Bono says U2 taking a break

After the biggest tour in their career, with record-breaking attendance of more than 7 million and grossing more than $700 million, Irish quartet U2 has decided to take a very well-deserved break from the spotlight, reports Gibson.

After 110 shows over 23 months around the world for the U2 360° Tour, the four musicians, ages 49 to 51, needed a break, according to a media interview given by Bono during an evening gala for GQ Men of the Year Awards.

“They say every tour is ten days too long. Not with this one. We genuinely loved every single night and at the end we were so sad.”

Despite the nostalgia, the 51-year-old said they needed a break and wouldn’t be back “for a while.”

Earlier, he told the audience: ‘Growing up is not what is meant to happen to a rock band. It has happened, we are now men.’

Although retreating from the spotlight, U2 will return to the studio to work on their next album, Songs of Ascent, expected out sometime in 2012.