Behind U2's Residency at Sphere Las Vegas | Apple Music

As U2's Sphere residency debut has arrived, U2 shows an exclusive behind the scenes look at the creative madness behind everything that made it possible for them to perform at such a groundbreaking venue.
U2 and Zane Lowe finally get to tour the finished Sphere building, gushing about its innovative technological achievements as well as its top-of-the-line audio engineering. U2 talks about the creative vision behind the stage design as they bring on a new era of music for the band. They take on a quite spiritual and artistic approach to hard-hitting subjects, presenting them in an aural-visual journey that is sure to make the audience feel deeply immersed.
00:00 - On the Final Build of Sphere
8:52 - Art Direction & Show Visuals
17:23 - "Atomic City"
26:26 - On Larry Not Playing Live
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#U2 #Sphere #AppleMusic

[@iliadde]

Only U2 could open The Sphere. One of the biggest legendary rock bands of our history. All of their members are still together after almost 50 years over the stages, it's a miracle in music industry

[@jdubya4885]

well, not really. no Larry Mullen, Jr.

[@MrBoots1987]

Yep not the same without Larry.

[@MrKit19832009]

Muse would have wiped the floor with them.

[@edu28811]

Larry was not present due to health issues but he's still part of the band

[@adamg9523]

@@MrKit19832009you mean the muse that supported U2 on tour? 🤔

[@boobtubebooboo]

I was there on opening night. Magical! This, for me, is the new benchmark for live concerts going forward. The audio and video were just overwhelming to the senses! U2 knocked it out of the ballpark, so glad that they were the first to perform at the Sphere. Groundbreaking, just like the band!

[@MyVideos-fm7ug]

The Edge brings up a great point. And one that I even wandered myself… but Edge points out how everyone in the house will have this perfect view of the stage and how clear and happy go of resolution everything will appear. He then says how it’s also going to be mesmerizing for them, the band k as well, and therefore a challenge to not completely lose themselves n their own performance. That would be difficult to dio

[@koboxing3582]

isn't it crazy how these guys are still going 43 years later. unreal 🇮🇪💚

[@TeddyLeppard]

I have news for you: The Rolling Stones are still performing in their 80’s.

[@metalmadtom]

@@TeddyLeppard With how many lineup changes?

[@chriscunningham8703]

Tragic

[@chriscunningham8703]

@@TeddyLeppardand they sound awful

[@markyncole]

Actually 46 yrs.,they formed in 1977

[@rupertcaney]

Ground breaking venue. U2 are the perfect band to open at The Sphere, they've always sought to push the boundaries of what's possible for concerts

[@paulpivaral4832]

would have said Pink Floyd but with the passing of Rich and the hate between Dave and Roger it would never happen.

[@MareShoop]

@@paulpivaral4832Roger owns the rights to The Wall, so he could do the Sphere. I even mentioned that to my husband. We just saw U2 this past Friday, it was epic. It was an Experience.

[@Joseph-vn8gh]

The livestreams opening night blew my mind from across the country. Thank you to those who streamed it, and thanks to U2 for the real music played live. Playing along with the previous night’s stream was just awesome. This residency will be unforgettable.

[@trainsplanesmore]

It was a LOT cheaper that way too!

[@rohirrim2011]

are there going to be live stream of tonight?

[@Avril.Lavigne]

​@@rohirrim2011Where?

[@mungofinalfi4480]

...Fire.

[@Avril.Lavigne]

@@mungofinalfi4480 ?

[@domd8290]

This may be the greatest u2 interview I’ve ever seen. This show is legendary as is that intro. This is everything I love about this band. Was fortunate enough to be there opening night and it was mind blowing

[@cindiwindi]

I have never been into u2, I’m a metal head and always venture into other genres but u2 has never gotten my attention even when I have tried hard.... regardless I saw the show on a live somewhere and the visuals made me cry it’s something that as a single broke old lady would make me drive from Michigan to Vegas (have never been) to see this. Thank you Zane.

[@hanverhoeven8661]

i, am also into metal for a very long time. But i always love u2 from the the beginning the started there live shows. i think back in "81(pinkpop in Geleen, the Netherlands) i heard them live over a cassette tape. It was sometimes almost hardrock down there.(I got finally a cd from that concert later luckely.) I played the tape so often that the tape was broken sometimes. I new one day this band is coming one of the biggest of the world. The energy, charisma, there sound, (edge guitar sounds like a jet fighter sometimes) the interaction with the audience, Bono,s voice etc, even the fact i, am on the same day celebrating my birthday as Edge gives me still goosebumps. As you listen to "the electric co" version at red rocks you hear some u2 staccato riffs from the Edge. Very powerful version i think....surrender also great song live. And sunday bloo, oh the whole concert is great....

[@maukasara808]

Just went last week . I came from Hawaii and it was beyond anything I could have hoped for. U2 is the perfect match for this venue. It was so much fun to witness mass joy and everyone having such a happy experience. My husband and I just said , what can top this? 😮Thanks U2 for this magic moment!

[@carmel_kli.8]

‏Wow, I have so much to say about them💖💖💖, I have no idea where to start! ‏I am a 16 year old girl and I loveeeeee U2💜💜, for 9 months now I hear their songs everyday all the time!! Before that I always knew they existed because my mom loves the 80’s music, but I never understood why they are so special! I started with 5 songs in my playlist😂, by that time I only began to actually understand why their music is so extraordinary and important to everyone and myself! Now I have about 60 songs in my playlists and I know each one of them by heart 💖, I love Bono’s voice and I find so much meaning in each song ! 🫶🏻🫶🏻 Even my book report was about ‘SURRENDER’ During those days the situation in my country is not easy, for 9 months people are protesting and trying to defend human rights and the idea of democracy and liberty! I try to protest whenever I can because those ideas and my country are so important to me!🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻 I am sure that this is one of the reasons why I feel so connected to their music.💙 during this period U2 has always been one of the places I can escape to, and always makes me feel better🫶🏻🫶🏻. The fact that I haven’t met any other teenagers who love or even know U2 makes me really sad😢, because I really believe that anyone can learn something from their songs and ideas!!!!! I saw them for the first time on the 30 of September with my mom (can’t believe she agreed to fly to Las Vegas😂, it took us 27 hours to get there🤣), at their second show at the sphere💖 I’m sure it will remain one of the most memorable moments of my life!! Once Bono walked on that stage I couldn’t believe what I saw!! I wish I had the chance to talk to them😔 hope I will someday on their next shows🫶🏻 Love U2 so much❤️❤️

[@fang_uk]

🫂

[@skiplongacre3440]

I will vote for you when you are old enough to run for President ❤

[@MichaelD8393]

Touched down in Vegas about an hour ago for tonight’s date; cannot wait 😁

[@andrew6978]

Enjoy!

[@margaretsch.3609]

Wow, great timing 😊

[@MichaelD8393]

@@andrew6978 I sure will

[@MichaelD8393]

@@margaretsch.3609 Yup, just in time for the first October date of the residency.

[@austinhaynesmusic]

Have an awesome time! I was there on Saturday. It was great fun! So glad I got to see U2 live in person after all these years!

[@jasonthemason1971]

THE most incredible concert experience I’ve attended in 40 years. You step into the future when you enter the building. I was there opening night. WOW !!!😮

[@jmelande4937]

Same for me. It was the best concert I’ve been to, and I’ve been to many. At the same time a giant spectacle and an intimate interaction.

[@Captain_Aubie]

Unbelievable....was disorienting and thrilling at the same time. Did both Friday and Saturday shows, going to do it again. It was that good.

[@estelalopez3563]

Next is a VR concert

[@adamw116]

How much is the show? I'm sure the ticket prices depend on seating.

[@Captain_Aubie]

@@adamw116 For some odd reason both 200 and 300 level seats were going for less than face value (under $300) on the resale market on opening weekend; after that the ticket prices doubled for the rest of the residency.

[@albertodecastro134]

It is incredible that after so many years they are still one of the bands that gives the best concerts and that continues to attract a large number of audiences.

[@cdub7619]

Wonderful Stuff. U2 had to Dream it all up again...and Achtung Baby is the best reinvention in music history

[@divingrob]

We all are getting older but it brings a smile to my face to see that you can still see young Bono is there. This film is up there with the unforgettable fire and outside its America documentaries.

[@jake_villanueva]

Watching this after being at The Sphere on Thursday for the show. Absolutely unreal.

[@artisans8521]

Bram is the drummer of Krezip, a band I know quite well (drove 1350 km in a single day to see them perform in Berlin), from their modest start to them filling stadiums. And that reformed a few years back. Love to see him in this setting. As I still recall the moment I bought "Live under a blood red sky" in a record store in Rotterdam. I hope Larry is back on his feet ASAP. Get well soon dude.

[@joelvinson]

I've been following The Sphere since it's inception. When the first live performance videos dropped, my jaw was on the floor. To see the guys actually reveling in what they've helped create brought tears to my eyes. I could tell it was amazing. We all could. But to see them really, really enjoy their handiwork is so satisfying. I wish I could afford to see this. Color me jealous of all who get to experience this live.

[@mastrorj68]

I never cared to go to Vegas. Well maybe for the UFC but other than that never cared to go. This, this makes me want to go ASAP. I'm not a U2 fan but i recognize their settings and I'll go just to see this

[@jtirello3_111]

I was there on 21 October. U2 and Sphere did not disappoint. If you can, go.

[@michaelclarkphoto]

It was an honor to be there on opening night to see U2 once again and experience the Sphere in all its glory. Thank you for all the hard work!

[@jmelande4937]

I was there week 2. 18,000 people singing together causes a spiritual feeling. It was the experience of a lifetime. I’ll never forget it.

[@eddiejimenez2]

U2, congratulations on this endeavor. You are all in my prayers for success, peace, joy, integrity and I pray also that God will prosper the desires of your heart. Work together in unity. Thank you for your part in bringing hope to a challenged world. Rise (higher) and Shine!

[@vaughanteamhomes]

The look of awe on Zane’s face was all of us in the venue on opening night! Mind blowing!!

[@stephanforseilles]

So grateful I could experience that. If you can go, go. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

[@AldoRacer]

OMG! As an Architecture student Bono talking about Tadao Ando and Robert Venturi's Learning from Las Vegas makes me so happy somehow! Great to see that, now more than ever I wish I could see this show live!

[@jennwilkey]

Same!! They are some smart well read dudes.

[@eddiee2750]

I was at the show in October and I do not believe I have ever had such an emotional response, from entering the lobby with just the right ambient music to the first time you actually witness the interior of the venue. I am lost for words how you try and describe it but the attention to detail and the quality of the sound and video meshed together to make an experience that will probably remain at the #1 spot on my list for the rest of my life.

[@stilty]

Amazing show. So glad I was able to see it.

[@ATLmodK]

Makes me so proud! My daughter works for Sphere. Keeps her mouth closed, wouldn’t tell us the U2 was the opening act/residency until it was too late for tickets. (They were sold out immediately for the entire residency and definitely no comps). Now I’m watching all these KZbin videos and seeing what i hope to see with another group maybe.

[@liadcohen8327]

Just saw this last Saturday and there are no words I could use to do it justice. It was an experience of a lifetime. If you can get out to see it, you should. You will not regret it.

[@patoc2857]

Great insight. As a reporter/presenter- what a privilege. Authentic.

[@gandalfthemead3121]

Going to the Sphere and watching U2 in this huge Ball, its almost impossible to describe. Two words I would use to describe this glowing ball, two word from every single employee there to the band playing - Love and Kindness. As you walk into the Sphere, its an energy, and it is all around you. An incredible night, this changes everything.

[@adammcandrew1691]

Hello. Do you know when u2s new album will be released. U2 are out of this world the greatest rock band ever. Adam

[@TowManDave00]

The videos I have seen from the shows at the Sphere are nothing short of amazing!

[@TimmyB1867]

This is so much of what I love about U2. The music and the message, but also the show. Bono, I think is incapable of not being a showman. It's musical theatre, and magic, and madness on stage.

[@ChasingTheMeso]

Such a great interview and openness of one of the greatest bands. To think they have all the money, awards, and accolades but still seem hungry. Let’s go for another 43 years!! 🎉

[@toodles241]

Saw the show on Friday night. When that wall opened up during Zoo Station, it was goosebumps

[@mattiaantonelliofficial]

The show beginning is mind blowing! Thanks for sharing this amazing preview

[@FinlandGuy747]

I love U2 but we can only imagine how cool Pink Floyd would have looked there.

[@sunchildtine]

yeah, psychedelic rock. The Flaming Lips. i'll like to see MGMT or Tame Impala.

[@artisans8521]

Muse anyone?

[@PerfectCode]

The Sphere is such a cool and unique innovation for art/theater. Really cool potential.

[@minhafamilianaamerica2305]

It's great to see Bono's voice holding up after all these years! :) I'm going to see you guys!! Thank you U2!!!

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

His voice was awful. If you want to hear an aging rockers voice that's actually good, go listen to the new Stone's track

[@ryankramer]

It was a little wobly opening night but was already better by night 2. Hopefully he'll find his feet by the end of this week and have fun with the rest of their shows.

[@minhafamilianaamerica2305]

@@ryankramer Yes, very true. The first nights were more like a warm up for his voice lol 😄

[@k.t.5405]

min 28:47 SLOW the video down...Bottom left : Its Mickey telling ya ta eff off!

[@minhafamilianaamerica2305]

@@k.t.5405 LOL THERE WAS A RAT!

[@josevelasquez3688]

U2 was the perfect band to inaugurate the sphere

[@college54114]

The Sphere is the most exciting thing to me right now, the future is truly now

[@anthonysclafani3963]

man i love U2

[@funtoseeme]

We went Sunday Night and it was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen! U2!!!!!

[@RitaLegan]

It was magical! U2 and The Sphere!

[@juliadoamaral8406]

My U2 with beginner's adrenaline gas ❤

[@hechoenchile8995]

U2 nuevamente lo hizo.... GRANDES!

[@makeitcount179]

Honestly, my intro to U2 was walking into my lodging first day as a Paratrooper. My roommate was playing the WAR LP at full volume. The song was 'Seconds'...that was a first hearing. Now, I'm after being stationed in Germany until the Wall fell 11.9.89 and returning in 1991. But this looks...like I've witnessed full circle. NPI.

[@sharifchi]

Still can't believe I saw 5 shows! AMAZING!

[@kimberlymoyer1232]

That's what God given creatives are tasked to do "Reach People", wherever they are!!!!!

[@jinatison1349]

U2 brought the word Love to life. There’s nothing on this Earth like thousands of U2 fans singing the word Love together in the biggest harmony imaginable. Moving, uplifting, beautiful.✨I think God heard us.

[@JohnPavlovitz]

These shows were brilliant. Impossible to describe.

[@hdw1502]

Angels and Airwaves in this venue would be out of this world...

[@sunchildtine]

AvA is extra terrestrial and wondrous music. it's like in space. i loved their 1st album so much. i'm happy for Tom to be back in Blink but AvA should live still....

[@dudoklasovity2093]

Thanks for this U2! It gives insight into the meaning and philosophy behind this amazing project. It’s one thing to see the cool pictures, it’s even better to know why❤

[@ianhamilton396]

I've always thought Fenton Williams from the Dave Matthews Band always created one of the greatest live experiences in America, but along came U2 and its extraordinary creators and blew him and everyone else out of the water.

[@jennwilkey]

Dave is great in a different way!

[@marksprinkle]

DMB would do amazing things in this building.

[@burnout3722]

Amazing show! A must see live! And the Sphere is mind blowing too!

[@dudleyvaxxer7241]

The Sphere is mind programing.... a gigantic subliminal messaging machine...

[@RoxieHuszar]

@@dudleyvaxxer7241Perhaps, but its so beautiful

[@pulse741]

​@@dudleyvaxxer7241это правда - жаль , что именно U2 учавствуют в популяризации технологии ,,захват внимания и перевод сознания в виртуальный мир,, . Большинство людей перейдет в виртуальный мир - ведь поначалу это так чертовски интересно и зрелищно.

[@chriscunningham8703]

An utter waste of money

[@ptourang2]

Being there was an experience I will never forget ❤ magical

[@gallaghers3560]

I would like to thank U2 for a memory with my 15 year old son that I will hold dear for the rest of my life. We flew from Dublin to Vegas to see them on 11th October. I have loved these men since I was 11 years old and they hold a very special place in my heart. I cannot express what a masterpiece this show is and for this to have been my son's first concert, I can safely say U2 have ruined all future gigs for him because nothing is ever going to compare to this!

[@abdullahemad9457]

Hahaha the sphere spoiled him from such a young age

[@BakoTV]

Nada se parece a ese show, nada! es una comunión! es una experiencia! es arte! es tecnología!!! es inolvidable.

[@jeffd9782]

My good friend is there tonight, having seen the show last night! Its absolutely mind blowing ❤

[@brigidabreu7150]

Imo the Sphere didn't dwarf them at all - it fused with them, like I could SEE their music. What an incredible, almost spiritual, experience! Their music is atmospheric and the Sphere just reflected that atmosphere and ELEVATED it (see what I did there)

[@karelhoogendoorn]

What a place. Just wow!

[@BostonLuli]

HOW incredibly awesome is this! I feel BLESSED to have been there just two weeks ago to witness this awesomeness in person! 😍🥰😍🥰😍

Many thanks Apple and Zane for producing this series on U2, it's amazing to see such a legendary band taking the lead!

[@jonathanjoukhadar1629]

This is so good!!!

[@florianreithmeier3540]

Wow wow wow. Love this interview … bucket list! 🤩

[@cacildoneto5090]

See you The Greatest Rock band of all time in 1 and 3 November. Goats

[@michaelmarchei8539]

Love tht despite all thbe lights, fame, fortune they are still all about the music and that's why Ill love u2 forever and allow their music into my heart !

[@ellenwood2167]

Great interview!!

[@kirkinthemountains8327]

The greatest show I've ever seen. Ever. It's mind blowing and beautiful. Worth every penny and more. Worth a trip to Vegas just for that one show. Period. Incredible and unprecedented.

[@alfredogarcia4887]

Wow. I wish I could be there!!!❤

[@user-cc2pb2so4g]

Love u2. Love how they are enjoying the screen. 😢

[@Daniel_s102]

I hope they end up releasing these versions of the songs on Spotify or KZbin music they sound amazing

[@neilbritten8004]

Been with these guys since my school days first saw them at rock city in early 80s over the years 27 times more live but gonna miss this I'm gutted

[@TylerJamesLogsdon]

absolutely impeccably brilliant music journalism, that's all we ask and Zane always delivers !!!

[@nishali3343]

I was there 2 weeks ago, it was an amazing show. After the 3/4th song, the mostly grey haired crown stopped jumping, sat down and took a break, lol

[@armandrops]

quando o bono começa a cantar junto ali pelos 10:40 meu deus do ceu te amooooo

[@dice1296]

the spectacle has finally overwhelmed the music

[@moaningpheromones]

The Beatles would tell you that in the 60s. Nothing new.

[@stanleyjungleib650]

Superb, informative interview.

[@mareaheringer4169]

U2 ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@UnderABloodRedSkyU2]

Absolutely incredible for this band to continue on and break new ground with their live act. U2 is the greatest live band of all time. Legends👏

[@Samdemaeyer]

fantastic

[@deviritter5232]

When everyone started singing, it was magical.

[@cmbaesler]

One word. Fricking awesome!!! lol 😮‍💨

[@spekenbonen72]

Best seat is no longer in front, at the stage, but exactly in the middle. I was honing my FIM 92 Stinger skills in a dome like that (just a bit smaller) in the early 90's. The sound in the center is just heavenly.

[@user-hf7qg9tc9h]

Oct 25! So exciting!

[@tomwest7117]

Love it, super low over head for the band, no stage or personnel to haul around, pretty profitable. In 10 years this will be obsolete when we have the Apple googles

[@The77SpaceMan]

I think the best thing about the Sphere is that it can give you such an immersive experience in real life, without the need to enter the virtual world. Even if Apple googles become very sophisticated and wide-spread, I believe venues like this still have their place in the future.

[@Jogadores_De_Elite]

U2 a melhor banda do mundo ❤️👑

[@taragreenetarotastro]

Bono Karaoke with himself. lol Its amazing. I loved ZOO TV

[@conradbo1]

Wow. Supercool and next level stuff.

[@chrisgreen1904]

Saw the Zoo TV tour at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego back in the 90s, Public Enemy opened up. Great concert!

[@allmeymusic]

The Greatest Show on Earth !!!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@kelco64]

It was beyond words! But- I had horrible vertigo and motion sickness. Take Dramamine if you even think you would get dizzy to enjoy this fantastical experience!

[@gpeddino]

I bet the desert backdrop was made in the Unreal engine, like the backdrops made in recent TV shows like Mandalorian.

[@josephsterling264]

Fantastic program..got I got to experience it before I become a ghost again....

[@JK0981]

Amazing interview 👌

[@writeforanimation]

I wanna go so badly!

[@ABC-qh8vi]

U2 forever ♥️

[@luisfernandomendez2909]

Can’t wait for October 18th

[@176franks]

that zoo station intro gave me goosebumps wow!

[@u2akrobata]

GOAT!