The inevitable has now been confirmed. Following Bono's emergency back surgery on Friday, U2 have been forced to cancel 16 dates on their upcoming US tour, as well as their anticipated Glastonbury set.
Bono has now been released from Ludwig Maximilians-University (LMU) Hospital in Munich where he was admitted for surgery. However, he has been advised by his doctor to rest for no less than eight weeks to allow the injury to heal.
Professor Tonn, who carried out the operation, stated "Bono was referred to me by Dr Muller Wohlfahrt late last week with a sudden onset disease. He was already in severe pain with partial paralysis in the lower leg. The ligament surrounding the disc had an 8mm tear and during surgery we discovered fragments of the disc had traveled into the spinal canal. This surgery was the only course of treatment for full recovery and to avoid further paralysis. Bono is now much better, with complete recovery of his motor deficit. The prognosis is excellent but to obtain a sustainable result, he must now enter a period of rehabilitation".
Meanwhile, U2's manager Paul McGuinness said, "Our biggest and I believe best tour has been interrupted and we’re all devastated. For a performer who lives to be on stage, this is more than a blow. He feels robbed of the chance to do what he does best and feels like he has badly let down the band and their audience. Which is of course nonsense. His concerns about more than a million ticket buyers whose plans have been turned upside down, we all share, but the most important thing right now is that Bono make a full recovery. We’re working as fast as we can with Live Nation to reschedule these dates. "
Coldplay had been rumoured to take U2's place at Glastonbury, but it turns out the headlining slot will be filled by Gorillaz.
