How Does U2's Performance at The Sphere in Las Vegas Compare to Other Band Performances in the Round?
The U2 stage set is not 'in the round.' The stage is a turntable designed by Brian Eno but it doesn’t spin as attendees are all facing the front of the band. This is pretty much the antithesis of any accepted traditional rock 'n' roll orthodoxy. However, it's also the natural human reaction to just about any or all of 'U2: UV Live at The Sphere in Las Vegas' - the greatest show on earth that opened Friday night in an enormous dome just off the Strip. The just-over-two-hour show marks the apotheosis of a bigger-is-better ethos that has regularly occurred throughout the band's career and which they are not about to give up now that they’re in their 60s for any back-to-basics false modesty. The group that has spent so much of its recording output urging you to think about God and other only slightly less weighty matters is in Sin City mostly to make you say: 'Oh my God.' And we can vouch that we were hearing that utterance from people above, below, and around us in a kind of reactive quadrophonic effect that nearly matched Sphere's vaunted 22nd-century sound system.
Traditional Rock 'n' Roll Orthodoxy Meets Modern Stadium Size
Unlike the traditional rock 'n' roll concerts where the band might be set up in a round formation, making each fan feel like they are part of the performance, U2's show at The Sphere takes a different approach. The stage is a turntable designed by Brian Eno, an innovative experimentalist musician who has worked closely with U2, but it does not spin. This unique setup ensures that all attendees are facing the front of the band. It's a kind of theatrical and immersive experience that contradicts the conventional rock and roll stage setup. This is particularly evident in the balance of the performance, where the audience's experience is specifically designed to maximize the impact of the visuals and acoustic effects, rather than the intimacy of a round formation.
Sphere and Its 22nd-Century Sound System
The Sphere venue itself is nothing short of a technological marvel. Its innovative stage design, combined with the groundbreaking sound system, creates a hyper-realistic audio experience. Sphere is off the beaten path, located just off the Strip, but it’s here where the band fans have been treated to one of the most cutting-edge concerts in modern times. The 22nd-century sound system at The Sphere is perhaps the standout feature, capable of delivering a quadraphonic audio experience that seems to envelop the entire space.
Impressive Visual Effects and Immersive Atmosphere
U2's performance at The Sphere is a visual extravaganza. The lighting, projections, and other visual effects are so impressive that they often overshadow the music itself. It's not just about the sound; it's about the entire sensory experience. The stage set is designed to enhance the performance, making the audience feel like they are part of a stunning theatrical production. The innovative use of technology in this performance ensures that every fan is thoroughly engaged, creating a sense of awe and amazement that lingers long after the show ends.
Comparison with Round Performance Bands
Acts such as Crosby-Nash and the comic Rodney Dangerfield have performed in round formations, making each fan feel like they are part of the action. These setups are designed to create a more intimate and interactive experience. However, U2's performance at The Sphere is less about the individual and more about the collective experience. The band's ethos of 'bigger-is-better' is fully realized here. The grandeur of the stage set and the sheer size of the performance create a sense of awe that is nearly unmatched elsewhere.
Other progressive rock bands, such as Yes, have also played shows in the round in larger venues. These performances often focus on the theatricality and the communal experience. However, U2's performance at The Sphere is a more dynamic and visually stunning experience. The use of a turntable stage set and the advanced sound system creates a hyper-realistic audio-visual concert that is almost cinematic in its grandeur.
Conclusion
U2's performance at The Sphere in Las Vegas is a tour-de-force of rock concert technology and performance. While other bands, such as Crosby-Nash and Rodney Dangerfield, have successfully used round stage setups to create an intimate and interactive experience, U2's performance at The Sphere is in a league of its own. The band's ethos of 'bigger-is-better' is perfectly realized, creating a breathtaking and awe-inspiring experience that is the pinnacle of modern rock show complexity. This performance is a testament to the band's continued relevance and their ability to push the boundaries of live concert experiences.