Legendary rock band U2 pulls plug on concert as Bono appears 'visibly distressed'

Fans were shocked an dismayed when after only a few songs into a much-anticipated concert, U2 front man Bono abruptly stopped singing in the middle of the song Red Flag Day and complained of losing his voice.

The packed stadium was expecting a full playlist of U2 favourites from the enduring band who had only performed the night before and had heavily promoted the European leg of the tour.

The iconic Irish rock band had successfully performed the night before in Berlin at the Mercedes-Benz Arena and without warning, Bono found himself unable to find his singing voice.

The rock band was playing a packed concert in Berlin when Bono stopped, having appeared to have lost his voice. He was described by one fan as being "visibly distressed."

Well that’s a first. Bono has had to stop in Berlin - lost his voice and visibly distressed. pic.twitter.com/U889GIuYc7

— Fergal Quinn (@fergalpquinn) September 1, 2018

According to one audience member it appeared that Bono had been afflicted after inhaling atmospheric "stage smoke."

Bono thought it might have been from the stage smoke - inhaled it wrong. He said he's not sure what to do, tried to sing BD - he fought through it, then called for a 10 minute break to have it looked at backstage, promising the band will play another show in Berlin #U2eiTour

— atu2 (@atu2) September 1, 2018

At first the show was paused as the band left the stage hoping to recover. The audience waited to see if the band would resume the concert after taking a break of about 15 minutes.

But management announced that the show would have to be cancelled.

BREAKING: The management just announced: The concert of @u2 in #Berlin will be stopped permanently for tonight. #U2eiTour #u2berlin2

— Edwin Poot (@EdwinPoot) September 1, 2018

Fans were clearly disappointed but were understanding about the decision.

Some fans even had some social media fun with the performance mishap.

Best alternative show idea should it continue? #u2eitour

— U2start.com (@U2start) September 1, 2018

Before leaving the stage the band promised they would do another show in Berlin to make up for tonight's scrapped concert.

The Berlin concert was part of U2's Experience & Innocence 2018 tour.