U2 frontman Bono has apologised to fans for his recent back injury, which caused the band to postpone their US tour.

The group were also forced to axe their scheduled headlining appearance at Glastonbury when the singer underwent emergency surgery.

Speaking for the first time about the injury, Bono admitted it was “quite serious”, but that he was on the road to recovery and looking forward to the group's upcoming dates in Europe.

“I actually wanted to apologise for the trouble that this injury has put you all through,” he said.

“Those of you who bought tickets, organised hotels and travel plans – it's a very big deal. People go to a lot of trouble to get U2 tickets and we don't take it for granted.

“Thank you for standing by us in our hour of need.”

But Bono added that the injury had had “some advantages” - he said he had written some new material that “we might be playing” on tour.

As previously reported, U2 have rescheduled their postponed US dates for next spring and summer.

The band return to the road in Europe next month.

(by Jason Gregory)