011.
The band’s 2010 European dates, 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. 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.
It has been estimated that the cancelled dates could cost U2 up to $150 million (€118 million).
