Let's get one thing straight. U2 has an ENORMOUS cult-like audience, who have consistently traveled to see them. They combine the community-like tribe feeling of a Grateful Dead, the Showmanship and Production surpassing Pink Floyd, Kiss, Muse etc, with the touring Legacy of The Stones, and live performance level of Queen. They have been consistently at the forefront of concert technology. ZooTV launched MANY idustry firsts, ranging from the size and number of screens, bringing essentially a TV studio to each show, and the introduction of The extended stage/BStage. The notion that most of the audience is there for The Sphere is false. We are accustomed to U2 pushing the boundaries of technology and techniques in the touring world. Taylor Swift fans are talking about how her show takes 3 duplicate stages, traveling around the world in order to meet the demands of touring different cities in a timely matter... Guess where that first came about more than a decade ago, and where her team learned it from! There are certainly people there for that. But the overwhelming majority of the audience are U2 fans. We travel to see this band EVERY SINGLE TOUR, in large numbers. So the idea that we are there mainly for the Sphere is just completely untrue. Are we excited for it, and blown away by it, of course... But would we go to such lengths for another artist? ... maybe. Would we automatically go to multiple U2 shows, WITHOUT QUESTION. Evidence of this? Look at any board, group etc packed with fans. I went to 2 shows, and in both shows, the biggest cheers, reaction etc, were for the NON hits/ NON singles. Those are the diehards.
It's awesome to see just how dedicated U2 fans are and I love hearing about ZooTV and more from their backlog of history as a band. Tysm for sharing that! Love seeing the diehards as well :)
I’m one of them. Just got back from Vegas to see my 109th and 110th U2 shows. Going back in Jan and then for the final 3 shows in February. Seeing U2 is a cathartic experience
Your last sentence is absolutely true! Many of the fans in my area wasn’t familiar with Two Hearts Beat as One, Love is Blindness, etc. I was like the only one singing along to those, and the dude to my left asked me when they will be playing the “hit songs” that he knows. I said they do the major hits at the end of the show, and then he and his wife left 1/2 way thru and never came back 😂. Casual fans. But absolutely, didn’t matter that U2 played at the Sphere I would have traveled to see them if they played in a hole in a wall. But it was a cool experience to see Achtung Baby in new technology compared to 1992 when even then U2 was ahead of its time.
The middle acoustic set is purposefully done without produced content on the screen, and instead they just show just the band members to allow Bono and the band to ad lib, tell stories, lengthen songs, shorten songs… there’s no video to keep in time to. So they can play and change it up however they feel. Was lucky enough to see it twice. Great show.
Wow that’s awesome! Thank you for sharing that. That makes a little more sense and I’m glad to know it was an artistic choice by the band and not technically difficulties or anything. Very cool you got to see it twice! Was Gaga at one of the shoes you saw? I heard she joined them on stage a night or two after we saw them live.
@@DESHPLEASEyeah I think Gaga played the show after I saw them. Lol. Many u2 fans are trekking in from all over the world. Many are seeing them 2, 3, 5 or more times. I wish I could go back. lol
I like that they went acoustic and low key at parts of the show. One of the nights I went they played THBAO, Seconds, and Sunday Bloody Sunday…a change up from what they did before. They were focusing on Achtung Baby because that was a planned/rumored tour to do for a 30 year anniversary until COVID happened…just like they did with The Joshua Tree in 2017.
The reason they are featuring Achtung Baby is because that album and the Zoo TV tour changed the way we experience stadium music shows. It’s the perfect band and album to open the sphere. They truly understand the best way to artistically and tastefully use the technology without overusing it just for the bells and whistles and can distract from the artist. They get it. Even the last few songs the dj spins before the show are part of their artistic expression. The car is a replica of the East German Trabant. Do some reading about the making of Achtung and Zoo TV. It will blow you mind. And then the show you experienced will mean even more.
Remember how they had the Trabant’s all decorated and hanging on the beams in 1993 during Daddy’s Gonna Pay For Your Crashed Car? Then they had several of them on display when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll HOF. They were cool to see up close.
This is exactly what I've been telling people, I was lucky enough to catch the show at the beginning of this month and it delivered beyond my expectations.
The original Achtung Baby! tour, Zoo TV, 30 years later, is still relevant, impressive and way above this sphere paraphernalia, that is just an empty concept, just a big screen.
Thanx For The Honest Review Desh...........I First Saw U2 At The Los Angeles Sports Arena On 4-21-1987 To This Day It's Still The Best Concert Of My ENTIRE Life ......Long Before The TV Screens (ZOO TV)Just The Original 4 Members ....I remember it was the most INCREDIBLE CLEANEST LOUDEST SOUND IT WAS UNREAL, IT WAS LIKE HEAVEN!!!.............
WOW! I love hearing stories like that! So awesome you got to enjoy an experience like that and still have awesome memories of it today. Wish I could have seen it, it sounds incredible :)
I had an amazing experience with U2 at Sphere! I've been a fan since 1980. The opening was crazy.. sitting in the Parthenon watching a helicopter fly over through the ceiling, cave drawing of Bono on the walls before he slipped on the glasses and transformed into The Fly.. Brillliant! I loved the visual break after they put the Baby down for a nap, it gave my eyes and my brain a nice break, which I knew was coming thanks to Gavin Friday (love him!). I had an easy time getting in the venue, found my new U2 friends and enjoyed just walking around the lobby. I tool the stairs out as well, easy and walked back to my hotel. One of the best nights of 2023 for me, the other was seeing Bono at The Beacon Theater in May!
That's awesome! I'm glad you enjoyed the show as well! I don't think the slipping on glasses and transforming into a fly was at our show but that sounds really cool! Appreciate you sharing your experience and tysm for watching :) Awesome you saw Bono at The Beacon too!
I went to the opening night and the show started a little past 8:30. Maybe the other shows are starting closer to 9 but wanted to chime in. Great video, btw!
Achtung baby was by far their best album. I saw that concert live center stage first row back in the day. I had nosebleeds seats, and a production member came up and gave me the tickets. They used to do this to prevent scalping.
Actually, I can't remember what the 2% was (I'm flakey, flighty and forgetful). You did an excellent job on the review + entire video. Very talented!!@@DESHPLEASE
That looked breath taking. I would be expecting to pay less for the tickets closest to the stage, which isn't what I would say about any other gig. You make a good point about shows for John and Jimi, maybe have live musicians play along with original vocals with the technology being the star of the show. Elvis or Bowie would be a show and a half. Looks like the future, and trust U2 to get there first. Thank you for your post.
Thank you so much! I love your ideas as well! If there was a show on a late artist, they would be the star and be accompanied by live musicians, etc. Would be so cool to do maybe a part performance, part documentary style on some of the late musicians also - showing old footage and accomplishments that expands their whole career. Bowie would be amazing. Ty for watching and glad you enjoyed it!
Great video. One thing you didn’t mention is seats there are seats in the 100 level that have obstructed view of the screen. Also, I think whatever acts consider coming to the Sphere will have to be able to share the spotlight with the visuals, not many artists are willing to do that. Another thing is there is no room for a big stage there so I’m not sure if the modern bigger acts would do a show on a somewhat small stage.
Tysm for watching and excellent points as well! I agree, I think artists that will excel at the sphere will be those that have very visual elements in their videos or live performances in order to really take advantage of what is so unique about the sphere. I think the right band/artist could do some amazing things there. A smaller artist/band with a large audience that is very visual in their storytelling and music would be the perfect fit! #personalgoals 🙃
Saw it last week, amazing. Just to add to some of the great tips here. - Getting in. It was slightly confusing. There's a VIP entrance, then there are people lined up to the main East and West entrances, and the lines are long. But there was something with wristbands, apparently people lined up as early as that morning to get a low number - but it appears this is only for 'General Admission' which from what I could tell only applied to the standing area on the main floor in front of the stage. If you have a ticket with an assigned section\seat, forget the wrist bands, no meaning and no use. There are Sphere employees everywhere when in line, we asked, and since we had tickets with section\seat, she sent us to a different line. But bottom line: doors open at 6, lines went very fast once it started, and you'll have a solid hour and a half to look around. More than enough, almost too much. If anyone knows the wristband deal please share. - Where to sit? The middle. We had seats a couple sections off center in the 2nd tier. Was a great balance of seeing the screen, and the band actually feels.. not far away. At least not as far as videos I've seen. The only bad seats in the house, and they are not that bad, are the far sides. And there are seats on Tier 1 that are actually obstructed - the 2nd Tier overhangs the 1st Tier - there are a number of rows at the very back of Tier 1 where the screen is obstructed a little, or a lot, or completely. This is not an issue on the floor, Tier 2, 3 or 4. - Show starts at 8... or 8:40. DJ in the car plays all your favorite ightmare early 80's hits, really loud. Another reason not to be stressed about getting in early. Stay in the lobby, have a drink or two, and check in occasionally during the DJ... when the little car gets to the right side of the stage, head for your seats. - Try the pizza. The pizza concession was 'Pizza by Rock', had a thin crust, massive slice. Think it was called 'slice of sphere' best pizza ever had.
wow I didn't even know about the wristbands. Maybe you're right? Just something for GA? I agree the middle is the best place to sit and it was a great balance. I didn't realize some seats were obstructed that is a bummer to hear. OMG I wish I had tried the pizza! It sounds amazing! I'll def have to give it a try if we go back. Ty for watching and sharing your experience as well!
I didn’t tell people to show up late. I was explaining they didn’t need to stress if they wanted to get food or buy merch before the show. U2 started after 9 when we were there. :) How did you like the show?
Thanks for the review, it's great! U2 is one of those bands that rarely disappoints. I am one of the few that likes their new music as much as their old stuff. As much as I loved Achtung Baby (especially the songs One and Love Is Blindness) there are other albums I enjoy more . . . for example How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb . . . very underrated. I have almost every U2 album and am so happy they are still producing new music. Fan for life!
Thank you! How to Dismantle An Atomic Bomb is my fav U2 album! I love a lot of their new (and old) stuff too. Awesome they still get along and enjoy playing together after all these years. So cool to see them performing so young together when they were first starting out.
I went to the 10/18/23 show (sang Happy Birthday to the Edge’s wife at my show) and was blown away. The band is always looking to do the next big thing in entertainment. Bono has said in interviews leading up to the opening of Sphere, that it was to be a modernized mirror of their groundbreaking ZooTV tour (which was the same album). When it comes to other shows rocking the Sphere, I think you would have to dedicate time and do a residency like U2 did to get the best out of the visuals and the sound. I don’t think one off shows or shows that are just 3-4 shows in a full tour would work. The visuals seem to be so complex, stunningly beautiful as a fan of the band and music, that you have to put the time in for a show at the Sphere. I like that they pull songs out in the acoustic portion that aren’t stables of their shows otherwise. I was in Sect. 307
how sweet, I love that they sang Happy Birthday to the Edge's wife. Yeah I now want to see more of ZooTV after hearing so many mention it in the comments. Very cool! But for sure U2 is one of those bands that has earned such a special residency and all their amazing songs they've put out over the years. You're right i'm sure the visuals and everything involved takes a TON of manpower and a ton of work on the backend just to execute. I'm so glad you enjoyed the show and ty for sharing your experience as well :)
Nice review. I'm heading there next month. Really looking forward to it. Although its going to be a short trip, only 2 nights. Achtung Baby is possibility their best album. Multiple amazing songs. I've seen U2 multiple times, (even worked at one in Belfast) both in the USA and in Ireland where I'm from. I've also met each band member a few times too.
We went to the 3rd show in section 406 and were told by ushers to sit down almost the entire time. Then the 7th row in section 102 and I barely ever sat down. On the floor in Dec and I cannot wait! Each show was so amazing for so many different reasons.
That’s awesome!! Wow ai bet you’re excited for floor in Dec!! How exciting! That’s awesome that you’ve enjoyed each show so far! Do they change it up a bit or is it just cool to see it in a different section from a diff angle? Please share 😄
@@DESHPLEASE the acoustic part was changed up for the first time on Nov 3 when I was there and they did songs from War. Bono went on a platform that was lowered and he hung onto people in the first several rows. Otherwise the show is definitely in the same order. The different vantage points from being at the top vs the bottom are amazing though.
Came back a week ago from being on the floor. Honestly, we looked at the screen maybe only 3-4 times. Enjoying the band close up was a completely different experience!
the singer changing the melody, tempo and words is actually quite common. Sometimes its actually because they forget the words. Bono sometimes he rewrites the song as he is singing it and has been doing that since beginning. But that's the genius of a live show.
Yeah I’ve noticed a lot of artists do it live and I like the idea of changing it up sometimes. Bono def did that and changed some lyrics to nod to Vegas which was really cool. The off time on the hits I think just threw some people off in the crowd but def never a dull moment. Appreciate you sharing your knowledge as well! :)
This show was always going to be focused around Achtung Baby. It's one of the finest albums of the last 30 plus years and was the album they toured the original ZOO TV tour wich was the biggest ever of It's kind. They set the bar on that tour wich is why this was the perfect venue to showcase this album. The first night or so I heard had alot of casuals that snatched up the tickets but the U2 audience will travel the world to experience Achtung Baby in It's entirety. The middle half was intentional to bring the show back to ground a bit. Some balance. The Sphere was made for a band like U2, it's going to be hard for anyone else to pull that off.
Thank you for that info! I appreciate it a lot. I'm glad it was an artistic choice by U2 for the second half and I appreciate that info on ZOO TV as well. Thank you for watching and for sharing that!
Great review. 1 big vote for Pink Floyd at the Sphere. In the 90’s their Pulse tour was way ahead of its time i can’t imagine what they’d do using this sort of technology.
Thank you! That sounds amazing. I would have loved to see Pink Floyd live back in the day. I just finished watching the documentary on Hypgnosis and they interviewed David and Roger and it was pretty interesting!
U2 are the only band to pull that off, the middle section is to focus on the band not the screen, you can go to cinema for that, they have the best visualiser in the business, bono performance is spot on and every attention to detail is played out with the energy used, you have the wow factor and the beginning the intro, middle is intimate and the ending conclusion is epic.
Thanks for sharing your insight! It's cool U2 made an artistic choice to do a more intimate middle portion. The conclusion was def epic as well! Which was your favorite part of all?
Best visualizer in the business but even this reviewer mentions how it's lackluster at points. Sorry, but U2 is not known outside of their fanbase as having the best visuals in the business. Other artists more relevant to today, who are not stale like U2 is, playing their greatest hits from 30 years ago will do things a stale artists like U2 wouldn't dream of. Phish will blow U2's visuals out of the water in April, and so likely will others once they get there. U2 put on a good show no doubt, but they have not been innovators in decades, if ever.
The biggest reason for the middle lull is they seem to be trying to mimic the B stage part from their previous tours where they do stripped down versions of their songs or just ad lib as they go by singing other peoples songs. Another reason for the lack of video content through the whole show is a technical one - it's the sheer file size and computing power needed to render animations on that screen. To give you some idea, 1 minute of 12k resolution animation takes 2 weeks to render on it...and it's a 2 hour show. So you can guarantee that U2 will continue to add more visuals to the show over time (they have an option to play the Sphere for 2 years in their contract).
They could easily show realtime video from cameras. Definitely it was an artistic decision not to do so. As far as I know, their team especially tried to avoid overuse of the screen, bc many people think that the visual storm of the 1st part is "2 much" and more of that would make them sick. Anyway, it's impossible to satisfy everybody.
The wifey & I were there at the 11/4/23 show.. We sat at 404 right at the rail..We freakin loved every aspect of the concert & screen experience.. Was definately worth the high price of our tixs! We be back again..Thxs for the video. :)
WOW! This is so fascinating!! I'm glad you had a great time!!! If I can ever afford to go I'd love to see a show at The Sphere! I really love this review!!! Great job on this video Deshy!! You really killed it with this!!! Also Desh performing at The Sphere when? hehe ❤❤❤❤
I have seen new blocks of tickets range from $500 to $1450 USD. The band has added new shows for 2024. Those who are ultimate U2 fans will love the show.
@@tinabailey1126 Are they doing more shows in Vegas… The sphere is an incredible venue. I saw Zoo TV live in Philadelphia. Notice the rosary beads around Bono’s neck during these recent shows… Believe he got those from Pope John Paul. Seems the sphere shows keep getting better and better. It’s like Bono keeps inching but… I bet you understand what Im saying without me saying it.
@@ReadingsbyDom yes, they have added shows in January and February. Was lucky enough to get tickets in the fan club pre-sale. Taking someone who has never seen them before.
The "industrial ceiling" around 3:26 appears to be evocative of the Pantheon in Rome, built about 1900 years ago and still standing today. U2's visual is not identical to the Pantheon ceiling but very close, and I think intentional (including the hole in the top). The video dove is almost certainly meant as a "Beautiful Day" tribute; doves were released when that song was performed at "Live 8" in 2005. Great review Desh, thanks.
I loved how you didn't talk too slow - you talked at the pace that I usually have to speed up videos to: 1.5x. thank you for all the info! glad I didn't spend $ on them in 2023 or 2024 but spent it all in the 80s before they were ruined by the Pop Mart tour and Brian Eno's production!
It is awesome I just clicked on at the part where they were playing with the city in the background I thought they were outside and it took me a while to study how the cars were moving to know it was something amazing I've never seen before
Yeah I’ve been thinking about it a lot. I think Pink Floyd doing some version of The Wall would be insane. I bet Beyoncé or GaGa would have a lot of fun with it. I could see a franchise like Star Wars or Dune looking awesome on there as well. What about you?
@@DESHPLEASE Yeah those were all ones I immediately thought of. Feels like it should be something a bit more electronic and a group who truly loved making music videos. Gaga came to mind first just because I could see her really enjoying the process and being cool with being in Vegas for a few months. Pink Floyd is the dream...but I thought they might think it's too corporate or something. Beck would be awesome.
@@ct6852 yeah I can see that too. I bet an EDM artist would love it for the visuals. I was thinking even some video games like seeing Night City in Cyberpunk on the giant screen would be cool
Lucky enough to see U2 for my birthday 🎉 it was my 4th time seeing them last time was 31yrs ago took my lil brother to zootv at Oakland coliseum an we came full circle so cool an we took my 27yr son along magical night🙏🌛✨❤️🎉
wow what an amazing experience for you all! happy birthday! I'm so glad you got to go again with your brother and son! what was your favorite part of the show?
@@DESHPLEASE so hard to say I loved it all I sang an rocked out all night but I would say my favorite song where streets have no name it's my ring tone an loved it first time I heard it when I was sophomore ❤️🎉🙏🌛✨
One of the most epic concerts I’ve ever been to and I’ve seen you too almost 10 times front row many times and seen hundreds of shows in this concert was just incredible at times definitely an emotional ride that only U2 can deliver
Thank you for your honest appraisal of this concert. I have seen U2 at every tour since The Joshua Tree; however, due to the high cost of tickets, my wife and I are saddened we will miss this show. I've been working extra shifts as an Uber - Lyft driver so hopefully I will be able to see one of the shows in February.
Oh wow that is awesome you’ve seen them at every tour!! I’m so sorry you and your wife haven’t been able to see it yet but I hope you can in February! I just heard they had added those extra dates in 2024 which is awesome. How do you like working for Uber? I just saw Super Pumped on Netflix. Have you seen it?
Uber & Lyft is helping me catch up on some bills from last year, which was a challenging one. I enjoy doing rideshare as you meet some great people. Out of 4 K rides, I've only had three rides that weren't the best. @@DESHPLEASE
@@DESHPLEASE lollll yes haha I had a weird feeling it was the same night I saw them or close to it. My brothers and I were on the floor and right in the path of the DJ who “drove” by in the refurbished Trabant car.
Thanks for your review - which I thought was fair, insightful & entertaining. Your comment about the average age of the punters made me smile - I’m a little younger than Bono & co. having been a fan since the early 80s. We managed to get GA tickets to the show/gig/event and flew over from London with our daughter. I understand your concern about the (possibly limited) focus on Achtung Baby but if like me (& many others) this is your favourite U2 album (or even favourite ever album) the high cost of ticket and travel was well worth it. We were at the ‘Gaga appearance’ on 25th Oct & found the whole show quite overwhelming - & seem to have suffered from ‘euphoric amnesia’. This is a thing apparently - your brain shuts down its memory function to cope with all the over stimulation. All very odd but but was reported extensively after the recent Taylor Swift shows. As a result although I absolutely loved seeing U2, I’m unable to recall much of the detail ! I was a bit jealous of your recollections (which I just don’t have) and have had to make do with all the UA-cam videos. I’d love to go again and try to appreciate everything in a less heightened state !
Wow! Thank you for sharing your experience! I’m so glad you enjoyed my review! Wow it’s awesome you saw Gaga with U2 but it’s crazy about the over stimulation thing - I’ve never heard of that at shows before. It’s so cool you live in London. It’s always been my dream to go there. It’s on my bucket list for sure! What’s your favourite local concert venue over there?
I have a feeling they will extend this into 2027 where they’ll do a Joshua Tree 40th. Phish is the next band, supposedly Dead and Co are going to regroup and do a run of shows here. I would say these bands are highly likely to play: Metallica, Guns N Roses (and did a Vegas residency before), Rammstein, TOOL. Pink has played a residency before and she could totally do the Acrobat stuff there. Aerosmith probably will but depends on Steven Tyler’s health at this point. Peter Gabriel has a new album out and his tour is doing extremely well, and he would totally take advantage of all the effects and technology. Damon Albarn might as well move there because this is PERFECT for a Gorillaz residency.
Oh yeah Pink with the acrobatics would be cool there, Gorillaz too but OMG Peter Gabriel - YES! the new album is fantastic and a lot of his fan-made ai music videos for some of those songs inspired me to make my own i have on my channel. i could DEF see those on the giant screen at the sphere - bet he'd do some awesome things with it! he's always been so unique with his music videos and artwork relating to his music. me and my dad would go there to see him for sure
U2 did a Joshua Tree retrospective tour in 2017, with big video displays. They're not likely to reinvent something they already revisited, or even less so, rerun what they did before. Also, if/when they play live again they've said they want to go on the road closer to where their fans are instead of making the fans travel to them in one spot. They didn't fully rule Sphere out again at some point, but a Joshua themed show probably won't be it.
I think tool makes alot of sense for the sphere. Their visuals are seriously next level and they have a dedicated following to sell enough tickets. Any of pink floyd tribute bands or just the original guys themselves would work magic with that place i think.
It was the best! I would 11/10 recommend and would love to go again! And tysm for the sub@@Johnny_Doe ! Yes I do! :) I've written so many songs i've lost count. 200+ at least in a variety of genres from pop to rock to folk to edm. I've recently started doing it full time, releasing a song every month :) You can find my songs on my yt - music videos, lyric videos and more and also on Spotify and other streaming platforms: open.spotify.com/artist/58YrHyIIzxmfI4oxpAWAMn?si=H36DmPbvTkC6104No_mGPg :D
Thanks for the review. If you like giant screens this venue is for you. But the band is actually tiny looking on the stage. So that’s not good. I prefer to see the actual band closer.
True. The stage was pretty tiny compared to the screen and when they didn’t show the band on the screen up close like during the second ad they were very hard to see unless you were up front or on the floor
I wish I could see this show - not a chance I could get out there right now, though. My vote is for a "Pink Floyd reunited" residency - I can't think of anyone who's music would be perfectly raised to the next level by the Sphere than the Floyd's!
PINK FLOYD!!! That would be amazing! Hope they can get along long enough to do that! 😅 I saw a documentary on Hypgnosis the other night and it had a lot of Pink Floyd in it - really cool, especially the cover for Animals.
D. Followed this band's career my entire musician life. Won't be able to attend. Watching it happen from afar. Great review and very much appreciated. Intelligent and heartfelt. Passing the baton in good faith..... AND the Stones? I would say even though Charlie is missed.. def . The Stones. And Pink Floyd. As far as new artists like Taylor. This is the future of live music- no doubt ..they will seize it. Great review. Much appreciated D.
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you liked my review. I'm sorry you can't see it in person. Charlie is def missed indeed. And YES Pink Floyd fo sure!!! I saw Roger Waters (solo) The Wall a few years back and it was awesome but my dad got to see it back in the day with the full band and all the inflatable animals and I think that in the sphere or something to that effect would be so cool! Ty for your insight and kind words, I truly appreciate it and tysm for watching :) I hope you get to see U2 live again soon!
ty!@@SamCarpenter-to4it my dad is def the one who had me listening to everything from the stones to the cranberries to talking heads, the smiths, dylan and blue oyster cult growing up and i'm so thankful. I think it's why I love writing in a variety of styles since as a lover of music, I'm drawn to so many different artists, bands, genres and sounds. :)
Love the Manchester bands. I remember when Stone Roses arrived. Masterpiece album. Also. A huge Johnny Marr fan. It's great your broad taste. Dylan is our Shakespeare. Our guitarist was a 70s gtr player. We love BOC and especially the Vigil. Did you know Patti Smith wrote lyrics for them before she was known? Weird huh? I'm a huge FAN of her poetry and legacy. Check out this 13 year old musician Nandi Bushell. I think she's our next Prince , D. Sweet beautiful soul. Also Samantha Fish is killing it. This technology is a little frightening. I hope we don't lose focus on musicians. I changed my mind when I saw what they've done with it. We were there for Zootv. They've never let us down....even when their reach exceeds their grasp. They've always used tech responsibly. My fav band since i was 14 and heard New Years Day. U2 take risks. Its wonderful to see them appeal to each gen. We still need their heart and integrity. Very excited about Inhaler. Post punk revival. Thanks again Dee. Keep bands alive !
On the topic of Bono singing slightly "off time". All of us U2 fans who have experienced them live, or seen/heard bootlegs are fully aware of this. Also, most concert goers seem to catch on quickly. This is indeed purposeful. However it is less about switching things up, and more explicitly intended so that the audience participation is not merely synced or even call and response, but complimentary and interplaying. You can hear him do this with The Edge as well. When they harmonize, Edge will sing "on time" and Bono will go slightly off, providing more depth to the vocals. It is one of the many ways that U2 raises their live performances above other bands - many of which go to the audience sing-a-long far too much and on songs which make no sense to do so. The counter that Bono provides gives much more character and nuance. He often may slightly change the lyrics to fit the moment (location, events, time etc), while The Edge and Audience are singing the main/original
Thank you so much! Yeah I agree, more hits is never a bad thing. I wonder why they didn't use the screen more in the middle part. Do you think they ran out of budget or weren't sure what to do? Or maybe it was an artistic choice to have "less going on". I'm not sure but the parts that did use it were fantastic for sure!
I attended too and I heard that the middle/acoustic set is the only few songs that allows them to alter the set list. The rest of the set list is fixed and the screen was utilized for only the non-variable songs due to the cost of creating/programming content for the sphere. I agree that it would have been better to play more of the higher energy hits for the whole concert as a few Achtung Baby songs, while great songs, lack some energy for live shows. And the low energy acoustic set was an odd choice. I enjoyed it, but IMO it was a missed opportunity for set list that could have blown us away the whole concert. @@DESHPLEASE
@@DESHPLEASE The middle section is the part they change out the most, so it doesn't have timed visuals. Considering the Sphere is 16k x 16k resolution and gobles up around 500gigs a second for video, the rendering of the visuals is exceptionally time consuming and expensive. I will say they've been messing with the visuals a little. When we saw them, they DID put up video of the band on the screen during the middle accoustic set, whereas at some other shows they had not. They also completely redid the visuals for the song Ultraviolet vs what it was at the start of at this residency. So they're definitely tweaking as they go. That's the tricky part of being the first to try a venue like this... it's hard to know what's going to work and what doesn't until the butts are finally in the seats. ^_^ Great and fair review!
Tysm@@ryankramer ! I appreciate that! And thank you for sharing that info and insight as well! It's cool that they are continuing to tweak things and experiment, changing things up for different shows, especially with such a dedicated fanbase that U2 has for instance, where fans are going to see multiple shows at the same venue. Ty for sharing your experience and I'm glad you liked my review! :)
That makes sense and very cool to dedicate an entire show to one album. Do you know if they plan to do more tours for different albums in their body of work?
@@DESHPLEASE U2 also went on a world tour for the 30-year anniversary of Joshua Tree, where they played the album front to back in order, sandwiched between older tracks and later ones. The next albums in order are: Zooropa Pop But I doubt they'll hold official anniversary shows for those.
@@DESHPLEASE Yes. They put on a great show and play to large venues like the capacity of the Sphere. In Europe and the UK the band does large football stadium venues of 60,000 people. U2 actually hate the band. There was a time when Coldplay and U2 would not tour at the same time in fear of losing ticket sales to the other competing band.
Nice review. I have seen them multiple times including the Joshua Tree tour. It's just the Damm tickets are so expensive. Not sure if you are a Pink Floyd fan but can you imagine the show they would put on.
Yes! I am a huge Pink Floyd fan!! For sure I bet they'd have a lot of fun with them. If only Roger and David got along... sigh. I saw The Wall (Rogers Water solo tour) a few years back and it was awesome but my dad was talking about how cool it was back in the day with all the inflatable cartoons and stuff. Funny enough I just watched a really cool documentary on Hypgnosis (on Storm and Po) I'm guessing you might be familiar- they designed a ton of albums for bands like Pink Floyd, Zeppelin, etc. It was on Netflix. Super good. If you're a fan of bands from that era, I highly recommend :)
Sorry I read that wrong the first time. Glad you got to see it and had an amazing view! Sorry to hear that! Was the person not a fan of U2? Or are they just not big on concerts?
How were your seats? I am considering one more show and was thinking middle seating like yours. I was GA stage left and I got to see the band up close which was a spiritual experience especially during songs like Until the end of the world. Con would be standing the entire time which was worth it but man my ankles were burning. I dont think you can take in all the visuals have to offer from there like how the stage looks during songs like Vertigo. Last time I saw them i was in nose bleeds and i swore I wanted to be where the energy was which was the floor. It was a mixed bag but I loved the energy but next time I want to take note of all the things going on above and around. If there was another con I was constantly craning to look up at the roof and the visuals. I will probably film less and take in the experience more so if I go again. Thanks for the review in any event I agree with a lot of what you said was pretty spot on and how I felt about the band and the venue. Still loved the concert either way U2 has never disappointed me especially there 360 tour hell i even saw the original Zoo TV tour and I thought that was a feast for the senses.
Wow that's awesome you saw the original Zoo TV tour! It's so cool you were on the floor and got to see them up close :) I do agree with you though about being farther back in the middle to really take in the visuals of the sphere and without having to crank your neck (and you can hopefully sit and save your ankles!) I definitely agree there is a certain energy on the floor that is something special. However, if you think you might like to go again, I think where we were sitting in the center back was great and we could definitely take in all the visuals in an immersive way. Let me know if you go again and tysm for watching and I'm so glad you liked my review :)
The reason U2 chose to feature "Achtung Baby" is because that is their groundbreaking album. At that point in their career as a band, it was just over 10 years time and most bands like the Beatles and Led Zeppelin only made it to about 10 years before their end. When "Achtung Baby" was released it was unlike any other album from U2, featuring multiple influences from their previous albums especially "Joshua Tree." Also, that concert tour was unbelievable, I saw both of the shows in Los Angeles/ Dodger Stadium and the show in Anaheim/ Angel Stadium. The ZOO TV Tour was so highly anticipated at the time because there's nothing to compare it to really. Also the publicity for it what is mega! I'm guessing that there was a break from using all the technology the SPHERE had to offer, during what you refer to as the second phase of the show, is because of the tremendous amount of electricity that is being used and the cost of that electricity is enormous. They have that data the electric bill. I think that's something that they might not have considered when building. the SPHERE. Many years ago, U2 said that they would only focus on their current music, post 2000, mixed in with some of their classics. "Achtung Baby"was an exception I guess, not only because of the 30th anniversary, but also the impact it had on the culture of the time and the band itself.
Thank you so much for sharing this insight! Awesome to hear to hear that Achtung Baby was such a big moment for U2 and their history and it's awesome to see them bring the spotlight back to it for the 30th anniversary. SO cool you got to see then live during that time. I think you're right about the second portion and makes sense as you said, how much electricity the Sphere much use not to mention cost! :)
Nobody will use the Sphere to its full capability. It is very expensive to put a show on there and I would be surprised if the venue lasts 10 years. U2 was the perfect band to open the venue and I would like to see more musical artists use it.
@@DESHPLEASE If it was 1980 and the Sphere was around Pink Floyd would have been amazing to see there. As far as current acts the only ones I could see attempting it are ones that have the money to do so. Rolling Stones, Coldplay...a couple others but very few as far as rock music goes :)
Thanks for a very good review. To summarize my own feeling is that I love U2 and don't like the Sphere. I don't like Vegas annymore either. It is way over the top. My age is showing. I am the same age as Bono and Edge. When I go see a concert I go for the band and their music and to see them live. I don't like the over-the-top visuals. To me they are distracting. I can't wait to see U2 and all my other favorite bands live, but not at the Sphere.
Thank you! And thank you for sharing your honest thoughts as well! Yeah I get that. I think the Sphere is perfect for Vegas since as you said it’s over the top which fits right in there. And it can be really cool for sure. But a very intimate concert with just the band or artist focused just on the musical performance without the giant screen and other effects can be just as cool I a completely different way. Who are some of your other favorite bands you’ve seen love or want to see live in the future? Did you grow up listening to U2 if you’re similar in age? Did you ever see them when they were super young in concert? I think that would have been really cool to see :)
Thanks for your kind response. I don't mean that I hate all visuals. I like the visuals in U2 arena concerts for example. I am hoping to see Bruce Springsteen next year. I have never seen the Stones, but want to very much. The bands and singers I saw were mostly when they were younger and popular at the time. I saw Madonna in a stadium in 1987. That was a wild one. I saw Tom Petty, Santana, Queen, and Prince. I also saw a lot of softies like Olivia Newton-John, America, and Kenny Loggins among others. I like a lot of different music. The most memorable one was Supertramp in an outdoor stadium in Basel, Switzerland. I had a little too much beer and sitting in the hot sun I blacked out and ended up in a hospital. But that was fun. I need to get to Vegas sometime and see al lthe new stuff. Thans again.@@DESHPLEASE
@@mr_retro62 wow! That is awesome. I saw Bruce in concert a few years back and he did a great performance but the sound at the Honda Center wasn’t great for some reason. Not the artist’s fault. Supertramp in Switzerland sounds awesome!! Oh gosh what an experience I’m glad you were okay tho! Tysm for watching and sharing those stories :)
Theres a big reason its an Achtung Baby tour and its the because its probably the most in demand album the fans have wanted re-toured. There hasnt been an album as good since. Although some U2 fans think U2 set the standard with visuals etc they really just copied what was going on in the electronic music scene. For all the fanfare the sphere seems like a step backwards in concerts. Sure it has a big screen, but from the videos shown online the atmosphere seemed pretty flat, not sure if its an age thing or people trying to record what was going on. Theres also an issue with engagement with the band/music when people are focused on a screen. I think the Chemical Brothers have a better lightshow and its more balanced in terms of the spectacle and the music. This seems to be overwhelming people with the side show that isn't the music. As far as the pacing goes, no band either play their visuals or music full pelt all the way through, you need to give people a break otherwise it would all become boring as people habituate to the stimuli, no matter how expensive it is. I am hoping they tour this album properly, they can leave their 180 big screen TV in vegas though.
Ty for watching and I appreciate you sharing your insight and opinion as well. Yeah I understand what you mean about no matter what you do, you can get numb to the same thing after a while. Cool about Achtung Baby being so in-demand for a re-tour with U2 fans I didn't know about that.
Not entirely true. They play Streets and With or Without You (we also got I Still Haven’t Found) from Joshua Tree. Also some hits from Rattle and Hum too. When you have as many in the catalogue as U2, you have to leave some out unfortunately. An amazing show, loved every second of it!
Where the streets have no name and with or without you are on the Joshua Tree. This was the Achtung Baby anniversary concert so you should expect to get all the songs from that phenomenal album. Next you are going to say you would never go because Larry is not there. Go. You will not be disappointed.
Yeah they have to do the acoustic set in the middle. Turn it off ....concentrate on the music ....more engaging , and highlight the juxtaposition. Also, one album so they can do another album later. Further, A baby/ zootv tour is made for the sphere so that's why they did it.
Thank you for sharing that! Cool idea to focus on one album at a time if they plan on returning and doing more. My favorite album is How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. How about you?
Did you read "Surrender" the book by Bono? He talks about the process. There are a few songs out there that throw you off because the phrasing is different, like ONE and he adds that introspection into the new version. His point is that, as you get older, the songs meaning may change. I know that happens to my songs. Good review by the way! @@DESHPLEASE
Back in the day U2 would release different versions and club styles of songs to their Propoganda fans. All the CDs are out there (and on You Tube). Each album is named after a fruit. Mango, Kiwi, Papaya, etc.
I've seen U2 on multiple occasions, dating back to the original ZooTV tour stop at Dodgers Stadium, and every single time was more than just a concert. The focus on Achtung Baby for me and quite a few others around me, was complete elation, and a perfect pre-birthday gift to myself. To me, even the cons in your review were actually a pro for me. I can't wait for them to come around again for either a new album or even a retrospective evening with, I'm sure there will be no lulls then, and I would love to see a future review on that. 😊
Wow that’s awesome!! Happy birthday too! I’m glad you liked everything about the concert and had a great time! And great idea! I plan on doing more concert reviews and maybe even some album reviews :)
What about the originator who brang entertainment 2vegas the ONE &only Elvis P that would be brilliant as Elvis is universal just as u2 are there are not many artists who are universa,even this year the first AI hallorgram of a performer will be none other than the greatest entertainer of all time ELVIS PRESLEY THE KING,U2 still one of the greatest bands
Peter Gabriel would be AMAZING. My dad and I are big fans. The fan-made AI videos for some of the songs on his newest album are so cool! They inspired my dad to make a few for my own music :). I'll link a few here: ua-cam.com/video/4-7RJs8t3dQ/v-deo.html ua-cam.com/video/wK5pIlVnj-g/v-deo.html
Let's get one thing straight. U2 has an ENORMOUS cult-like audience, who have consistently traveled to see them. They combine the community-like tribe feeling of a Grateful Dead, the Showmanship and Production surpassing Pink Floyd, Kiss, Muse etc, with the touring Legacy of The Stones, and live performance level of Queen. They have been consistently at the forefront of concert technology.
ZooTV launched MANY idustry firsts, ranging from the size and number of screens, bringing essentially a TV studio to each show, and the introduction of The extended stage/BStage. The notion that most of the audience is there for The Sphere is false. We are accustomed to U2 pushing the boundaries of technology and techniques in the touring world. Taylor Swift fans are talking about how her show takes 3 duplicate stages, traveling around the world in order to meet the demands of touring different cities in a timely matter... Guess where that first came about more than a decade ago, and where her team learned it from!
There are certainly people there for that. But the overwhelming majority of the audience are U2 fans. We travel to see this band EVERY SINGLE TOUR, in large numbers. So the idea that we are there mainly for the Sphere is just completely untrue. Are we excited for it, and blown away by it, of course... But would we go to such lengths for another artist? ... maybe. Would we automatically go to multiple U2 shows, WITHOUT QUESTION. Evidence of this? Look at any board, group etc packed with fans. I went to 2 shows, and in both shows, the biggest cheers, reaction etc, were for the NON hits/ NON singles. Those are the diehards.
It's awesome to see just how dedicated U2 fans are and I love hearing about ZooTV and more from their backlog of history as a band. Tysm for sharing that! Love seeing the diehards as well :)
I’m one of them. Just got back from Vegas to see my 109th and 110th U2 shows. Going back in Jan and then for the final 3 shows in February. Seeing U2 is a cathartic experience
Your last sentence is absolutely true! Many of the fans in my area wasn’t familiar with Two Hearts Beat as One, Love is Blindness, etc. I was like the only one singing along to those, and the dude to my left asked me when they will be playing the “hit songs” that he knows. I said they do the major hits at the end of the show, and then he and his wife left 1/2 way thru and never came back 😂. Casual fans. But absolutely, didn’t matter that U2 played at the Sphere I would have traveled to see them if they played in a hole in a wall. But it was a cool experience to see Achtung Baby in new technology compared to 1992 when even then U2 was ahead of its time.
@@U2FanSanFran I love how dedicated the die hard U2 fans are! It’s so awesome to see!
@@U2FanSanFran wow!!! That is so cool! Which has been your favorite show?
The middle acoustic set is purposefully done without produced content on the screen, and instead they just show just the band members to allow Bono and the band to ad lib, tell stories, lengthen songs, shorten songs… there’s no video to keep in time to. So they can play and change it up however they feel.
Was lucky enough to see it twice. Great show.
Wow that’s awesome! Thank you for sharing that. That makes a little more sense and I’m glad to know it was an artistic choice by the band and not technically difficulties or anything. Very cool you got to see it twice! Was Gaga at one of the shoes you saw? I heard she joined them on stage a night or two after we saw them live.
@@DESHPLEASEyeah I think Gaga played the show after I saw them. Lol.
Many u2 fans are trekking in from all over the world. Many are seeing them 2, 3, 5 or more times. I wish I could go back. lol
@@touringband wow that's awesome! same!
I like that they went acoustic and low key at parts of the show. One of the nights I went they played THBAO, Seconds, and Sunday Bloody Sunday…a change up from what they did before.
They were focusing on Achtung Baby because that was a planned/rumored tour to do for a 30 year anniversary until COVID happened…just like they did with The Joshua Tree in 2017.
You talk tooooo faaaast
The reason they are featuring Achtung Baby is because that album and the Zoo TV tour changed the way we experience stadium music shows. It’s the perfect band and album to open the sphere. They truly understand the best way to artistically and tastefully use the technology without overusing it just for the bells and whistles and can distract from the artist. They get it.
Even the last few songs the dj spins before the show are part of their artistic expression. The car is a replica of the East German Trabant. Do some reading about the making of Achtung and Zoo TV. It will blow you mind. And then the show you experienced will mean even more.
that makes sense! ty for sharing :) VERY cool about the car I didn't even know that. really appreciate you watching and sharing that info!
Remember how they had the Trabant’s all decorated and hanging on the beams in 1993 during Daddy’s Gonna Pay For Your Crashed Car?
Then they had several of them on display when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll HOF. They were cool to see up close.
This is exactly what I've been telling people, I was lucky enough to catch the show at the beginning of this month and it delivered beyond my expectations.
The original Achtung Baby! tour, Zoo TV, 30 years later, is still relevant, impressive and way above this sphere paraphernalia, that is just an empty concept, just a big screen.
@@felipeepilefelipe awesome you got to see the original!
Wow, that was a helluva review video. You obviously put a TON of time and effort into that... thank you.
Excellent
Tysm, I really appreciate you watching and so glad you enjoyed it!
Thanx For The Honest Review Desh...........I First Saw U2 At The Los Angeles Sports Arena On 4-21-1987 To This Day It's Still The Best Concert Of My ENTIRE Life ......Long Before The TV Screens (ZOO TV)Just The Original 4 Members ....I remember it was the most INCREDIBLE CLEANEST LOUDEST SOUND IT WAS UNREAL, IT WAS LIKE HEAVEN!!!.............
WOW! I love hearing stories like that! So awesome you got to enjoy an experience like that and still have awesome memories of it today. Wish I could have seen it, it sounds incredible :)
great job on this review!
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
I saw the show on 12/2 and absolutely loved it. Your review was pretty spot on!
tysm I really appreciate it! And glad you loved the show also!
I had an amazing experience with U2 at Sphere! I've been a fan since 1980. The opening was crazy.. sitting in the Parthenon watching a helicopter fly over through the ceiling, cave drawing of Bono on the walls before he slipped on the glasses and transformed into The Fly.. Brillliant! I loved the visual break after they put the Baby down for a nap, it gave my eyes and my brain a nice break, which I knew was coming thanks to Gavin Friday (love him!). I had an easy time getting in the venue, found my new U2 friends and enjoyed just walking around the lobby. I tool the stairs out as well, easy and walked back to my hotel. One of the best nights of 2023 for me, the other was seeing Bono at The Beacon Theater in May!
That's awesome! I'm glad you enjoyed the show as well! I don't think the slipping on glasses and transforming into a fly was at our show but that sounds really cool! Appreciate you sharing your experience and tysm for watching :) Awesome you saw Bono at The Beacon too!
@@DESHPLEASE He slips on the FLY glasses and sings "Zoo Station" which is the first song.
I went to the opening night and the show started a little past 8:30. Maybe the other shows are starting closer to 9 but wanted to chime in. Great video, btw!
Tysm! And appreciate you sharing your experience as well! What did you like most about the concert? :)
Achtung baby was by far their best album. I saw that concert live center stage first row back in the day. I had nosebleeds seats, and a production member came up and gave me the tickets. They used to do this to prevent scalping.
Oh wow! That's super cool!
Great review!! I was at the show on October 18th... and had the time of my life! I agree 98% with what you said about the concert. Well done!!
Tysm! I really appreciate you watching and glad you liked my review! They were amazing live I’d love to go again. I am curious about the 2% tho! 😅
Actually, I can't remember what the 2% was (I'm flakey, flighty and forgetful). You did an excellent job on the review + entire video. Very talented!!@@DESHPLEASE
That looked breath taking. I would be expecting to pay less for the tickets closest to the stage, which isn't what I would say about any other gig. You make a good point about shows for John and Jimi, maybe have live musicians play along with original vocals with the technology being the star of the show. Elvis or Bowie would be a show and a half. Looks like the future, and trust U2 to get there first. Thank you for your post.
Thank you so much! I love your ideas as well! If there was a show on a late artist, they would be the star and be accompanied by live musicians, etc. Would be so cool to do maybe a part performance, part documentary style on some of the late musicians also - showing old footage and accomplishments that expands their whole career. Bowie would be amazing. Ty for watching and glad you enjoyed it!
Great video. One thing you didn’t mention is seats there are seats in the 100 level that have obstructed view of the screen. Also, I think whatever acts consider coming to the Sphere will have to be able to share the spotlight with the visuals, not many artists are willing to do that. Another thing is there is no room for a big stage there so I’m not sure if the modern bigger acts would do a show on a somewhat small stage.
Tysm for watching and excellent points as well! I agree, I think artists that will excel at the sphere will be those that have very visual elements in their videos or live performances in order to really take advantage of what is so unique about the sphere. I think the right band/artist could do some amazing things there. A smaller artist/band with a large audience that is very visual in their storytelling and music would be the perfect fit! #personalgoals 🙃
Saw it last week, amazing. Just to add to some of the great tips here.
- Getting in. It was slightly confusing. There's a VIP entrance, then there are people lined up to the main East and West entrances, and the lines are long. But there was something with wristbands, apparently people lined up as early as that morning to get a low number - but it appears this is only for 'General Admission' which from what I could tell only applied to the standing area on the main floor in front of the stage. If you have a ticket with an assigned section\seat, forget the wrist bands, no meaning and no use. There are Sphere employees everywhere when in line, we asked, and since we had tickets with section\seat, she sent us to a different line. But bottom line: doors open at 6, lines went very fast once it started, and you'll have a solid hour and a half to look around. More than enough, almost too much. If anyone knows the wristband deal please share.
- Where to sit? The middle. We had seats a couple sections off center in the 2nd tier. Was a great balance of seeing the screen, and the band actually feels.. not far away. At least not as far as videos I've seen. The only bad seats in the house, and they are not that bad, are the far sides. And there are seats on Tier 1 that are actually obstructed - the 2nd Tier overhangs the 1st Tier - there are a number of rows at the very back of Tier 1 where the screen is obstructed a little, or a lot, or completely. This is not an issue on the floor, Tier 2, 3 or 4.
- Show starts at 8... or 8:40. DJ in the car plays all your favorite
ightmare early 80's hits, really loud. Another reason not to be stressed about getting in early. Stay in the lobby, have a drink or two, and check in occasionally during the DJ... when the little car gets to the right side of the stage, head for your seats.
- Try the pizza. The pizza concession was 'Pizza by Rock', had a thin crust, massive slice. Think it was called 'slice of sphere' best pizza ever had.
wow I didn't even know about the wristbands. Maybe you're right? Just something for GA? I agree the middle is the best place to sit and it was a great balance. I didn't realize some seats were obstructed that is a bummer to hear. OMG I wish I had tried the pizza! It sounds amazing! I'll def have to give it a try if we go back. Ty for watching and sharing your experience as well!
Please don't tell people to show up late. DJ started at 7:30 and u2 was onstage by 8:35 both nights I was there.
I didn’t tell people to show up late. I was explaining they didn’t need to stress if they wanted to get food or buy merch before the show. U2 started after 9 when we were there. :) How did you like the show?
Most nights they are starting at 8:35.
Just an outstanding review. Thorough and well written. Great job.
Thank you so much! I really appreciate you watching and your positive feedback! :)
@@DESHPLEASEI was fortunate enough to see this show on October 14. I agree with pretty much everything you covered. Thanks.
ty David! I appreciate that and tysm for watching! glad you enjoyed the show also!@@davidzack8875
It was bucket list U-2 techn-oreligious experience for me!!! Loved every minute!!
That's awesome! I'm so glad you loved it! Is Achtung Baby you're favorite album?
I am such a U-2 fan..it is a favorite!!!@@DESHPLEASE
Great analysis!!!
Tysm!!
Amazing and honest review!!! Much appreciated!!!
Thank you!! I’m glad you liked it! 😊
The best venue ever. Sphere.
Definitely a unique experience like no other!
Great review. We were at the Dec. 1st show. what an experience! Best concert experience ever!
Thank you!! I'm glad you loved the concert as well!!
Saw 10/14 show, when people ask, "What's it like?". I tell them, you have to see it, I can't describe it and do it justice. Cool post.
I agree! def have to see it for yourself. the pics and video just aren't the same as being there in the moment. ty for watching :)
Thanks for the review, it's great! U2 is one of those bands that rarely disappoints. I am one of the few that likes their new music as much as their old stuff. As much as I loved Achtung Baby (especially the songs One and Love Is Blindness) there are other albums I enjoy more . . . for example How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb . . . very underrated. I have almost every U2 album and am so happy they are still producing new music. Fan for life!
Thank you! How to Dismantle An Atomic Bomb is my fav U2 album! I love a lot of their new (and old) stuff too. Awesome they still get along and enjoy playing together after all these years. So cool to see them performing so young together when they were first starting out.
I went to the 10/18/23 show (sang Happy Birthday to the Edge’s wife at my show) and was blown away. The band is always looking to do the next big thing in entertainment. Bono has said in interviews leading up to the opening of Sphere, that it was to be a modernized mirror of their groundbreaking ZooTV tour (which was the same album). When it comes to other shows rocking the Sphere, I think you would have to dedicate time and do a residency like U2 did to get the best out of the visuals and the sound. I don’t think one off shows or shows that are just 3-4 shows in a full tour would work. The visuals seem to be so complex, stunningly beautiful as a fan of the band and music, that you have to put the time in for a show at the Sphere. I like that they pull songs out in the acoustic portion that aren’t stables of their shows otherwise. I was in Sect. 307
how sweet, I love that they sang Happy Birthday to the Edge's wife. Yeah I now want to see more of ZooTV after hearing so many mention it in the comments. Very cool! But for sure U2 is one of those bands that has earned such a special residency and all their amazing songs they've put out over the years. You're right i'm sure the visuals and everything involved takes a TON of manpower and a ton of work on the backend just to execute. I'm so glad you enjoyed the show and ty for sharing your experience as well :)
Nice review. I'm heading there next month.
Really looking forward to it. Although its going to be a short trip, only 2 nights.
Achtung Baby is possibility their best album. Multiple amazing songs.
I've seen U2 multiple times, (even worked at one in Belfast) both in the USA and in Ireland where I'm from.
I've also met each band member a few times too.
that is so cool you worked a show in Belfast! I would love to travel to Ireland, it's so beautiful! Awesome you got to meet the band too!!!
Great review. Very thoughtful, fair and thorough. Thanks!
tysm! I appreciate it!
We went to the 3rd show in section 406 and were told by ushers to sit down almost the entire time.
Then the 7th row in section 102 and I barely ever sat down.
On the floor in Dec and I cannot wait!
Each show was so amazing for so many different reasons.
That’s awesome!! Wow ai bet you’re excited for floor in Dec!! How exciting! That’s awesome that you’ve enjoyed each show so far! Do they change it up a bit or is it just cool to see it in a different section from a diff angle? Please share 😄
@@DESHPLEASE the acoustic part was changed up for the first time on Nov 3 when I was there and they did songs from War. Bono went on a platform that was lowered and he hung onto people in the first several rows.
Otherwise the show is definitely in the same order. The different vantage points from being at the top vs the bottom are amazing though.
Came back a week ago from being on the floor. Honestly, we looked at the screen maybe only 3-4 times. Enjoying the band close up was a completely different experience!
the singer changing the melody, tempo and words is actually quite common. Sometimes its actually because they forget the words. Bono sometimes he rewrites the song as he is singing it and has been doing that since beginning. But that's the genius of a live show.
Yeah I’ve noticed a lot of artists do it live and I like the idea of changing it up sometimes. Bono def did that and changed some lyrics to nod to Vegas which was really cool. The off time on the hits I think just threw some people off in the crowd but def never a dull moment. Appreciate you sharing your knowledge as well! :)
This show was always going to be focused around Achtung Baby. It's one of the finest albums of the last 30 plus years and was the album they toured the original ZOO TV tour wich was the biggest ever of It's kind. They set the bar on that tour wich is why this was the perfect venue to showcase this album. The first night or so I heard had alot of casuals that snatched up the tickets but the U2 audience will travel the world to experience Achtung Baby in It's entirety. The middle half was intentional to bring the show back to ground a bit. Some balance. The Sphere was made for a band like U2, it's going to be hard for anyone else to pull that off.
Thank you for that info! I appreciate it a lot. I'm glad it was an artistic choice by U2 for the second half and I appreciate that info on ZOO TV as well. Thank you for watching and for sharing that!
This is so cool it makes me want to go now I’m so glad you both had a great time!!! ❤❤
it was awesome! i want to go back now and see postcard from earth!
Uber tip: walk east to Howard Hughes Parkway, 1/8th of a mile east, and order your Uber from there.
Great tip!
Great review. 1 big vote for Pink Floyd at the Sphere. In the 90’s their Pulse tour was way ahead of its time i can’t imagine what they’d do using this sort of technology.
Thank you! That sounds amazing. I would have loved to see Pink Floyd live back in the day. I just finished watching the documentary on Hypgnosis and they interviewed David and Roger and it was pretty interesting!
Let's hope Richard Wright comes back from the dead
U2 are the only band to pull that off, the middle section is to focus on the band not the screen, you can go to cinema for that, they have the best visualiser in the business, bono performance is spot on and every attention to detail is played out with the energy used, you have the wow factor and the beginning the intro, middle is intimate and the ending conclusion is epic.
Thanks for sharing your insight! It's cool U2 made an artistic choice to do a more intimate middle portion. The conclusion was def epic as well! Which was your favorite part of all?
Best visualizer in the business but even this reviewer mentions how it's lackluster at points. Sorry, but U2 is not known outside of their fanbase as having the best visuals in the business.
Other artists more relevant to today, who are not stale like U2 is, playing their greatest hits from 30 years ago will do things a stale artists like U2 wouldn't dream of. Phish will blow U2's visuals out of the water in April, and so likely will others once they get there.
U2 put on a good show no doubt, but they have not been innovators in decades, if ever.
Good job on this explanation. I appreciate your commentary. It’s quite a bit to spend for a concert. Even given the venue. So I want to be sure.
Thank you so much! I hope you found it helpful :) Do you think you’ll make it to a show?
The biggest reason for the middle lull is they seem to be trying to mimic the B stage part from their previous tours where they do stripped down versions of their songs or just ad lib as they go by singing other peoples songs.
Another reason for the lack of video content through the whole show is a technical one - it's the sheer file size and computing power needed to render animations on that screen. To give you some idea, 1 minute of 12k resolution animation takes 2 weeks to render on it...and it's a 2 hour show. So you can guarantee that U2 will continue to add more visuals to the show over time (they have an option to play the Sphere for 2 years in their contract).
Wow! That makes sense. Thank you for sharing that info!! Really appreciate it. :)
They could easily show realtime video from cameras. Definitely it was an artistic decision not to do so. As far as I know, their team especially tried to avoid overuse of the screen, bc many people think that the visual storm of the 1st part is "2 much" and more of that would make them sick.
Anyway, it's impossible to satisfy everybody.
We hardcore U2 fans only wanted to celebrate the Achtung Baby album in its entirety. Everything else was gravy.
It’s cool to see so many diehard u2 fans share their experience and be so passionate about Achtung Baby start to finish. 😊
The wifey & I were there at the 11/4/23 show.. We sat at 404 right at the rail..We freakin loved every aspect of the concert & screen experience.. Was definately worth the high price of our tixs! We be back again..Thxs for the video. :)
awesome! I'm so glad you enjoyed it all as well and I totally agree worth the price and would go again. ty for watching :)
I seen ever tour since 97 they never dissapointed
Wow that's amazing! Which has been your favorite so far?
Great video, Very informative. Thank you.
i'm so glad you found it helpful! ty for watching :)
WOW! This is so fascinating!! I'm glad you had a great time!!! If I can ever afford to go I'd love to see a show at The Sphere! I really love this review!!! Great job on this video Deshy!! You really killed it with this!!! Also Desh performing at The Sphere when? hehe ❤❤❤❤
tysm Matt! haha can you imagine? that would be a dream. maybe one day :) glad you enjoyed the video!
@@DESHPLEASE you are so welcome and yes maybe one day ;) I loved the video!! ❤
I have seen new blocks of tickets range from $500 to $1450 USD. The band has added new shows for 2024. Those who are ultimate U2 fans will love the show.
oh wow!
Consider reading “At The End of The World” Bill Flanagan. He had two years of open access during the Zoo Tv Tour. Thank you for your review.
oh wow! i'll have to check that out! ty for watching :)
I was just thinking of that book a few days ago. Really enjoyed it after it was released, great book.
That book is called the "U2 Bible" by most fans. Taking a U2 virgin to a show in February.
@@tinabailey1126 Are they doing more shows in Vegas…
The sphere is an incredible venue.
I saw Zoo TV live in Philadelphia.
Notice the rosary beads around Bono’s neck during these recent shows… Believe he got those from Pope John Paul.
Seems the sphere shows keep getting better and better. It’s like Bono keeps inching but… I bet you understand what Im saying without me saying it.
@@ReadingsbyDom yes, they have added shows in January and February. Was lucky enough to get tickets in the fan club pre-sale. Taking someone who has never seen them before.
The "industrial ceiling" around 3:26 appears to be evocative of the Pantheon in Rome, built about 1900 years ago and still standing today. U2's visual is not identical to the Pantheon ceiling but very close, and I think intentional (including the hole in the top). The video dove is almost certainly meant as a "Beautiful Day" tribute; doves were released when that song was performed at "Live 8" in 2005. Great review Desh, thanks.
Love those trivia facts! Thank you so much for sharing! I’m glad you enjoyed my review! 😊
Was this the actual concert or the Film?
I loved how you didn't talk too slow - you talked at the pace that I usually have to speed up videos to: 1.5x. thank you for all the info! glad I didn't spend $ on them in 2023 or 2024 but spent it all in the 80s before they were ruined by the Pop Mart tour and Brian Eno's production!
Thank you!! Haha I'm glad you enjoyed my review!
It is awesome I just clicked on at the part where they were playing with the city in the background I thought they were outside and it took me a while to study how the cars were moving to know it was something amazing I've never seen before
it was such a unique and cool effect! such a great way to pay tribute to Vegas :)
Been there for that. You nailed it! 😊
Awesome! Thank you!
Tks for the tips. Which seats dou you guys pick it up? Which sector do you recomend, 200, 300 or 400?
Ofc! Glad you found them helpful! We were in section 300 and our seats were great!
So curious who the next acts will be to play there. Any thoughts on what artists/bands/filmmakers would be appropriate for the venue?
Yeah I’ve been thinking about it a lot. I think Pink Floyd doing some version of The Wall would be insane. I bet Beyoncé or GaGa would have a lot of fun with it. I could see a franchise like Star Wars or Dune looking awesome on there as well. What about you?
@@DESHPLEASE Yeah those were all ones I immediately thought of. Feels like it should be something a bit more electronic and a group who truly loved making music videos. Gaga came to mind first just because I could see her really enjoying the process and being cool with being in Vegas for a few months. Pink Floyd is the dream...but I thought they might think it's too corporate or something. Beck would be awesome.
@@ct6852 yeah I can see that too. I bet an EDM artist would love it for the visuals. I was thinking even some video games like seeing Night City in Cyberpunk on the giant screen would be cool
If you’ve ever seen Tool live, I think you’d agree that they would be amazing at the Sphere.
@@atrain84 Yeah they look like they might already be set up for that.
Planning on seeing Phish at the Sphere in April. Great pointers. Thank you.
Very cool! Have an awesome time and ty! I'm glad you found my tips helpful!
Lucky enough to see U2 for my birthday 🎉 it was my 4th time seeing them last time was 31yrs ago took my lil brother to zootv at Oakland coliseum an we came full circle so cool an we took my 27yr son along magical night🙏🌛✨❤️🎉
wow what an amazing experience for you all! happy birthday! I'm so glad you got to go again with your brother and son! what was your favorite part of the show?
@@DESHPLEASE so hard to say I loved it all I sang an rocked out all night but I would say my favorite song where streets have no name it's my ring tone an loved it first time I heard it when I was sophomore ❤️🎉🙏🌛✨
aww i love that!!@@shannonpatterson9349
No Doubt , the best Show ever produced in the best Venue in the world , with the most newer technologic sound and Video
It was awesome! Glad you enjoyed it as well!
One of the most epic concerts I’ve ever been to and I’ve seen you too almost 10 times front row many times and seen hundreds of shows in this concert was just incredible at times definitely an emotional ride that only U2 can deliver
Wow awesome! Where else have you seen them? Very cool. They are an amazing band!
Why did you say “you too” lmao
Thank you for your honest appraisal of this concert. I have seen U2 at every tour since The Joshua Tree; however, due to the high cost of tickets, my wife and I are saddened we will miss this show. I've been working extra shifts as an Uber - Lyft driver so hopefully I will be able to see one of the shows in February.
Oh wow that is awesome you’ve seen them at every tour!! I’m so sorry you and your wife haven’t been able to see it yet but I hope you can in February! I just heard they had added those extra dates in 2024 which is awesome. How do you like working for Uber? I just saw Super Pumped on Netflix. Have you seen it?
That’s a bummer. Interesting though, my 400 level section seats were cheaper than the i+e tour in Vegas.
It’s worth every penny you spend if you decide to go.
Uber & Lyft is helping me catch up on some bills from last year, which was a challenging one. I enjoy doing rideshare as you meet some great people. Out of 4 K rides, I've only had three rides that weren't the best. @@DESHPLEASE
Everyone recommends to be in the middle or higher. I hope to see them in February!@@atrain84
I think that the show was 30 minutes too short. They could have played 1-2 Songs off of each of the first 4 Albums to make a well rounded show.
Agreed! That would have been awesome!
What date did you go attend (related to this review)? I was there 10/21. Loved it.
I was there the same day! Sat right?
@@DESHPLEASE lollll yes haha I had a weird feeling it was the same night I saw them or close to it.
My brothers and I were on the floor and right in the path of the DJ who “drove” by in the refurbished Trabant car.
Thanks for your review - which I thought was fair, insightful & entertaining. Your comment about the average age of the punters made me smile - I’m a little younger than Bono & co. having been a fan since the early 80s. We managed to get GA tickets to the show/gig/event and flew over from London with our daughter. I understand your concern about the (possibly limited) focus on Achtung Baby but if like me (& many others) this is your favourite U2 album (or even favourite ever album) the high cost of ticket and travel was well worth it. We were at the ‘Gaga appearance’ on 25th Oct & found the whole show quite overwhelming - & seem to have suffered from ‘euphoric amnesia’. This is a thing apparently - your brain shuts down its memory function to cope with all the over stimulation. All very odd but but was reported extensively after the recent Taylor Swift shows. As a result although I absolutely loved seeing U2, I’m unable to recall much of the detail ! I was a bit jealous of your recollections (which I just don’t have) and have had to make do with all the UA-cam videos.
I’d love to go again and try to appreciate everything in a less heightened state !
Wow! Thank you for sharing your experience! I’m so glad you enjoyed my review! Wow it’s awesome you saw Gaga with U2 but it’s crazy about the over stimulation thing - I’ve never heard of that at shows before. It’s so cool you live in London. It’s always been my dream to go there. It’s on my bucket list for sure! What’s your favourite local concert venue over there?
I have a feeling they will extend this into 2027 where they’ll do a Joshua Tree 40th. Phish is the next band, supposedly Dead and Co are going to regroup and do a run of shows here. I would say these bands are highly likely to play: Metallica, Guns N Roses (and did a Vegas residency before), Rammstein, TOOL. Pink has played a residency before and she could totally do the Acrobat stuff there. Aerosmith probably will but depends on Steven Tyler’s health at this point. Peter Gabriel has a new album out and his tour is doing extremely well, and he would totally take advantage of all the effects and technology. Damon Albarn might as well move there because this is PERFECT for a Gorillaz residency.
Oh yeah Pink with the acrobatics would be cool there, Gorillaz too but OMG Peter Gabriel - YES! the new album is fantastic and a lot of his fan-made ai music videos for some of those songs inspired me to make my own i have on my channel. i could DEF see those on the giant screen at the sphere - bet he'd do some awesome things with it! he's always been so unique with his music videos and artwork relating to his music. me and my dad would go there to see him for sure
U2 did a Joshua Tree retrospective tour in 2017, with big video displays. They're not likely to reinvent something they already revisited, or even less so, rerun what they did before. Also, if/when they play live again they've said they want to go on the road closer to where their fans are instead of making the fans travel to them in one spot. They didn't fully rule Sphere out again at some point, but a Joshua themed show probably won't be it.
I think tool makes alot of sense for the sphere. Their visuals are seriously next level and they have a dedicated following to sell enough tickets.
Any of pink floyd tribute bands or just the original guys themselves would work magic with that place i think.
Agreed! Pink Floyd is so great with visuals as well! I can't wait to see who cones to the Sphere next
@@DESHPLEASE same. Honestly would see basically any show there just cause i know what the sphere is capable of now.
Still can’t top ZOO TV Inside/Outside Broadcast; Zooropa & Zoomerang Tours
I heard those were epic! Did you see them live?
@@DESHPLEASE When I was 10/11 yrs old. It was amazing….
how awesome!@@Johnny_Doe
@@DESHPLEASE Looks like you had a good time 😊. I just subscribed. You write and play music as well?
It was the best! I would 11/10 recommend and would love to go again! And tysm for the sub@@Johnny_Doe ! Yes I do! :) I've written so many songs i've lost count. 200+ at least in a variety of genres from pop to rock to folk to edm. I've recently started doing it full time, releasing a song every month :) You can find my songs on my yt - music videos, lyric videos and more and also on Spotify and other streaming platforms: open.spotify.com/artist/58YrHyIIzxmfI4oxpAWAMn?si=H36DmPbvTkC6104No_mGPg :D
Excellent video. Thank you
Tysm for watching! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for the review. If you like giant screens this venue is for you. But the band is actually tiny looking on the stage.
So that’s not good. I prefer to see the actual band closer.
True. The stage was pretty tiny compared to the screen and when they didn’t show the band on the screen up close like during the second ad they were very hard to see unless you were up front or on the floor
I wish I could see this show - not a chance I could get out there right now, though.
My vote is for a "Pink Floyd reunited" residency - I can't think of anyone who's music would be perfectly raised to the next level by the Sphere than the Floyd's!
PINK FLOYD!!! That would be amazing! Hope they can get along long enough to do that! 😅 I saw a documentary on Hypgnosis the other night and it had a lot of Pink Floyd in it - really cool, especially the cover for Animals.
Looks like a Mass Effect (game) setting from the inside! So cool.
RIGHT? Insanely cool! Dang can you imagine playing a game with that giant screen? XD would be sick af
I saw U2 "Boy" tour and "October" tour in a small club ( same club ) in Houston. Great albums and shows.
That sounds awesome!
D. Followed this band's career my entire musician life. Won't be able to attend. Watching it happen from afar. Great review and very much appreciated. Intelligent and heartfelt. Passing the baton in good faith..... AND the Stones? I would say even though Charlie is missed.. def . The Stones. And Pink Floyd. As far as new artists like Taylor. This is the future of live music- no doubt ..they will seize it. Great review. Much appreciated D.
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you liked my review. I'm sorry you can't see it in person. Charlie is def missed indeed. And YES Pink Floyd fo sure!!! I saw Roger Waters (solo) The Wall a few years back and it was awesome but my dad got to see it back in the day with the full band and all the inflatable animals and I think that in the sphere or something to that effect would be so cool! Ty for your insight and kind words, I truly appreciate it and tysm for watching :) I hope you get to see U2 live again soon!
@@DESHPLEASE good luck to you ! Take care.
It's just so great to see people your age listening to good music. Kudos to your pop for raising you rights. Cheers!
ty!@@SamCarpenter-to4it my dad is def the one who had me listening to everything from the stones to the cranberries to talking heads, the smiths, dylan and blue oyster cult growing up and i'm so thankful. I think it's why I love writing in a variety of styles since as a lover of music, I'm drawn to so many different artists, bands, genres and sounds. :)
Love the Manchester bands. I remember when Stone Roses arrived. Masterpiece album. Also. A huge Johnny Marr fan. It's great your broad taste. Dylan is our Shakespeare. Our guitarist was a 70s gtr player. We love BOC and especially the Vigil. Did you know Patti Smith wrote lyrics for them before she was known? Weird huh? I'm a huge FAN of her poetry and legacy. Check out this 13 year old musician Nandi Bushell. I think she's our next Prince , D. Sweet beautiful soul. Also Samantha Fish is killing it. This technology is a little frightening. I hope we don't lose focus on musicians. I changed my mind when I saw what they've done with it. We were there for Zootv. They've never let us down....even when their reach exceeds their grasp. They've always used tech responsibly. My fav band since i was 14 and heard New Years Day. U2 take risks. Its wonderful to see them appeal to each gen. We still need their heart and integrity. Very excited about Inhaler. Post punk revival. Thanks again Dee. Keep bands alive !
Great detailed review 👍
tysm! i'm glad you enjoyed it :)
I’m going watch Anyma in Jan, can you help me recommend what section to sit at
Awesome! We sat in section 300 for U2 and our seats were great!
@@DESHPLEASE thank you I’m looking into 304 and 308 sections. But are the 400 also seats you’d consider ?
@@JorgeMoreno-c7i you can check the comments, I think some others were in the 400 section and I believe said those were good seats as well :)
I was there last weekend and it was awesome
Cool!! What was your favorite part??
@@DESHPLEASE I liked the visuals
@@AidanGiblin yeah the part where it was all of the strip and all the buildings was so cool there were so many awesome parts
On the topic of Bono singing slightly "off time". All of us U2 fans who have experienced them live, or seen/heard bootlegs are fully aware of this. Also, most concert goers seem to catch on quickly. This is indeed purposeful. However it is less about switching things up, and more explicitly intended so that the audience participation is not merely synced or even call and response, but complimentary and interplaying. You can hear him do this with The Edge as well. When they harmonize, Edge will sing "on time" and Bono will go slightly off, providing more depth to the vocals. It is one of the many ways that U2 raises their live performances above other bands - many of which go to the audience sing-a-long far too much and on songs which make no sense to do so. The counter that Bono provides gives much more character and nuance. He often may slightly change the lyrics to fit the moment (location, events, time etc), while The Edge and Audience are singing the main/original
ty for that insight :) The Edge harmonizes so well with Bono and I love how their voices sound together.
Fine, looks like I’m heading Vegas for my 6th U2 show in 6 different states!!
Haha! Omg that is awesome!!! Which has been your favorite show so far?
Good review. I saw them last month and agree the 2nd part dragged a bit and it would have been nice to hear more hits
Thank you so much! Yeah I agree, more hits is never a bad thing. I wonder why they didn't use the screen more in the middle part. Do you think they ran out of budget or weren't sure what to do? Or maybe it was an artistic choice to have "less going on". I'm not sure but the parts that did use it were fantastic for sure!
I attended too and I heard that the middle/acoustic set is the only few songs that allows them to alter the set list. The rest of the set list is fixed and the screen was utilized for only the non-variable songs due to the cost of creating/programming content for the sphere. I agree that it would have been better to play more of the higher energy hits for the whole concert as a few Achtung Baby songs, while great songs, lack some energy for live shows. And the low energy acoustic set was an odd choice. I enjoyed it, but IMO it was a missed opportunity for set list that could have blown us away the whole concert. @@DESHPLEASE
@@DESHPLEASE The middle section is the part they change out the most, so it doesn't have timed visuals. Considering the Sphere is 16k x 16k resolution and gobles up around 500gigs a second for video, the rendering of the visuals is exceptionally time consuming and expensive. I will say they've been messing with the visuals a little. When we saw them, they DID put up video of the band on the screen during the middle accoustic set, whereas at some other shows they had not. They also completely redid the visuals for the song Ultraviolet vs what it was at the start of at this residency. So they're definitely tweaking as they go. That's the tricky part of being the first to try a venue like this... it's hard to know what's going to work and what doesn't until the butts are finally in the seats. ^_^ Great and fair review!
Tysm@@ryankramer ! I appreciate that! And thank you for sharing that info and insight as well! It's cool that they are continuing to tweak things and experiment, changing things up for different shows, especially with such a dedicated fanbase that U2 has for instance, where fans are going to see multiple shows at the same venue. Ty for sharing your experience and I'm glad you liked my review! :)
It is the 30-year anniversary tour for Achtung Baby. That's why they were playing Achtung Baby.
That makes sense and very cool to dedicate an entire show to one album. Do you know if they plan to do more tours for different albums in their body of work?
@@DESHPLEASE U2 also went on a world tour for the 30-year anniversary of Joshua Tree, where they played the album front to back in order, sandwiched between older tracks and later ones.
The next albums in order are:
Zooropa
Pop
But I doubt they'll hold official anniversary shows for those.
Thank you for the info
glad you found it helpful!
I think this would also be a good venue for Paul McCartney, Coldplay, or Bruce Springsteen.
Yes! Bruce would be awesome there for sure! A few others mentioned Coldplay. I haven't seen them live but I hear they're incredible. Have you?
@@DESHPLEASE Yes. They put on a great show and play to large venues like the capacity of the Sphere. In Europe and the UK the band does large football stadium venues of 60,000 people. U2 actually hate the band. There was a time when Coldplay and U2 would not tour at the same time in fear of losing ticket sales to the other competing band.
oh wow I didn't even know that!@@BunnyWatson-k1w
Really enjoyed this, awesome job DESH! 😎🤘o7
tysm! I'm glad you enjoyed it! :)
Awesome review.... I am really hoping Coldplay will do shows there... I imagine they will
Tysm! I hear Coldplay is awesome live!
Great video. Lady GaGa will be next I reckon
tysm! I heard she joined U2 on stage one of the nights shortly after we were there. I bet she would rock the Sphere!
@@DESHPLEASE oh she would 100%
Hey, I’ve seen a couple of things on the sphere, yours is the best! ✅🛎😎
Wow, thank you so much I really appreciate it!!
Nice review. I have seen them multiple times including the Joshua Tree tour. It's just the Damm tickets are so expensive. Not sure if you are a Pink Floyd fan but can you imagine the show they would put on.
Yes! I am a huge Pink Floyd fan!! For sure I bet they'd have a lot of fun with them. If only Roger and David got along... sigh. I saw The Wall (Rogers Water solo tour) a few years back and it was awesome but my dad was talking about how cool it was back in the day with all the inflatable cartoons and stuff. Funny enough I just watched a really cool documentary on Hypgnosis (on Storm and Po) I'm guessing you might be familiar- they designed a ton of albums for bands like Pink Floyd, Zeppelin, etc. It was on Netflix. Super good. If you're a fan of bands from that era, I highly recommend :)
Good call
Gilmour has stated that he is no longer a part of Pink Floyd now that Wright has passed. Too bad it would have been epic!
It's a shame they don't get along anymore for sure :(@@donaldcampbell9483
It was an amazing show. We has a great view. Just wish I had gone with another person. Lol.
Sorry I read that wrong the first time. Glad you got to see it and had an amazing view! Sorry to hear that! Was the person not a fan of U2? Or are they just not big on concerts?
I did see it. December 16th of last year. I was just lamenting that I wish I had taken another person than who I went with. Lol.@@DESHPLEASE
How were your seats? I am considering one more show and was thinking middle seating like yours. I was GA stage left and I got to see the band up close which was a spiritual experience especially during songs like Until the end of the world. Con would be standing the entire time which was worth it but man my ankles were burning. I dont think you can take in all the visuals have to offer from there like how the stage looks during songs like Vertigo. Last time I saw them i was in nose bleeds and i swore I wanted to be where the energy was which was the floor. It was a mixed bag but I loved the energy but next time I want to take note of all the things going on above and around. If there was another con I was constantly craning to look up at the roof and the visuals. I will probably film less and take in the experience more so if I go again. Thanks for the review in any event I agree with a lot of what you said was pretty spot on and how I felt about the band and the venue. Still loved the concert either way U2 has never disappointed me especially there 360 tour hell i even saw the original Zoo TV tour and I thought that was a feast for the senses.
Wow that's awesome you saw the original Zoo TV tour! It's so cool you were on the floor and got to see them up close :) I do agree with you though about being farther back in the middle to really take in the visuals of the sphere and without having to crank your neck (and you can hopefully sit and save your ankles!) I definitely agree there is a certain energy on the floor that is something special. However, if you think you might like to go again, I think where we were sitting in the center back was great and we could definitely take in all the visuals in an immersive way. Let me know if you go again and tysm for watching and I'm so glad you liked my review :)
I’ve heard people say that the sphere it’s the opposite, u wanna be as far back and up as possible for best view.
Yeah I could see that too. We were center back and I think they were great seats but farther back and up would be great also@@Sassyglbeauty
The reason U2 chose to feature "Achtung Baby" is because that is their groundbreaking album. At that point in their career as a band, it was just over 10 years time and most bands like the Beatles and Led Zeppelin only made it to about 10 years before their end. When "Achtung Baby" was released it was unlike any other album from U2, featuring multiple influences from their previous albums especially "Joshua Tree." Also, that concert tour was unbelievable, I saw both of the shows in Los Angeles/ Dodger Stadium and the show in Anaheim/ Angel Stadium. The ZOO TV Tour was so highly anticipated at the time because there's nothing to compare it to really. Also the publicity for it what is mega!
I'm guessing that there was a break from using all the technology the SPHERE had to offer, during what you refer to as the second phase of the show, is because of the tremendous amount of electricity that is being used and the cost of that electricity is enormous. They have that data the electric bill. I think that's something that they might not have considered when building. the SPHERE.
Many years ago, U2 said that they would only focus on their current music, post 2000, mixed in with some of their classics. "Achtung Baby"was an exception I guess, not only because of the 30th anniversary, but also the impact it had on the culture of the time and the band itself.
Thank you so much for sharing this insight! Awesome to hear to hear that Achtung Baby was such a big moment for U2 and their history and it's awesome to see them bring the spotlight back to it for the 30th anniversary. SO cool you got to see then live during that time. I think you're right about the second portion and makes sense as you said, how much electricity the Sphere much use not to mention cost! :)
Nobody will use the Sphere to its full capability. It is very expensive to put a show on there and I would be surprised if the venue lasts 10 years. U2 was the perfect band to open the venue and I would like to see more musical artists use it.
yeah I can't imagine how expensive it costs. who would you like to see at the sphere?
@@DESHPLEASE If it was 1980 and the Sphere was around Pink Floyd would have been amazing to see there. As far as current acts the only ones I could see attempting it are ones that have the money to do so. Rolling Stones, Coldplay...a couple others but very few as far as rock music goes :)
@@brucecampbell7347 YES Pink Floyd for SURE and my fav band of all time is The Stones! I hear Coldplay is great live also
I'm glad I don't try LSD these days; my mind would be blown at The Sphere, imo. New sub!
Tysm for the sub!!
I'll let you know how it goes in May.
Thanks for a very good review. To summarize my own feeling is that I love U2 and don't like the Sphere. I don't like Vegas annymore either. It is way over the top. My age is showing. I am the same age as Bono and Edge. When I go see a concert I go for the band and their music and to see them live. I don't like the over-the-top visuals. To me they are distracting.
I can't wait to see U2 and all my other favorite bands live, but not at the Sphere.
Thank you! And thank you for sharing your honest thoughts as well! Yeah I get that. I think the Sphere is perfect for Vegas since as you said it’s over the top which fits right in there. And it can be really cool for sure. But a very intimate concert with just the band or artist focused just on the musical performance without the giant screen and other effects can be just as cool I a completely different way. Who are some of your other favorite bands you’ve seen love or want to see live in the future? Did you grow up listening to U2 if you’re similar in age? Did you ever see them when they were super young in concert? I think that would have been really cool to see :)
Thanks for your kind response. I don't mean that I hate all visuals. I like the visuals in U2 arena concerts for example. I am hoping to see Bruce Springsteen next year. I have never seen the Stones, but want to very much. The bands and singers I saw were mostly when they were younger and popular at the time. I saw Madonna in a stadium in 1987. That was a wild one. I saw Tom Petty, Santana, Queen, and Prince. I also saw a lot of softies like Olivia Newton-John, America, and Kenny Loggins among others. I like a lot of different music. The most memorable one was Supertramp in an outdoor stadium in Basel, Switzerland. I had a little too much beer and sitting in the hot sun I blacked out and ended up in a hospital. But that was fun. I need to get to Vegas sometime and see al lthe new stuff. Thans again.@@DESHPLEASE
@@mr_retro62 wow! That is awesome. I saw Bruce in concert a few years back and he did a great performance but the sound at the Honda Center wasn’t great for some reason. Not the artist’s fault. Supertramp in Switzerland sounds awesome!! Oh gosh what an experience I’m glad you were okay tho! Tysm for watching and sharing those stories :)
Theres a big reason its an Achtung Baby tour and its the because its probably the most in demand album the fans have wanted re-toured. There hasnt been an album as good since. Although some U2 fans think U2 set the standard with visuals etc they really just copied what was going on in the electronic music scene. For all the fanfare the sphere seems like a step backwards in concerts. Sure it has a big screen, but from the videos shown online the atmosphere seemed pretty flat, not sure if its an age thing or people trying to record what was going on. Theres also an issue with engagement with the band/music when people are focused on a screen. I think the Chemical Brothers have a better lightshow and its more balanced in terms of the spectacle and the music. This seems to be overwhelming people with the side show that isn't the music. As far as the pacing goes, no band either play their visuals or music full pelt all the way through, you need to give people a break otherwise it would all become boring as people habituate to the stimuli, no matter how expensive it is. I am hoping they tour this album properly, they can leave their 180 big screen TV in vegas though.
Ty for watching and I appreciate you sharing your insight and opinion as well. Yeah I understand what you mean about no matter what you do, you can get numb to the same thing after a while. Cool about Achtung Baby being so in-demand for a re-tour with U2 fans I didn't know about that.
got to be there just got to go
true! the photos and video don't do it justice. you gotta see it for yourself in person
I was there on 10/20 and have never been to a more moving, exciting show in my life. Plan on going one more time.
Awesome!! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!
No songs from earlier albums like War, Boy, Unforgettable Fire, October and Joshua Tree is a deal breaker for me
It was a bummer they didn’t play a few more songs from other albums when they have SO many great songs. But I get you can’t please everyone :)
Not entirely true. They play Streets and With or Without You (we also got I Still Haven’t Found) from Joshua Tree. Also some hits from Rattle and Hum too. When you have as many in the catalogue as U2, you have to leave some out unfortunately.
An amazing show, loved every second of it!
Where the streets have no name and with or without you are on the Joshua Tree. This was the Achtung Baby anniversary concert so you should expect to get all the songs from that phenomenal album. Next you are going to say you would never go because Larry is not there. Go. You will not be disappointed.
To bad Madonna can't change her venue this coming year and do her concert there in March
oh dang I bet she would put on an amazing show at the sphere
Yeah they have to do the acoustic set in the middle. Turn it off ....concentrate on the music ....more engaging , and highlight the juxtaposition. Also, one album so they can do another album later. Further, A baby/ zootv tour is made for the sphere so that's why they did it.
Thank you for sharing that! Cool idea to focus on one album at a time if they plan on returning and doing more. My favorite album is How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb. How about you?
I wish Taylor would do a Reputation (Taylor’s version) concert there and film it !
That would be awesome! Have you seen The Era’s tour movie? I bet in person it’s even cooler!
@@DESHPLEASE I haven’t! I’m a homebody. So, I am waiting for streaming. Lol. I am not a crowds person.
haha me NEITHER@@Sassyglbeauty but it was def worth going. i can't wait to see the eras tour on tv! do you know if it's out? will it be on Netflix?
@@DESHPLEASE Dec 13 on Disney +
(Also Reputwtion tour will be leaving Netflix on Dec 30)
The show now starts at 8:30 though, with the DJ at around 7:45. So not that much time.
our show started after 9pm
@@DESHPLEASE Yes, but regularly the show starts at 8:30. People should know that and not think they have time to get there until after 9.
Bono and the Edge have reimagined many songs in their catalog over the last few years, that may be the reason for the variations.
Very cool! Which songs in particular? I’d love to check them out.
Did you read "Surrender" the book by Bono? He talks about the process. There are a few songs out there that throw you off because the phrasing is different, like ONE and he adds that introspection into the new version. His point is that, as you get older, the songs meaning may change. I know that happens to my songs. Good review by the way!
@@DESHPLEASE
Yes Songs of Surrender features different lyrics and melodies.
Back in the day U2 would release different versions and club styles of songs to their Propoganda fans. All the CDs are out there (and on You Tube). Each album is named after a fruit.
Mango, Kiwi, Papaya, etc.
@@atrain84 I just discovered a ton of this stuff recently. Currently listing to Kindergarten Auchtung.
KISS and Cold Play should be in the Sphere
Yeah a lot of people mention Coldplay! I heard they're great live have you seen them?
I've seen U2 on multiple occasions, dating back to the original ZooTV tour stop at Dodgers Stadium, and every single time was more than just a concert. The focus on Achtung Baby for me and quite a few others around me, was complete elation, and a perfect pre-birthday gift to myself. To me, even the cons in your review were actually a pro for me. I can't wait for them to come around again for either a new album or even a retrospective evening with, I'm sure there will be no lulls then, and I would love to see a future review on that. 😊
Wow that’s awesome!! Happy birthday too! I’m glad you liked everything about the concert and had a great time! And great idea! I plan on doing more concert reviews and maybe even some album reviews :)
Biggest band on earth
They have so many amazing songs
What about the originator who brang entertainment 2vegas the ONE &only Elvis P that would be brilliant as Elvis is universal just as u2 are there are not many artists who are universa,even this year the first AI hallorgram of a performer will be none other than the greatest entertainer of all time ELVIS PRESLEY THE KING,U2 still one of the greatest bands
Elvis would be awesome!
I think Coldplay would be awesome at the Sphere
I've heard Coldplay's live shows are incredible. Have you seen them live before? I hear they do a lot of cool things to make it memorable.
@@DESHPLEASE no I've never seen them live before I'd love to though
@@AidanGiblin Me too. I bet they would have a lot of cool ideas for the sphere and they have a lot of great songs as well
I saw Coldplay live in July and it was sensational! They would totally work in the Sphere.
wow very cool! @@seanp7dc
I would love to see Peter Gabriel at The Sphere.
Peter Gabriel would be AMAZING. My dad and I are big fans. The fan-made AI videos for some of the songs on his newest album are so cool! They inspired my dad to make a few for my own music :). I'll link a few here: ua-cam.com/video/4-7RJs8t3dQ/v-deo.html
ua-cam.com/video/wK5pIlVnj-g/v-deo.html