Is there a way to set bind_address from command line in mysql 5.5 without restarting? I made a modification to bind_address in my.cnf that knocked down a monitor. It has been repaired since, firewall allowing the monitor IP in. However, mysql is still running in its previous state since restart.

In MySQL 5.5, there does not seem to be a bind_address variable available from CLI (unless I'm missing something). Is there a way I can set bind_address from CLI so I don't have to restart mysql?
In a word, no. Why?

MySQL Documentation on bind_address says right in the beginning

Command-Line Format --bind-address=addr
System Variable (&gt;= 5.6.1)  Name    bind_address
Variable Scope  Global
Dynamic Variable    No
Permitted Values (&lt;= 5.6.5) Type    string
Default 0.0.0.0
Permitted Values (&gt;= 5.6.6) Type    string
Default *


It's a global variable in MySQL 5.6, but it is not dynamic. 

Since you are using MySQL 5.5, it is only a startup option.

Therefore, you must bite the bullet and restart mysqld.