While U2 prepares to record, Bono is taking piano lessons.

JAM! Showbiz reports that U2 is preparing to go back into the studio this summer.

Wondering what might be different?

Here’s an intriguing detail:

“I’ve got a lot of songs, oddly enough, from taking piano lessons,” [Bono] said. “My kid’s piano teacher, Dawn, has been teaching me the piano. And every time she gives me a lesson, I write a new song. So next week, when (the band and I) meet up, I have all these songs to play for them. So I’d like to thin out my schedule in terms of the politics and activism and just get lost in the music again – that’s what I’m really looking forward to for the summer.”

I was surprised when the first Seattle show of the Vertigo tour opened with a song in which Bono pounded away on a snare drum. Next time, maybe he’ll surprise us by tickling the ivories for a few numbers.