The Edge talks about U2's LV Sphere

What do you imagine when you think of Las Vegas? It’s likely to be gambling, spectacular fine dining, and unparalleled entertainment opportunities.

The city is known as the entertainment capital of the world. And it’s no surprise that Las Vegas is quick to embrace new technologies and the innovative opportunities they bring to enhance the things that already make the destination great. These initiatives inspired the creation of the Sphere.

The Sphere is a technological marvel, the latest entertainment platform. This is redefining the industry and taking the music experience to a new level for audiences. The Sphere is the beginning of an era. By integrating extraordinary technology, an iconic rock band and creative geniuses, the creators have designed a premier series of cutting-edge shows that the world cannot ignore.

The cutting-edge technology of the Sphere

The Sphere’s unprecedented technology breaks more than one world record! It is the largest spherical structure on the planet, measuring 5.7 million cubic feet in the main atrium. The LED screen includes 268,435,456 video pixels, which is unprecedented. With this technology, the screen resolution is equivalent to that of 72 HDTVs combined, meaning that every minute of content is equivalent to an hour of streaming TV. The Sphere visual display surrounds the audience and extends over the seats with a resolution of 16K by 16K. 4D technology allows audiences to experience visuals like never before.

The Sphere houses the world’s largest beamforming audio system that delivers personalized listening experiences. Through precise narration, the Sphere allows each participant to “feel” the experience through clear audio, changing temperatures and familiar scents. The Exosphere features a fully programmable LED Exosphere. Thanks to his innovation, the exterior of the Sphere has 2K resolution over the Las Vegas skyline.

U2’s first Sphere performance

U2’s debut on Sphere was the perfect celebration of music and technology. The rock band’s Sphere performance celebrated their landmark 1991 album Achtung Baby and the industry-defining ZOO TV tour.

U2 also performed their new song Atomic City, celebrating the post-punk spirit of the 70s and Blondie, a pioneer who intrinsically influenced and inspired the band members. It was only fitting to perform the song here since Atomic City was the nickname for Las Vegas in the 1950s.

The first 25 shows took place from September to December 2023. Due to unprecedented demand, the Sphere has scheduled 11 additional shows in January and February 2024. For its opening night on September 29, U2 attracted guests VIPs such as Dr. Dre, Elizabeth Banks, Jason Bateman, Jimmy Kimmel, Oprah, Paul McCartney and Snoop Dogg.

After seeing the Sphere early in construction and feeling equipped to take on the technology, the U2 band members used impressive innovations such as the Holloplot audio system and the Sphere’s interior screen that revolutionized the experience of the public.

Innovation and technology today spoke with The Edge, U2’s lead guitarist, keyboardist and backing vocalist to find out how the rock band integrated technology, artistry and musicianship for their Sphere debut.

Innovation and technology today: How did you first hear about Sphere, and what did you initially think of the concept of merging art, rock and incredible technology?

The edge: We first heard about the Sphere through involved friends and independently through our creative team. It was 2020. We were asked unofficially if we would consider being the first band to perform at the Sphere. So Bono and I came to visit the half-built venue in 2021 to see the AV demos in Burbank and meet the team.

When we saw the technology they were developing and understood the potential of the Sphere, we became convinced that developing a rock’n’roll show for it was a challenge for which U2 was uniquely qualified.

I&T today: The Sphere has some impressive technological features. How will these technologies improve the audience experience during your performances?

The edge: Holloplot’s audio system is extremely versatile and allows for immersive sound on a large scale. Sonically, it has all the headroom needed to rock the house. The building is spherical, but the ceiling is 80% permeable with huge amounts of acoustic treatment above the screen. It’s remarkably controllable sonically. We are confident that this will achieve the best sound from any comparable venue.

The inner screen is what makes Sphere so revolutionary. It is so large and with such high resolution that it allows us to virtually move our audience to a different time and place, whether it is an existing location, virtual reality or reality completely invented. It’s quite breathtaking. We anticipate fans will experience some slight disorientation, but we hope it’s nothing earth-shattering.

I&T today: You are no stranger to pioneering innovation. You called this engagement a “site launch.” What unique elements will U2 bring to The Sphere’s debut, and how do you envision it changing the live entertainment landscape?

The edge: Sphere was originally designed and engineered for immersive cinematic experiences, and it’s going to be amazing for that.

The reason people want to come see U2 live is because of our songs. They are our boss and tell us what to do. In terms of the experience we’re creating, it’s about exploring how the visuals might collide with our music and the band’s performance in a way that brings out some kind of heightened meaning.

When that happens in front of a live audience, it’s a very powerful thing to be a part of. It’s a communal thing, like a kind of synchronized catharsis. What many people don’t know is that we feel it too.

I&T today: How do the Sphere’s innovative sonic capabilities, like beamforming and wavefield synthesis, affect the way you perform and interact with your audience compared to traditional concert halls?

The edge: With Sphere, audio system privacy becomes available at scale. Additionally, we have to play with great precision because every little flaw is obvious. I think the group will be up for the challenge and that will add to the quality of the experience.

I&T today: Why is music such a powerful way to connect and move many people and even be a force for change?

The edge: They say that music is the ultimate art form because it requires no explanation. Music is somehow ingrained in our psyche, so it’s like a main throughline of our emotional life. When it comes to connecting people and galvanizing action, songs are extremely powerful. Only two regimes have attempted to ban music. Mao during the Cultural Revolution and the Taliban. Both to ensure total control of the population.

When Bono and I visited Ukraine and the area formerly occupied by Russian forces, it was reported that there was a bullet hole in the head of a statue of the famous Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko. They clearly understood the power his words had to galvanize resistance to their attempt to coerce Ukraine into submission. Music and poetry will always be a resource for the oppressed and help bring about positive change.