Lifetime Achievement, Larry Mullen Jr.

24 Jan 201755

Larry was in Los Angeles this weekend, honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Yamaha.

As well as getting behind the drums to join other musicians including Nathan East and Butch Walker on a set of U2 favourites - 'I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For’, 'Angel Of Harlem’, ‘Pride (In The Name of Love)’ and ‘Desire’ - Larry took to the microphone for a self-deprecating speech, paying tribute to his bandmates as well as his longtime partners at Yamaha.

“I’ve spent the best part of my career sitting down, looking at the backs of three other men’s heads! That vantage point gives me a unique insight into the minds of singers and guitar players since I don’t always get to read their faces. So can I begin by guessing what’s going through some heads right now. “ 

A few years ago, he said, the first thing that would have entered his mind on hearing Yamaha were giving him something was “YES, a free motorcycle!”

"Luckily for the tour insurers there is no bike!  I’m humbled to accept the Yamaha Lifetime  Achievement Award. Like you I’m wondering if there’s been a terrible mistake. It’s worth mentioning Yamaha’s impeccable eye for spotting and investing in young talent, but there is a large part of me that still thinks I was just the cheaper alternative to Phil Collins and Neil Pert!”

Larry underlined his great sense of gratitude to the team at Yamaha, in particular Chris Gero and John Whittmann. "Yamaha have been incredible partners over 35 years. Chris has made it his mission to make Yamaha endorsees partners - not workhorses. That’s a great feeling when you’re out there putting everything into your music: to know that someone respects the art and the process as much as you do.” 

Comments
55
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AmandaPanda
Congratulations!!
Such a well deserved honor for an incredible drummer.
Sing
I know I'm late
I know I'm late on the news, but I wanted to add my voice to say how much I admire Larry, as a drummer he inspires me a lot, these days I just can not stop playing the beginning of "a sort of homecoming" with my fingers on a table! Congratulation Larry!
kiveran
Humility is the mark of a great artist
Larry -- your humility does you credit, but you are a great drummer (I'm speaking as a bass player, here!). Your playing is the backbone and heartbeat of some of the greatest songs ever written. U2 wouldn't be U2 without your distinctive style!
aamehrez
Congratulations Larry!!!
Wow! What a blessing! Congratulations Larry! God knows that through all the hard work and sacrifices that you deserve  more than this award and acknowledgement. Wishing you many more great blessings your way! Stay true to God, stay true to your heart and stay true to your art! Xoxo see you in Pittsburgh! ;-)
nellykathrin
Congratulation Larry
Well deserved! Thank you so much to getting U2 together Greetings from Ojai/California
davejones72
The Glue of U2
Larry, As Bono has said in concert, you are the man "who got us our first job and has kept us in our first job". You are the glue that keeps U2 together and we have been very fortunate to have heard you drum for over three decades! You deserve this! Sincerely, David Jones (Texas)
scottydrums
Wonderfully recognised drum mastery
Congratulations to Larry for the 35 years with Yamaha and recognition of his passion and constant mastery of drums and percussion. You inspired the teen drummer in me. A photo of me playing with one of my musical heroes in New Orleans, George Porter Jnr of The Meters.
Lindaleehg
Congratulations Larry!
You are so worthy!! Congratulations to an uber-awesome drummer. Hear you soon in Seattle and Santa Clara.
Lucindatomchee
Awesome Larry
Talent such as yours is much respected. Your contributions to your band certainly guides the flow of concerts as you set the tempo. Congratulations for your reward. I am excited to see your talent in Pasedena, CA in mid-May.
SARDE
Vsard
Congratulations Larry you deserve every praise without you there would be no U2. Your style of drumming brings to the drumming world what the Edge brings to the guitar world. Keep up the great work.
dennyjnr
Congrats
Congrats fella, well deserved, look forward to seeing you at Twickenham
MarcinhaU2
Super Larry
Congratulation Larry...The best drummer
paulandrose
Inspirational!!! Congratulations Larry!!
Thank you Larry for inspiring me to take up the drums 35 years ago. Your style, groove, feel and most importantly ability to not overplay the song is such a joy to listen to. Wishing you many more years behind the kit reading the minds of those with their backs to you. YOU ARE A LEGEND. Paul in Brisbane. Australia.
brian_torri
You have an excellent sense of humor.
Congratulations, Larry. I admire and respect the abundant humor in your band. It seems to take good care of you in all the work you do.
CedarsofLebanon314
Sodeserving
CONGRATULATIONS! You are truly deserving of this and more! I work and work with my air drums, but my kids tell me that I need more practice! Haha! I dream of playing drums during Phil Collins 'In The Air Tonight' as well, but again, the air drums just don't cut it. When I watch you at the concerts, I feel confident with my rhythm as I am dancing to the beat your drumming! So amazing, Larry,.... SO AMAZING! Again, CONGRATULATIONS!
aldevsman
ALfromNJ
Congrats Larry! As a drummer myself I have been appreciating your talent for 30 years as a U2 fan. You have driven this band as its true rock n roll leader..hear and soul! See you at the Meadowlands in June 2017!
PaulMcShane
Larrys award
Great to finally see Larry being recognised individually by Yamaha,he is the sometimes taken for granted member of the best rock band in the world,I look forward to seeing him and the rest of the"Boys "play at Croke Park this July only regret is there's no second date in Ireland.Adh mor oraibh.
sarahlouisecastree
The Best!
Very well deserved and well overdue. My lifelong dream is to sit opposite Larry Mullen jr and say "thank you, thank you, thank you" for U2 and the music I love the best. Can't wait for the shows (both shows in Rome and the Dublin gig! Woopee!) Warmest, Sarah xxxxxxxxx
SeanNY
Well deserving!
Congratulation Larry, you have provided the heartbeat of nearly 40 years of inspiring music! Sláinte
JohnB7777
fully appreciated
i think the band, all of us, have always fully appreciated your excellence.....
myheartstruth
Congratulatons
Always taking a compliment with Grace! Well deserved, well earned! See you in a few months Gentlemen!!! We're all waiting for you! Courtney
bigchiefu2
BRIAN DEVENNEY CLYDEBANK GLASGOW 12A K
WELL DONE LARRY BOY..... I HAVE TRIED TO COPY URE STYLE ALL MY DAYS AND IM STILL MILES OFF... BUT I WILL GET THERE ONE DAY X X X X P.S. WHATS THE CHANCE OF GETTING A PAIR OF URE PROMARK 5As TO USE....... MY UTUBE IS BRIANDEVENNEY AND I GOT 5 STARS FOR WITH OR WITHOUT YOU WHEN THE OFFICIAL VIDEO ONLY GOT 4 X X X X
Luis68
It's all about the drums
Great speech you are very humble Larry.. Wow 35 years hitting those Yamaha drums
cynthia197908
Congrats!
And yes mr. Bono...., It is still about DRUMS!!!
n2nature
So Great
Congratulations on all of your achievements and especially for being our true beloved rock band with so much heart and soul and endless amazing gifts cherished by all the world. Much Love!
lucvanhout
CONGRATULATIONS LARRY
It's great to see that my best drummer get's the Yamaha Lifetime Achievement Award.
Shazabelle
Congrats to the best drummer
What took them so long in giving Larry this award. In my opinion he is the best drummer out there and I've been saying that for the past 30 years, so why has it taken them so long to give him this award? So once again congratulations on receiving this award you totally 100% deserve it.
LindaSusan
LindaSusan
Awesome! You deserve it for sure! You are the heartbeat of the band!
Fabie
You're the best!
You are a source of inspiration for youngsters dreaming of a band of their own, like my son. But he's not (yet) on Yamaha
TOM2U
TOM2U2
Regards Great
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