U2 frontman Bono has revealed that his recent health scare was a “brush with mortality” in which he “nearly ceased to be”.
Bono’s health scare was said to be a large inspiration behind their recent album ‘Songs Of Experience‘, and was described as a “major moment” the record’s sleeve notes.
“I was on the receiving end of a shock to the system,” he wrote. “A shock that left me clinging on to my own life. It was an arresting experience. I won’t dwell in it or on it. I don’t want to name it.”
Now in an interview with The Sunday Times, Bono was described how he nearly “nearly ceased to be.”
“It was pretty serious,” he said. I’m alright now, but I very nearly wasn’t. I’ve had a lot of warnings. A fair few punches over the last years” – referring to his 2015 bike crash as another “brush with mortality“.
He continued: “There were some serious whispers in the ear that maybe I should have taken notice of. The Edge says I look at my body as an inconvenience, and I do. I really love being alive and I’m quite good at being alive, meaning I like to get the best out of any day. It was the first time I put my shoulder to the door and it didn’t open.
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“I feel God whispered to me, ‘Next time, try knocking at the door, or just try the handle. Don’t use your shoulder because you’ll break it.’”
This comes after Bono recently provided fans with an updated after suffering a “complete loss of voice“.
“I’ve seen a great doctor and with his care I’ll be back to full voice for the rest of the tour,” Bono said in a statement. “So happy and relieved that anything serious has been ruled out.”
Confirming the show’s rescheduling, he added: “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 13.”
U2 tour dates and tickets
U2 are set to return to the road for their recent album ‘Songs Of Experience‘. Their upcoming UK tour dates are below, with tickets available here.
October 19 – Manchester, Manchester Arena
October 23 – London, The O2