Consequence iconConsequenceSep 28, 2026 ~2 min source read

U2 Have Begun Rehearsals and Are Planning a Stadium Tour

Rolling Stone reports U2 recently started rehearsing for an unannounced stadium tour — their first since 2019 — with drummer Larry Mullen Jr. planning to take part and discussions underway about how much new material to include.

U2 Plotting New Stadium Tour

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Useful takeaways from this story.

U2 have started rehearsals for a stadium tour, their first since The Joshua Tree Tour in 2019.

Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. intends to rejoin the band after neck surgery, even if he plays for reduced stretches.

Bono has proposed playing smaller venues adjacent to stadium dates to feature more new songs.

# What we know so far Rolling Stone published a cover story that says U2 have begun rehearsals for a new stadium tour. This would be the group's first full tour effort since The Joshua Tree Tour in 2019. The band has not yet announced dates or a formal itinerary.

Drummer Larry Mullen Jr. missed the Las Vegas Sphere residency after undergoing surgery for a congenital fusion in a facet joint in his neck. According to the report, he intends to rejoin the band for the upcoming tour. He told Rolling Stone that even if he can't play for a full two-and-a-half-hour set, being able to play for shorter stretches would be enough for him.

# How the band is approaching the setlist

# What's still unknown No official tour announcement has been made. Dates, markets, routing, ticketing and how the smaller-venue plan would be scheduled relative to the stadium dates are all unconfirmed. The band has begun rehearsals, but final decisions on format and setlist composition are still being worked out.

# Why this matters to fans and buyers Fans can take away a few practical points: U2 are active and preparing for a major outing, the drummer who missed recent commitments plans to participate, and there may be two different live experiences — stadium shows and smaller, more music-forward sets. All of this affects how and when tickets could go on sale, and what kind of show to expect if you plan to attend.

# Immediate next steps to watch for

  • Confirmed dates and markets.
  • Ticket on-sale information and any pre-sale opportunities tied to fan clubs or album purchases.
  • Clarification on whether the band will schedule smaller shows before, between, or after stadium dates.

# Bottom line U2 are rehearsing for a stadium tour and are actively planning how to balance hits with new material. Larry Mullen Jr. plans to take part despite recent surgery. Expect a formal announcement with dates and ticket details in the coming weeks or months as the band finalizes plans.

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