Rock supergroup U2 were back on stage on Friday in Turin, Italy for the first time in two months following the back injury sustained by frontman Bono, which forced the band to postpone their world tour and a scheduled appearance at the Glastonbury festival.
Bono and co played to a sold-out crowd at Turin’s Olympic stadium, with the rehabilitated frontman thanking the audience for their support over the past few months. “This band is like a family,” he said. “It’s a family business, U2. I am the prodigal son. I would like to thank my brothers for their patience.”
The band’s manager, Paul McGuinness, told Reuters Bono has been training hard to return to the live scene after having surgery in May, and that the band have recorded new material in the down time, a selection of which was aired at the show. “That’s a process that goes on all the time,” he explained of the new recordings. “The doctors are very confident. They certified him fit to perform. It’s really a very short time for a spinal injury.”
McGuinness also predicted that the resumed world tour will go on to be the biggest grossing of all time. “This tour by the end of this year will be the biggest grossing music tour by anyone of all time,” he said. “And we will still have another 30 shows next year, 20-30 shows next year.”
U2 could be set to headline the 2011 Glastonbury festival, after organiser Michael Eavis revealed he has offered them a spot next year.