American chat-show host Jimmy Fallon stepped up to the plate this week after U2 had to cancel their appearance on the Tonight Show.
The Irish rockers were due to make the first appearance of their week-long stay, but were forced to postpone after Bono suffered an injury to his hand while cycling in New York’s Central Park.
Fallon explained to his audience that U2 would not be able to perform because of Bono’s injury. He went on to send his best wishes to the Dubliner in making a speedy recovery before admitting that despite the disappointment, the “show must go on”.
Fallon then introduced the show’s resident band, The Roots, as the “best band in the world” and said that despite Bono not being there, his costume was. Fallon put on the flat cap and sunglasses that Bono was due to wear and stepped up to the stage.
Far from being daunted at trying to fill the shoes of a rock legend like Bono, Fallon put on a great performance as he performed U2’s 1988 hit Desire.
Fortunately the audience, Fallon has experience of impersonating famous musicians. In the early stages of his career, he did several parodies of iconic rock stars, with a Bono impression being part of his repertoire.
U2 posted their apologies on their official website saying: “It looks like we will have to do our Tonight Show residency another time – we’re one man down. Bono has injured his arm in a cycling spill in Central Park and requires some surgery to repair it. We’re sure he’ll make a full recovery soon, so we’ll be back!
“Much thanks to Jimmy Fallon and everyone at the show for their understanding.”
Watch Fallon and The Roots filling in for U2 below.