Begins recording Pop

U2 began work on their next studio album, Pop , in mid-1995, holding recording sessions with Nellee Hooper , Flood , and Howie B . The band mixed the contrasting influences of each producer into their music, in particular Howie B’s experiences with electronica and dance music. Mullen was sidelined due to back surgery in November, prompting the other band members to take different approaches to songwriting, such as programming drum loops and playing to samples provided by Howie B. Upon Mullen’s return in February 1996, the group began reworking their material but struggled to complete songs, causing them to miss their mid-year deadline to complete the record. The band allowed manager Paul McGuinness to book their 1997–1998 PopMart Tour with the album still in progress; Bono called it “the worst decision U2 ever made”. Rushed to complete the album, the band delayed its release date a second time from late 1996 to March 1997, cutting into tour rehearsal time. Even with the additional recording time, U2 worked up to the last minute to complete songs.