U2's Larry Mullen Jr. Reveals Dyscalculia Diagnosis, Which He Says Makes Counting Feel 'Like Climbing Everest'

12/13/2024 08:06 AM

The learning disability, a version of dyslexia, makes it difficult to understand numbers and do math

Larry Mullen Jr. has always found it difficult to comprehend arithmetic, and now he knows why.

After years of struggling with numeracy skills such as adding and counting, the U2 drummer, 63, has been diagnosed with Dyscalculia, a learning disability that makes it difficult to understand numbers and do math.

The musician revealed his diagnosis for the first time in an interview with Times Radio published Thursday, Dec. 12.

"I've always known that there's something not particularly right with the way that I deal with numbers. I'm numerically challenged," he said. "And I realized recently that I have dyscalculia, which is a sub-version of dyslexia. So I can't count [and] I can't add."

In fact, the condition is a reason behind the faces he often makes while he is behind his drum set.

"When people watch me play sometimes, they say, 'you look pained,' " Mullen told the outlet. "I am pained because I'm trying to count the bars. I had to find ways of doing this — and counting bars is like climbing Everest."

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Dyscalculia is a learning difficulty that affects three to seven percent of adults and children, according to a study cited by Healthline. People who have dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, or anxiety are more likely to receive a Dyscalculia diagnosis, doctors say.

Several other acclaimed musicians have spoken candidly about being diagnosed with Dyscalculia.

Cher struggled throughout school, while Robbie Williams previously revealed on Instagram that he can't read phone numbers unless they're spaced out.

Murder on the Dance Floor signer Sophie Ellis-Bextor has two sons with the learning difficulty, and serves as an ambassador to the UK's Dyscalculia Network.

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According to the Cleveland Clinic, the cause of dyscalculia is unknown, but there is evidence to suggest it may run in families. 

Mullen's own son, one of three children he shares with his wife Ann Acheson, has dyslexia. It's one of the reasons the drummer produced and wrote music for the new documentary Left Behind, which follows five mothers working toward establishing the first state school in New York City for children with dyslexia.

"Making the music through the eyes of my dyslexic son felt personal and visceral," he said during the film's premiere at the Woodstock Film Festival in October.

Mullen is one of the founding members of U2, alongside singer Bono, guitarist The Edge, and bassist Adam Clayton. The bandmates were all at school in Dublin at the time, and within four years had signed a record deal and released their 1980 debut album.

Left Behind opens in select theaters Jan. 17, 2025.