Bono and The Edge on their Vegas residency at Sphere | Extended interview

CBS News' Anthony Mason meets up with Bono and The Edge of U2 ahead of their historic residency at the new Las Vegas venue Sphere. They discuss the groundbreaking technology in the show, performing without Larry Mullen, Jr., and plans for new music.
#news #u2 #bono
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[@JohnPavlovitz]

These shows were beyond description. Just stunning.

[@nevadagrace3514]

yes its worth every penny! No one mentioned there are times when your seat rumbles as well.! Best concert I have ever gone to in my 70 years and I have gone to literally hundreds all over the world!

[@SMB64LOVE]

We flew in from Omaha, Nebraska to Las Vegas to see U2 at the Sphere. It’s once in lifetime concert & the experience to see an outstanding band play their music in this venue. The concert was awesome! Love ❤ U2!

[@BostonLuli]

Saw them last Sunday!!!! Absolutely incredible, unbelievable, amazing, MAGNIFICENT show! 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@goodingmusic]

Entire evening was just stunning, soulful and beautiful. Only U2 could make so much tech have so much heart.

[@rivertam7827]

I hope Larry gets better soon, there's no U2 without Larry ❤

[@Smurfhunnie64]

So, true I hope he be well enough for there second return to the Sphere.

[@matthewwolfenstein10]

People need to keep SCREAMING this. Sum of all parts. But…it’s HIS band if you know the history. His. From day 1.

[@dpkennedy]

SPHERE ROCKS! U2 HAS ROCKED SPHERE SINCE SEPTEMBER 29th, 2023. Legendary band; Historic venue. SPHERE. Thank you U2!

[@rname879]

You can tell the interviewer is a fan. Great interview and great questions!

[@CharEl2023]

I want to be Anthony Mason in my next life. The guy has interviewed so many artists.

[@STOPTHECAPPLEASE]

I work there and I just became a U2 fan

[@28th_St_Air]

Just saw them last night. No other venue compares and comes close. They were awesome.

[@fionablack4941]

We flew 40 million miles to see U2 ...my mind was blown...having seen and followed them since their beginnings...this was the ultimate experience. Wow... Wow and more

[@helenespaulding7562]

Best concert EVER.! Absolutely gobsmacking.

[@l82theparty4]

The Edge is aging really well!

[@jeshkam]

He can afford it.

[@katharinenoble1682]

Aye. ♥

[@SeanApple]

I was lucky enough to go to the opening show and... it's going to be VERY hard to see a rock concert in another venue now. It feels like the live rock experience just took a quantum leap. This venue is incredible. At one point Bono whispered and you could actually understand what he said. It can also get very loud but it's a clean loud where you feel the energy and the punch but not the pain. Also, hats off to the content of what was actually played on the screen. It delivered both killer bombast and beautiful subtlety. It was paced wonderfully. The one thing about this space is... it's physically going to take on the personality of the performer. It has the ability to be super kitschy, induce vomiting, or create a transcendental experience like U2 is pulling off. It's going to be fun watching different artists interpret the space. It's not an arena. It's an environment. It can be both overwhelming and intimate. It's extraordinary.

[@luisfernandomendez2909]

Man, I can’t wait for my concert on Oct 18th.

[@redadamearth]

Glad you enjoyed it, but personally, I don't need or want to be looking at a giant screen during a concert. I want to see the band in front of me - human beings playing music. I go to live concerts to get away from screens. If this is the "future of live performance", I'll stick to local bands in small venues. The most "revolutionary" thing they could be doing is just playing in front of people without all of this stuff. U2 used to *MOCK* this kind of artifice and people obsessed with screens. Sad to see they've become what they were against for so long.

[@kevalino2]

@@redadamearthI was also there opening night (block 204)… I totally disagree with what you’ve said. ZOO TV was early nighties, the height and influence of U2 and that was screen (technology based). U2 have always welcomed setting the boundaries. There’s absolutely a place for this, the sound was stunning. I also love an intimate acoustic environment but this was an incredible experience! ZOO STATION!!, 🔥

[@alecab6719]

@@redadamearth If you look closely and ignore the screens, you can see the stage: it's U2 just rocking

[@mkhanman12345]

​​@@redadamearth I'm sorry but that is not the same thing. IDK why you guys do this but you're not screen experts. You dudes are just customers. This is something I would buy it is ok if you don't. It's hilarious dudes go to a venue and mention their phone, lol

[@karendillon2654]

Loved the show. I love this band ❤love the sphere

[@julianr1330]

This interview excited me for the future of live music. This is insane!!!!

[@animaljustice7774]

My favorite band since 1983

[@moniquejanke8151]

Edge, "I love that twirly one you do" LOL

[@ericaexplainsitall2135]

The reason that I really wanted to see U2 in this venue was because you are never gonna see them in a venue this small. I went the other day and the experience is just mind blowing.

[@abbyboyone]

I saw them last friday

[@patricianavarro8121]

Thr best concert ever!!! AMAZING... ❤

[@BourbonBasement1177]

was there opening night, what an incredible show!! the sound is so perfect on every level. no ringing ears after but it was loud in there!!! the visuals will blow your mind, like going to a alien planet taking in a show and coming back!

[@hudson.wolf2024]

Saw them opening night, first u2 show I went to as a fan starting 3 years ago, best experience of my life

[@Anna-vz5jl]

I i’ve seen this wonderful band about five times. I’ve seen them a few times in Boston a few times in Toronto and I always made sure I was in the centre so I can have a good look at the band. I’ve never been disappointed a unique band, one of a kind, and they throw so much emotion and heart into their music, real music, and, thank you for the interview and I’m so glad they’re doing well and best concert my whole life.🎹🎤🎼

[@cristinaboardwine9032]

Spectacular sound

[@elizabethmcleod246]

Fabulous interview. My sincere thanks to the band for years of fine cerebral music. ❤

[@mogadon7]

Can the tech make Bono's voice sound good again ?

[@johmharding520]

W E F.SCUMBAGS

[@bartobruintjes7056]

@@johmharding520 Caps Locks Trol!

[@johmharding520]

@@mogadon7 Boneo really likes the sheep

[@larrybenson902]

We went to the shows Oct 13 and Oct 14.... pictures and video cannot express how awesome the band and this venue are. I've been to well over 300 rock shows in 40 years - these shows have spoiled all future concerts. Thank you U2 for such inspiring and moving music!

[@selenesimonson9930]

I went those nights ! Amazing!!!

[@johnmaslack8628]

I saw them in 92. Zoo TV...We were at the end of the middle runway. It was the best concert of my life....

[@sc-ds7hx]

Was there this last weekend. Amazing venue and show!

[@revtheory]

Huge fan, and so so happy they pioneered this inaugural voyage! Can't wait to see it for myself!

[@selena3863]

I saw the show on Saturday. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen in 53 years. Mind blowing. Go if you can!

[@forumchatter09]

concur. mind blowing

[@lindakelley2676]

They put on such great shows!

[@StillYHWHs]

❤ A rock and roll band with a worthwhile purpose of what's going on in this world.

[@markt.3685]

Thanks for doing this interview and providing the video of it, much appreciated!😎👍

[@Markeebee100]

Absolute legends.

[@ricelake30]

Love their music they have so many great songs:)

[@Simonewhitesim-1music]

Wow, the sound on Zoo TV was incredible. I can only Imagine what this would sound like. I am telling you from the standpoint of being in one of the opening acts during that tour. Rock on Fella's.

[@AvStevieStevenJamesDrums]

For those that are thinking of going, there are four shows left. I didn’t think twice. It’s the best concert over ever been to in the 40years I’ve been seeing bands live.

[@user-zw1uj6xy7k]

I m à great fan of this band they are very professionnal and so kind ❤

[@robertpalmer3166]

I have seen U2 nine times. The last time, way back in 1997, was at The Cotton Bowl in Dallas. Incredible show. The next morning, a buddy of mine and I went to breakfast at a little neighborhood restaurant near his house. The waiter asked how it was going and I said great. Just saw U2 last night. He told us that the band had just been in the restaurant a few hours earlier and asked if we would like to sit in the booth that they say in. That was a moment.

[@clintlandrum9498]

@robertpalmer3166, I live in dallas. Do you mind saying the name of the restaurant?

[@robertpalmer3166]

It was so long ago. I really can't remember the name. it was in a little neighborhood off of Lemmon. I looked on Google Maps and couldn't find it. Next time I talk to my buddy I'll see if he remembers.@@clintlandrum9498

[@jennifermiller7813]

Beautiful 😮

[@user-vv7og1gt7t]

Great interview…Can’t wait to hear new music from U2 ❤

[@PatriciaSina-cm3nu]

Loved the concert at the Shere .❤

[@GiannaFiore]

I'm gonna see them tomorrow on the 5th I'm so excited.

[@4IndieForever]

Envy! Enjoy! Let me know how it was!

[@ct6852]

Awesome! The ticket prices have gone insane. Was planning to go in November but it's too much now. Have fun.

[@luisfernandomendez2909]

Enjoy! My turn is on October 18th 😁

[@Anna-vz5jl]

Omg your so lucky

[@fionablack4941]

It was way more than they explained and expected...it was theeeee best ever

[@abbyboyone]

I saw the show last friday. It is on another level. The sound is great. I was inside the pit. They were like 20 feet from me. You can hear every word that Bono speaks. I remember seeing the prototype in burbank on hollywood way near the burbank airport.

[@lockettfan2332]

Best concert ever!

[@BonoVox-ed8hn]

Thanks for the love ❤❤ come support let’s help the less privileged

[@dr.dashin1747]

Seen them 2 times, phenomenal band

[@dominiccrimmings6925]

Seen them 5 times (5th time was a ticket from a friend, so doesn't count) and they've been average at best - I've seen at least 20 other bands of their "supposed stature" that were so so much better on pretty much every level

[@Jhon-Rocks]

Sounds like you really enjoy that average band experience. ​@@dominiccrimmings6925

[@user-ml5ij5vr6z]

GREAT SHOW BONO & EDGE

[@heydy99202]

I am joint to travel from Montréal Just to see my favorite band !!

[@marcgoldstein2957]

I want Edge's jacket!

[@dougdoug9268]

Biggest band on earth

[@UKBreakz]

Big fan since Boy & War!

[@ttony777cpespective3]

I was at home in the Philippines with tickets to U2 Tokyo show when I received a message on my phone that the boys from the north side of Dublin would be stopping by Bulacan for one show. Sold my Tokyo tickets and bought 4 tickets to the Arena. 2 did not show for the concert. I was wetting my whistle with red horse at a nearby eatery and the two young ladies that were serving lived near by and never been to the arena. Their first visit to the arena ever was for my best U2 event thus far!!!

[@NoName-zb1gm]

He asked the question I would have asked. How do you play and not look back at the screen? I've seen a few clips and they're not looking back most of the time. I guess it's just as fun to watch the audience's reactions.

[@txkitkat1307]

Only prop needed is the band … definitely a bucket list add on ! GAME CHANGER 🎉

[@StillYHWHs]

Great setting for a concert.

[@BonoVox-ed8hn]

Thanks for the support and love ❤

[@larswillsen]

Oh man, would'nt mind playing that place in this life :-)

[@franciscaaurinete-rt5em]

Eu amo essa banda gosto demais do Bono bjs

[@tracezachdaniels4264]

GREAT JOB ALL...THANX 4 MAKING Tee with LIONS NAMED LEO the music worldwide. LOVE YOU ALL...!!!....MUCH LOVE.!!

[@davidquickel3941]

Great interview. What bothers me a bit is that the price of tickets is beyond what most people, including myself, can afford.

[@danielevans9379]

The cost of modern concerts is utterly ridiculous. I saw Metallica front row in the 80’s and the ticket was $10.00 lol Times sure have changed 😳

[@P-J-W-777]

I’ve followed U2 since the early 80’s. It’s awesome they have such a great venue to perform in to leave a bit of their legacy. I’ve always believed that The Edge doesn’t get enough credit as a guitarist as well as a vocalist. He’s created an iconic sound that almost everyone would recognize. Now, I don’t see eye to eye with Bono politically but we don’t have to in order to enjoy the music together or to just get along. It’s why I really wished celebrities and musicians would leave politics alone and keep their beliefs and opinions to themselves. I’ll continue to follow them for as long as I’m alive. Just wished I had the chance to go there and see them live. I’ll definitely agree with him that Nuclear is our answer to power. Solar and wind will be obsolete and reserved for off grid locations and sail boats. While i also believe there is evil and fear in Nuclear weapons, there’s also a beauty in watching one being tested.

[@12OLDROCKER]

Bono, Edge leading this Band 47 years🙏 They’ve always been fantastic at moving the concert experience forward, whilst playing awesome Music. Powerful awe inspiring songs, with an Incredible Heart & Soul. That dips into a Mix of Genres, whilst still being true; to their Unique sound🙏🙏

[@stevenlomas1594]

Incredible group, incredible venue. Though it's slightly less beautiful than it could have been. No Larry Mullen Jr. That guy just doesn't age.

[@RommelG]

Best I've ever seen! except for a glitch on the 'the fly' song solo... Maybe Edge didn't press the pedal hard enough... dunno... the rest of the concert was stunning though!

[@MarcosAntonio-ob5zv]

Sou de Brasília, Brasil , sonho com essa banda tocando aqui , quem sabe !!

[@davidrhodes7655]

Think they've always been fascinated with technology

[@28vasko]

Only hardcore U2 fans know about “Songs of Ascent” 😅

[@hanselte7246]

Of course, is admirable adaptation capacity of Bono and The Edge in Las Vegas and other challenging scenarios

[@sharifchi]

I LOVE U2!

[@kennyplay5982]

Wow😊

[@bobabooey4537]

I never considered U2 as a rock n roll band, but I figure Bono and Edge know more about their music than I do, so I will take this as a learning experience, even more... being corrected. U2 is a rock n roll band.

[@StillYHWHs]

They use rock and roll to get their views out and what's going on in the world. So much more than a rock and roll band. A rock and roll band with a worthwhile purpose.

[@deplorableaussie6749]

​Your correct , their views of Globalisation/ Luciferian deception & establishment shilling . I hate to say it , love the band .

[@shanghaiffgg]

U2 has always been a rock and roll band right from I will follow. The first song in their first album.

[@pcb8059]

Edge got irritated and panicked when Bono spilt the beans about a future "lute"album. I'll interpret that as U2 is writing in Baroque which would sound amazing

[@adrianlopez2215]

I wonder sometimes if that's same beanie Edge has on from 91

[@CBM515150]

Contrived but still love them

[@suzianthony4928]

❤

[@johncoltrane7899]

I think they should go experimental, back to Zooropa risk based approach, colour, beats, loops. Miss those days.

[@gingafinga]

'I know, let's put everyone into a $billion dome and project the real world inside it.' Genius.

[@BonoVox-ed8hn]

Thanks for the love ❤❤ come support let’s help the less privileged

[@csarg6084]

Please, please, please release a new album next year…. Please, please, pleaseeeeeee…

[@matthewclay6535]

I doubt it will happen... but I'm with you! (New Album ASAP.)

[@samslick9000]

They should perform the Songs of Experience album

[@dpkennedy]

By the way - major kudos to PAUL FREEMAN & ERIK HOCKMAN - the genius ears behind the Holoplot Sound Experience - 2nd to none.

[@rranni]

I was lucky enough to buy a $140 seat. I'd still have to fly in from NY. Hotel, flight, food, etc....and now i just realized the show is the same weekend as the superbowl 😂 Do you all think it'll still be worth it

[@MareShoop]

Just went last night. It’s totally worth it. Just plan ahead. Stay at the Venetian if you can. That way, you can walk to the sphere through the bridge. Leaving after the show, is another thing 😮

[@rranni]

@@MareShoop yes , I've heard it's a nightmare leaving. I've also heard the seating is steep!

[@desertcat3]

Why did the prices go up so ridiculously?

[@mariah3654]

Please bring back the guitar music and band in the room sound 13:01 described by The Edge! Last album I bought was Joshua Tree. More of the Boy (1980), October (1981), War (1983), Under A Blood Red Sky (1983), and Unforgettable Fire (1984) sound, please.

[@empoweredbygod]

MC5 - Kick Out The Jams - MotherF**ker.... 1970 lives on!

[@prick_slickfield]

Edge's jacket - i want. how can i can has?

[@crouchingtiger9108]

Bono has to be one of the biggest chancers going. Lmao.

[@jayceewriter7826]

Nothing can ever replicate the experience of Red Rock. Sorry not sorry

[@Jhon-Rocks]

They are not trying to. Nothing can replicate this experience as well.

[@luisfernandomendez2909]

Something I realized from the interview is that they are really thinking about extending their residency, at least a couple of shows more next year maybe.

[@mikelanglois4737]

Please play Red Rock again.

[@decencywarrior9598]

💜🌹💚

[@paulsmith382]

Love to go seen them so many times .I live 2 klm up the road from were bono was reared n lived until he made big box.strange without larry though .love to get there

[@henrikijonkoping4694]

3:14 but, what word does the edge use here?

[@thetimkusel]

"We left going... We have to do this"

[@Anna-vz5jl]

U2 is making sooooooooooooo much money 💰

[@Jhon-Rocks]

They have done the work. People pay for that in which they find value in. I've seen them twice. The first show was Joshua Tree in Seattle. I paid the VIP experience. I was able to sell the VIP gift, and the lottery prize I had won for enough to cover 2/3 of my incredible experience. And then the Sphere was all cost. $600.00 but maybe once-in-a-lifetime. It was the same for Springsteen on Broadway. And Springsteen with Tom Petty at Jazz Fest. Three of the most incredible shows. I made them a part of my travels. New York, New Orleans, and Las Vegas. Not one dollar was too much.

[@jameshill4911]

Every band worth its salt is going to want to play there. Pity it’s not in Europe but give it a while and we’ll get a sphere.

[@TheFly212]

Madrid is suppose to have a similar venue in the early 2030s. But fore the foreseeable future it's only going to be Vegas. Tho, I think in 20ish years there will be multiple "spheres" around the world.

[@Den-gp3bg]

Where do they go after this...

[@coffeshop87]

U2 were clearly guests on epstien Island.

[@stephenquinlan7131]

Why did he say Irish artist then added right after "also an important artist"?

[@drewcanton235]

The Sphere is probably not the place you want to if you're prone to seizures!!! Seriously though...

[@katharinenoble1682]

Ha.... Edge's comment about keeping it real. That's such a funny modern, first-world problem: our sound is *so good* that we have to work to keep it sounding real. Interesting. This is a more meaningful, insightful interview than I've seen in a while.

[@katharinenoble1682]

God their voices are so similar. This is why they sing harmonies together so well.... two different voices can be quite magical, but when Edge and Bono sing together, it's like this fantastic echo-y doubling.

[@jayceewriter7826]

Collected 83 ticket stubs in my life but no Larry, no Julie

[@Jhon-Rocks]

Well, Julie will be missing out. Larry gave his blessing. You can certainly see what he was okay with. His replacement only has the utmost respect 🙏 for Larry. And he's very good.

[@jayceewriter7826]

@@Jhon-Rocks lmao I just got home from Vegas. Saw it 2/15. Amazing and Bram did Larry proud. I’m allowed to change my mind

[@ROBOTWORKMAN]

Chemical Brothers, Tame Impala, Pink Floyd, or Depeche Mode would be incredible here. Flaming Lips need to do a New Year's show here one day!

[@chrisbyrne5358]

Queen and Adam Lambert could really push the envelope and show what this thing can do