U2 Shatters Expectations with Spectacular Debut Performance at The Sphere

Las Vegas, NV

U2, set the Las Vegas entertainment scene ablaze with a jaw-dropping debut performance at The Sphere, the city's newest and most technologically advanced performance venue. This historic event, which marked the first public spectacle to be hosted at The Sphere, left fans and critics alike in awe.

The Sphere, a state-of-the-art venue located at The Venetian, played host to U2's grand opening extravaganza. Comprising an impressive nine levels and boasting a seating capacity of 17,500 (expandable to 20,000 with standing room), The Sphere is a technological marvel inside and out. Its spherical shape and programmable LED screens provided an immersive visual experience that left concertgoers spellbound.

But it wasn't just the visuals that had the audience captivated; The Sphere's cutting-edge features include a haptic system, which allowed attendees to feel the music in their bones, as well as the innovative use of scent and wind to further enhance the sensory experience. The exterior of the venue is covered in LED screens that complemented U2's performance and can be utilized by artists in a myriad of creative ways.

U2, known for their innovation and willingness to push the boundaries of live music, was the perfect choice to christen this groundbreaking venue. Fans were treated to an unforgettable evening filled with classic hits and an impressive display of showmanship.

The band's setlist, featuring tracks from their seminal album "Achtung Baby," served as the cornerstone of the show. "Zoo Station" kicked off the night, and from there, the audience was taken on a journey through some of U2's most iconic songs, including "The Fly," "Even Better Than the Real Thing," "Mysterious Ways," and "One." A special highlight was the inclusion of a snippet of "Purple Rain" as a tribute to the late Prince, masterfully woven into the performance of "One."

U2's ability to seamlessly blend their own hits with classic covers, such as Elvis Presley's "Love Me Tender" and Thin Lizzy's "Dancing in the Moonlight," demonstrated their unparalleled artistry and versatility. The audience was also treated to a heartfelt dedication to the legendary Billie Holiday during the performance of "Angel of Harlem."

The band paid tribute to their roots by revisiting tracks from their album "Rattle and Hum," with "Love Rescue Me" and "All I Want is You" making appearances in the setlist. The band even promised to swap out segments from this album in future shows, adding an element of unpredictability to their performances.

As if this weren't enough, U2 also introduced their newest single, "Atomic City," to the world for the very first time. The song's electrifying debut was a testament to the band's enduring creativity and ability to reinvent themselves.

The show culminated in a breathtaking encore that included crowd-pleasers like "Where the Streets Have No Name" and "With or Without You." Bono, ever the gracious frontman, took time to acknowledge the many people who made the night possible, from the band's producers and former manager to the mayor of Las Vegas herself.

Notably, U2's founding drummer, Larry Mullen, was absent from the performance, replaced by Dutch drummer Bram van den Berg. This shift added an unexpected layer of excitement to the evening, as it was also Bram's 41st birthday, and he was warmly welcomed by both the band and the audience.

The Sphere's involvement in this groundbreaking event had been the subject of speculation since August 2022, and U2's frontman, Bono, had been teasing the performance for months. He promised that it would be a show like no other, a promise that U2 unquestionably delivered on.

In the words of Bono, "It's grand madness by 100. It would center around 'Achtung Baby,' which we feel we need to really honor. But it will also, but we have to have the new songs out, don't we? There's no place yet, big enough. If we can build one for our audience. But it will be, for us to go, it has to be like no one has ever gone before."

Indeed, U2's debut at The Sphere will be remembered as a historic moment in live music history. It showcased not only the band's enduring talent but also the incredible potential of The Sphere as a venue for pushing the boundaries of entertainment. This was an evening that will resonate in the hearts of U2 fans and music lovers worldwide for years to come.

Set List of Show:

Main Set:

    "Zoo Station"
    "The Fly"
    "Even Better Than the Real Thing"
    "Mysterious Ways"
    "One"
    "Until the End of the World"
    "Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses"
    "Tryin' to Throw Your Arms Around the World"
    "All I Want is You"
    "Desire"
    "Angel of Harlem"
    "Love Rescue Me"
    "So Cruel"
    "Acrobat"
    "Ultra Violet (Light My Way)"
    "Love is Blindness"

Encore:

    "Elevation"
    "Atomic City"
    "Vertigo"
    "Where the Streets Have No Name"
    "With or Without You"
    "Beautiful Day"