Legendary rock band U2 was forced to cut short its show in Berlin Saturday night, after frontman Bono suffered a “complete loss of voice.”
After performing a few songs, Bono attempted to sing the band’s 2000 hit “Beautiful Day,” but was unable to go on.
“This is like being in a giant cigar,” he told the crowd, referring to smoke in the venue. “I’ve lost my voice and I don’t know what to do. I was singing like a bird about 10 minutes ago.”
The three remaining bandmates, Larry Mullen, Adam Clayton and The Edge, later released a statement and apology to fans on U2’s website.
“We’re so sorry for tonight’s cancellation. 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.
“We don’t know what has happened and we’re taking medical advice. As always, we appreciate our audience’s understanding and all our fans’ support in Berlin and those who travelled from afar”
Later, Bono said in a statement: "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 13."
U2 is currently performing their Experience + Innocence tour across Europe into the fall, before making their way to North America in the spring, with stops at Montréal's Bell Centre scheduled for June 5 and 6.