U2 surprised Las Vegas fans with a pop-up show Sunday ahead of their 29 shows at MSG Sphere this month.
Outside the Plaza Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas, the rock band debuted “Atomic City,” an original song dedicated to the City of Sin. The song contains the lyrics “I’m free. I came here for the fight. I’m front row in Las Vegas. And there’s a big one tonight.”
The band performed their hit “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” from their 1987 album “The Joshua Tree.” The band said they filmed the music video for the track on the streets of Las Vegas after their debut concert there, more than 36 years ago.
The band also promoted their U2 UV: Achtung Baby residency at the Sphere.
“We’ll be playing a little venue down the street called The Sphere,” singer Bono said, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal.
Bono reportedly responded to an audience member who shouted his admiration for the room’s stunning visuals. The giant balloon has already displayed a multitude of images, from an eyeball and a basketball to the Earth itself.
“Yeah, it’s next level inside too,” the Grammy winner said.
Inside the Sphere:Director Darren Aronofsky Teases MSG Sphere’s First Immersive Experience
The group also presented their latest music video behind a tractor-trailer that was traveling through the area.
The song and video were accompanied by the band’s entire original lineup, including drummer Larry Mullen Jr. who will not be performing at this residency due to an assortment of physical illnesses, according to the Review Journal. Krezip drummer Bram van den Berg will accompany U2 as drummer for the Sphere concerts.
U2 residency at the Sphere
The MSG Sphere officially debuts to the public on September 29 with a 25-concert series featuring U2. “U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at Sphere” will run through mid-December and celebrate the Irish band’s 1991 album “Achtung Baby.”
“Most concert halls are sports halls. They are made for sports, not music. They’re not built for art,” says U2’s Bono in the Apple Music interview. “This building was built for immersive film and performance experiences.”
“There is no such thing. It’s light years ahead of anything else out there,” U2’s The Edge said in the video.
How big is the MSG sphere?
One block east of the Vegas Strip, the record-breaking Sphere is 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide. In addition to being the largest sphere, the bowl would also have the largest LED lights with 1.2 million lights the size of a hockey puck.
The room can accommodate nearly 18,000 people. A pedestrian bridge leading to the Venetian resort will connect the world to the Strip.
See also:MSG Sphere announces plans to power 70% of Las Vegas arena with renewable energy, awaiting approval
Other events at the Sphere
On October 6, The MSG Sphere will also present a 360-degree experience titled “Postcard From Earth” written and directed by Darren Aronofsky. The show is expected to be presented as the first Sphere experience.
Aronofsky posted the first exclusive Sphere video on his Instagram page last week. His video shows a breathtaking overview of the 160,000 square foot exhibition floor that will be used for immersive experiences.
USA Today
