Thanks to U2Rob for getting one of the best photos yet of the “space-aged technology” that is currently found on the right arm of Larry Mullen. As Matt pointed out in this week’s OTR column, it has been quite noticeable that Larry’s taking one for the team and playing through whatever pain he’s in so that the show can go on. It’s not like this is anything new for Larry, though. He has been suffering from tendonitis since the early 80s, seeing the same specialist that Max Weinberg has seen. Larry uses ergonomic drumsticks, which is partially why it’s rare when he gives those out to members of the audience because they’re specially designed for him.

As the tour has progressed, the setlist’s transformation has made me stop and think - has the encore change to more acoustic, less drum-heavy songs been to help alleviate the amount of drumming Larry needs to do? The “softer-side” of the set has changed the mood completely of the show, and fans are debating if it’s a good change or not. Regardless of what the fans might think, the health of Larry takes priority and for that, the band needs to do whatever they can.

It was quite a surprise during the 10/4 Boston show when the band was getting ready for Original of the Species when Larry broke into 40 - a song not on the setlist, not on Bono’s monitor, and a song that the techs were not prepared for…let alone Bono, Edge and Adam. After the other three band members saw Larry’s signal from behind the drumkit, they all took their usual stage places for 40. Needless to say, there was some scurrying around the soundboard and lighting desk with that change too.

For more of U2Rob’s photos: http://flickr.com/photos/thephillyfly/51120203/in/set-1112067/