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Bono 'visibly distressed' after losing voice at U2 concert in Berlin

U2 said they were seeking medical advice for the singer after he was forced to stop halfway through the show

Roisin O'Connor
Music Correspondent
Sunday 02 September 2018 04:21 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 were forced to cancel their show in Berlin after Bono lost his voice.

The Irish rock band had played a few songs at the Mercedes-Benz Arena 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.

In a video posted by a fan of the Saturday night concert, Bono appeared to be coughing and told fans he was “so sorry”.

“I'm sure this is not a big, big problem - but I'm going to have to do something.” he said. “If people want to go home, that's fine - we'll play another show for you another time.”

Divergent star Ashley Judd was at the concert and said “the crowd so felt for him” as he was “powerless and vulnerable”.

“The crowd so felt for him as he with surrender [sic] was obviously powerless and vulnerable,” she tweeted. “He’s real and he’s human too, like we all are.”

It is not yet known when the band will reschedule the concert.

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