Bono: 'I May Never Play Guitar Again'

99Rock Music News:  Bono: 'I May Never Be Able To Play Guitar Again' 



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The U2 frontman has posted a long letter to fans on the band’s official site, speaking at length about the events of 2014 and what lies ahead in 2015. Writing about his serious bike accident in November, Bono reveals, “I broke my hand, my shoulder, my elbow and my face but the real injury this year was to my Irish pride as it was discovered that under my tracksuit I was wearing yellow and black Lycra cycling shorts. Yes, LYCRA. This is not very rock ‘n’ roll.”

 

He continues, “Recovery has been more difficult than I thought… As I write this, it is not clear that I will ever play guitar again. The band have reminded me that neither they nor Western civilization are depending on this.” Bono goes on to say, “I personally would very much miss fingering the frets of my green Irish falcon or my (RED) Gretsch. Just for the pleasure, aside from writing tunes. But then does the Edge, or Jimmy Page, or any guitarist you know have a titanium elbow, as I do now? I’m all elbows, I am.”

 

Regarding his recovery, Bono explains that this letter will be all he says publicly before U2 launches a world tour later this year. “The consequences of this freak accident are significant enough that I will have to concentrate hard to be ready for the U2 tour in fitness terms,” says the singer. “As a result I have cancelled every public appearance and decided this missive is all the communication I can manage for the first half of 2015, beyond muttering and singing to myself of course.”

 

Bono also goes in depth on his recent revelation that he’s struggled with glaucoma for decades, an admission he made on “The Graham Norton Show” to the host’s surprise last year. “I think it shocked him a little bit… it certainly surprised the band that I’d gone public, but maybe it is time to be honest about such things,” he says in his letter. “I remember I had the nickname old red eyes. I remember the agony of flashbulb staying permanently in my vision for the rest of the day after I’d been photographed.”

 

He continues, “I had many eye checks over the years but one of the sly things about this ‘silent thief’ is that you can have 20/20 vision straight ahead for some years even after your peripheral vision goes… If it’s not treated, blindness results. I think anyone who reaches 40 should have their eyes properly checked.” 

Courtesy news.iheart.com