On September 29, the iconic Irish rock band U2 played the first concert in the Sphere, Las Vegas’ other-worldly $2.3 billion immersive concert hall. Years in the making, the performance ushered in a new era of rock and roll spectacle as the band’s familiar music was augmented—and some might argue, eclipsed—by the virtual-reality-like immersiveness of the 160,000-square-foot 16K-by-16K LED display. They also took advantage of the Sphere’s spacial sound, which is powered by 168,000 speakers.
U2’s set included a full airing of their Achtung Baby album and other hits. But while the band was in fine form, managing a show without regular drummer Larry Mullen Jr. for the first time in decades, the real noise was directed at the eye. Was this “the future of live shows?” as one headline asked. Or was it “the greatest show on Earth?” One that “will change live entertainment forever?” From my seat in section 104, I found these questions worth asking.
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