# The Edge explains U2’s nine-year gap following last studio album in 2017: “We needed a bit of a break”

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/the-edge-explains-u2s-nine-year-gap-following-last-studio-album-in-2017-we-needed-a-bit-of-a-break/
- Published: 2026-11-11T12:12:57+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-11T12:22:10+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/the-edge-u2-gap-between-last-studio-album-2017-we-needed-break/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- The Edge says U2 needed time to pause and reassess.
- Mullen’s recovery from neck surgery contributed to the album gap.
- U2 added four dates to its 2027 European tour.

## Summary

U2 guitarist The Edge says the band’s long gap between studio albums gave them time to pause and reassess, while drummer Larry Mullen Jr recovered from major surgery. The explanation adds personal and practical context to the nine years since 2017’s *Songs of Experience*.

U2 also faced delays from the pandemic and remained active, including a Las Vegas Sphere residency and the 2023 rework collection *Songs of Surrender*. Mullen sat out the residency after neck surgery for drumming-related injuries; The Edge also described making the new album with producer Jacknife Lee as enjoyable. The band has added four dates to its planned 2027 European tour.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.