The Night Larry Mullen Jr. Left A Drumstick At The Site Of A War Memorial In Bosnia

April 1, 2025

It was a chilly evening in Bosnia, where the remnants of a war still lingered in the air, hanging heavy like fog. Larry Mullen Jr., the drummer of the legendary rock band U2, found himself standing before a war memorial, a somber reminder of the lives lost and the scars that remained on the land and its people. The sun had set, casting a golden hue across the memorial, and as Larry stared at the polished stone, he felt a profound connection to the stories of bravery and sacrifice etched into its surface. It was a moment that would remain etched in his heart forever.

As part of U2’s legendary “Zoo TV Tour,” the band had traveled to Bosnia to play for a crowd that had seen too much suffering. They wanted to bring a message of hope and healing through their music. Larry could feel the weight of history around him, and it filled him with a mix of sorrow and determination. The thought that his music could help heal the wounds of a war-torn country inspired him deeply. He wanted to leave a piece of himself behind, a small token to show respect for the resilience of the people who lived through such hardship.

In a spontaneous gesture, he pulled out one of his beloved drumsticks, a tool that had helped him craft countless rhythms and beats, and walked up to the memorial. The stick had traveled with him through many concerts, felt the vibrations of thousands of cheering fans, and now it was about to become a symbol of something much greater. With a deep breath, he placed the drumstick gently at the base of the monument. It was not just a stick; it was a message—a reminder that music can bridge divides and bring people together, even in the darkest times.

As he stepped back, Larry felt a wave of emotions wash over him. The act of leaving the drumstick was not just about honoring those who had suffered; it was also a moment of personal reflection. He thought about his own journey in the music industry, the challenges they had faced as a band, and the power of their songs to inspire change. This tribute served as a reminder of why he had picked up the drums in the first place—to create a sound that resonated with others, that could lift spirits and forge connections.

The following days of the tour were electrifying. The band played to audiences filled with both joy and pain, and each performance felt more powerful than the last. Larry’s heart swelled every time he glanced toward the crowd, where faces filled with hope danced to the music they had created. It became clear to him that anyone could overcome adversity, and he was reminded of the resilience of the human spirit.

Years later, Larry would often reflect on that chilly night in Bosnia, and the drumstick left at the memorial. It had become a symbol of strength and hope—not just for him, but for anyone who had ever faced challenges in their lives. It served as a reminder that music has the power to heal, to connect, and to inspire. Even in the face of despair, there lies tremendous strength in art, and Larry Mullen Jr. became a living testament to how passion and resilience can create a brighter world.