U2’s UV Achtung Baby Live Las Vegas residency at Sphere in Sin City was nothing short of a breathtaking visual spectacular. Sphere is a $2.3 billion architectural wonder and the world’s largest spherical building at a staggering 875,000 square feet. Located just a block away from the iconic Las Vegas Strip and attached to the luxurious Venetian Resort, Sphere stands tall at a towering 366 feet in height and extends a colossal 516 feet in width.
The venue features astonishing 16K screens and a mind-boggling 167,000 speakers, ensuring that every seat provides an unforgettable view and sound experience. Another notable mention of the venue is the exosphere, a 580,000 sq. ft. fully programmable LED exterior with 2K resolution that illuminates the Las Vegas skyline.
From the very moment you step foot into the Sphere, you’re transported into a world of wonder and you can’t help but feel like you’re embarking on an exhilarating amusement ride, much like Soarin’ Around the World at Disney’s EPCOT.
First Band To Ever Grace Sphere’s Stage
U2, known for their groundbreaking performances and catalog of hits, are the first band to ever grace Sphere’s stage. The band is composed of Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Bram van den Berg, who is filling in for U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jr. who is taking time off from live performances.
On October 21, the award-winning rock band delivered a staggering 2+ hour set that pushed the boundaries far beyond what a live concert can be with the visually stunning elements inside Sphere. The band is composed of Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Bram van den Berg, who is filling in for U2 drummer Larry Mullen Jr. who is taking time off from live performances.
Throughout the show, U2 performed a 23-song set that celebrated their Achtung Baby album and spanned their illustrious career, including hits such as “Desire,” “Elevation,” “Vertigo,” “With Or Without You,” “Where The Streets Have No Name” and many more.
As an added touch, U2 paid homage to the vibrant city of Las Vegas during their performance, incorporating iconic figures and symbols that have left a lasting mark on the city within their visuals such as Elvis Presley, slot machines, and more. In addition to iconic Vegas figures and symbols, the show also included a sequence, titled Es Devlin’s Nevada Ark, which contained sculptures of 26 endangered species chosen from a list of 152 endangered species specific to the State of Nevada.
A Visually-Stunning Masterpiece
Overall, U2’s performance at the Sphere was a visually-stunning MASTERPIECE in every sense of the word. The venue’s cutting-edge technology and design elevated the band’s unparalleled musicianship, resulting in an experience that defied all expectations.
The show was directed by Willie Williams, who has led U2’s live show design for over 40 years, as well as features art from Brian Eno, Marco Brambilla, Es Devlin, John Gerrard and Industrial Light & Magic. As for the band’s stage design, that was inspired by Brian Eno’s turntable. The screen visuals were produced by Treatment Studio, London.
Over 17,000 concertgoers were treated to a jaw-dropping, fully immersive experience that transcended the boundaries of a traditional concert or Las Vegas residency. Their production truly captivated the sold-out audience in a way that they never experienced before and likely will never experience again. It’s also worth noting that every seat in the venue is equipped with free high-speed internet.
U2’s UV Achtung Baby Live Las Vegas Residency Runs Through 2024
The UV Achtung Baby Live Las Vegas residency, which kicked off on September 29, features a total of 36 performances from U2 and currently runs through February of 2024.
U2’s Las Vegas residency will certainly go down as one of the best live performances in history and one of the greatest live shows you will ever see, period. While the residency is just a few shows in, it’s already become one of the most sought-after concert events in the world.
The allure of this extraordinary performance reached far beyond dedicated U2 fans. In fact, several notable celebrities attended the event, including Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks, Ed Sheeran, and more.
Zoo Station: A U2:UV Experience Portal
In addition to their residency, U2 also launched an immersive fan portal, dubbed the Zoo Station: A U2:UV Experience, at The Venetian Resort.
Zoo Station: A U2:UV Experience will allow visitors to explore U2’s Acclaimed Album ‘Achtung Baby’ through interactive experiences; ‘Zoo TV Cinema’ Curated By The Edge; the Anton Corbijn Gallery; Limited Edition Merchandise; VIP Lounges; and more.
For more information on the immersive fan portal, visit their official website HERE.
