Showbiz is default-conditioned to the badges of glitz and glamour, but folks with their finger on the pulse know it is not without its unflashy and unfancy moments. There is a unanimous consensus that the digital age is a major contributor to the diminishing gap between the world of extraordinary and ordinary, and few are aware of the many silent players. Two constants remain, regardless of the spotlight’s disparate glare—emotional sincerity and medical impartiality. Unfortunately, U2’s Larry Mullen Jr. recently received a diagnosis that shines a light on a lesser-known condition: dyscalculia disorder.
For those not in the know, here is everything about Mullen’s clinical disorder.
A deep dive into Larry Mullen Jr.’s dyscalculia disorder
U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jr. recently conversed with The Sunday Times and opened up
about his medical condition, dyscalculia, a form of learning dyslexia that impacts a person’s ability to calculate. The disorder primarily disrupts brain areas that handle math and number-based intel
. While the symptoms generally start appearing early on, especially in childhood, adults may carry the condition unknowingly without proper diagnosis. However, another designated form of dyscalculia tends to strike later in life.
‘Larry Mullen Jr. Come on!’ #U2TheJoshuaTree2017 pic.twitter.com/hGHeNYsRj1
— U2 (@U2) June 24, 2017
In his conversation with the outlet, Mullen admitted he was always aware of lagging while dealing with numbers, though he could not pinpoint it. Calling himself “numerically challenged,”
the drummer informed about his official diagnosis, confirming his fears. Mullen reportedly cannot count or add. Having co-founded U2 in 1976 with Bono, The Edge, and Adam Clayton, Mullen confessed that his learning disability has had continued ripple effects.
In fact, Larry Mullen Jr. painted a picture of difficulty for the listeners while he elaborated on dyscalculia’s after-effects on his artistry.
Larry Mullen Jr. sheds light on dyscalculia’s impact on his career
Dyslexia is a medical condition that has shown no mercy on stars far and wide
. During his chat with The Sunday Times, U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jr. admitted dyscalculia has long affected him, but only recently, he found the roots of the challenges. Speaking about the health issue’s impact on his form of art, Mullen likened “counting bars”
to “climbing Everest.”
He recalled some shows where the audience felt he looked “pained
.”
🔱🪬🧿 A beautiful #AMPAS and industry event to put a spotlight on the film #LEFTBEHIND hosted by the @U2 confounder Larry Mullen Jr. who shared how this story of #dyslexia in children is so personal to him. 🎬🏆 #filmcritic #tastemaker #cultureshaper #broadcaster #awardsseason pic.twitter.com/Uj6blVQKEb
— Ashanti Omkar Film, TV, Culture Broadcaster & HOST (@AshantiOmkar) November 30, 2024
Although Mullen looks resolute, he knows how to turn his hurt into a craft. He, alongside his son, who is also reportedly dyslexic, appears in an upcoming documentary Left Behind
. It follows the lives of five mothers on a mission to establish the first public school for children diagnosed with dyslexia in New York. While the journey is slippery and steep without a doubt, Mullen appears unshakeable in his quest for Everest.
Did you know about Larry Mullen Jr.’s medical condition? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
