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Bono issues statement after cancelling concert midway through after losing his voice

'My relief is tempered by the knowledge that the Berlin audience were so inconvenienced'

Clarisse Loughrey
Monday 03 September 2018 06:08 EDT
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Bono performs at U2 concert in Berlin, shortly before cutting set short as he lost his voice

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U2 frontman Bono has issued a statement after cutting a concert short in Berlin.

The musician suffered a "complete loss of voice" during U2's Saturday night concert and the show was forced to end early.

Writing on the band's official website, Bono told fans in a post titled "Back on Song, Back to Berlin": "I've seen a great doctor and with his care I'll be back to full voice for the rest of the tour."

He added: "So happy and relieved that anything serious has been ruled out. My relief is tempered by the knowledge that the Berlin audience were so inconvenienced.

"There was an amazing atmosphere in the house, it was going to be one of those unforgettable nights but not for this reason... We can't wait to get back there on November 13th."

Bono added a sketch and a handwritten note to his statement, the latter reading: "PS To the ones who sang Red Flag Day for me last night, thanks, those are some high notes in that one... as always, 'you take us higher'."


The Irish rock band had played a few songs at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin when their singer stopped and apologised to the audience. “I think we can't go on,” he said. “It's not right for you.”

Fans were told there would be a short pause, but it was later announced that the show was over. Some suggested Bono’s voice was affected by the smoke machines, the BBC reports.

U2 fan Paul Jones said: “During the fourth song, Red Flag Day, Bono's voice deteriorated massively - he said it was something to do with the smoke that was set off.”


“Bono was in great form and great voice prior to the show and we were all looking forward to the second night in Berlin, but after a few songs, he suffered a complete loss of voice, ” U2 said in a statement.

“We don't know what has happened and we're taking medical advice,” the band added. “So sorry.”

U2’s show was the second night of the European leg of their Experience + Innocence tour, which had kicked off at the same venue on Friday night.


The concert has been rescheduled for 13 November.

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