U2 perform together for first time since frontman Bono's horrific bike accident four months ago... as they pay tribute to Irish DJ Tony Fenton at his funeral
Bono performed on Monday for the first time since a serious bike accident in November left him uncertain if he will ever play guitar again.
The 54-year-old musician was joined by his U2 bandmates as they paid tribute to beloved Irish DJ Tony Fenton, who passed away on March 11 after a long-running battle with prostate cancer.
Wearing a protective bandage on his arm, which he broke in six places, Bono sang Ordinary Love from the altar of the Church of the Sacred Heart in Donnybrook, Dublin with his bandmates, The Edge, Larry Mullen and Adam Clayton.
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![Paying their respects: [L-R] Larry Mullen, Ali Hewson, Bono, The Edge and Adam Clayton attended the funeral of beloved Irish DJ Tony Fenton in Dublin on Monday where U2 performed](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/03/16/26B40C8F00000578-2997869-image-m-13_1426543292960.jpg)
Paying their respects: [L-R] Larry Mullen, Ali Hewson, Bono, The Edge and Adam Clayton attended the funeral of beloved Irish DJ Tony Fenton in Dublin on Monday where U2 performed
Protected: Bono's injured arm was covered in a protective sheath
Fenton was a supporter of U2 from their early days and he had specifically chosen all the music for his own funeral, including the band's Oscar-nominated song from the film Mandela.
After the band finished to huge applause, celebrant Fr Kealy quipped: 'Tony would have given you the nod of respect,' according to the Irish Independent.
And the Irish Times reported that Fenton's fellow Today FM broadcaster Mario Rosenstock said in his speech: 'I don't think anybody else in the world could have organised the biggest band in the world to play at his funeral.'
Bono was accompanied by his wife Ali Hewson, 53, at the service.
The U2 frontman required hours of surgery for fractures to his face and shoulder blade and to have metal plates inserted in his arm after a cycling accident in New York's Central Park, according to Rolling Stone magazine.
Solemn: Bono and Ali held hands as they arrived at Fenton's funeral mass. The DJ had been a huge supporter of U2 from their early days
He was trying to avoid another cyclist on Sunday when the accident occurred, forcing cancellation of the group's weeklong appearance on NBC's The Tonight Show.
'Bono was rushed to New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center's Emergency Department and underwent 'multiple X-rays and CAT scans' followed by hours of surgery,' the magazine said.
Fulfilling his wishes: Fenton prepared the list of music he wanted for his funeral, including having his friends U2 sing Ordinary Love
It reported that the bone in the upper arm shattered in six places and tore through the skin, requiring three metal plates and 18 screws to repair the injury.
He later underwent more surgery on his fractured left pinky.
In an exhaustive A-Z summary of 2014, Bono wrote on his band U2's website that the injuries he sustained in November - including multiple fractures and breaking his arm in six places - threaten his musical future.
First time: Bono performed on Monday for the first time since a serious bike accident in November left him uncertain if he will ever play guitar again
Busy time ahead: The band, including their injured frontman, are preparing to hit the road on their Songs of Innocence world tour in May
Under a section entitled I For Irish Pride, Bono - who explained his 'humerus bone was left sticking out through his leather jacket' - wrote: 'Recovery has been more difficult than I thought... As I write this, it is not clear that I will ever play guitar again.
'The band have reminded me that neither they nor Western civilization are depending on this.
'I personally would very much miss fingering the frets of my green Irish falcon or my (RED) Gretsch. Just for the pleasure, aside from writing tunes. But then does the Edge, or Jimmy Page, or any guitarist you know have a titanium elbow, as I do now? I'm all elbows, I am.'
Tragic: Fenton, one of Ireland's best loved broadcasters, passed away on March 11 after a long battle with prostate cancer
Mark of respect: At 2.30pm on Monday March 16th, radio stations across Ireland came together to play one of Tony's favourite tracks – I Say A Little Prayer by Artetha Franklin
Champion: Tony championed U2 from their early days and remained friendly with the band, conducting his final interview with Bono in the U2 frontman’s Killiney home just recently
The band also brought a wreath as the paid tribute to their friend
And wife Ali told the Irish Independent that Bono is looking forward to getting back on stage in May for the band's Songs of Innocence world tour.
'He's doing great, he really is,' she said. 'He's got another six weeks left until the first date in May, so he's very excited - he'll be ready.
'Everyone's looking forward to it and we're glad that's all behind us.'
Meanwhile, Tony's funeral was attended by some of the biggest names in entertainment, showing his influence over the course of 35-year career.
Singer Andrea Corr, comedian Mario Rosenstock, DJs Ian Dempsey, Dave Fanning, Larry Gogan, Ray Foley and Jenny Greene and singer Dickie Rock were all present.
President Michael D Higgins was represented by his aide de campe, Lieutenant Patricia Butler.
Tony's partner Sinead Lynch was accompanied by his siblings Paul, Ann, Colm and Kevin.
In a moving tribute to the repected DJ, at 2.30pm on Monday, radio stations across Ireland came together to simultaneously play one of Tony's favourite tracks – I Say A Little Prayer by Artetha Franklin.
Tribute: Wearing a protective bandage on his arm, which he broke in six places, Bono sang Ordinary Love from the altar of the Church of the Sacred Heart in Donnybrook, Dublin, with his bandmates
Some moments of humour: After the band finished to huge applause, celebrant Fr Kealy quipped: 'Tony would have given you the nod of respect'
Who's who of Irish entertainers: Andrea Corr of The Corrs also attended alongside Bono and his U2 bandmates including Larry Mullen
Emotional: Andrew shared a hug with another mourner as they said a sad farewell to the DJ
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