U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at the Sphere - Las Vegas - Fall 2023

v10

'U2:UV Achtung Baby Live At The Sphere' - a special run of shows marking the band's first live outing in four years - will see the world's biggest rock band launch the world's most exciting all-new state-of-the-art venue, MSG Sphere in Las Vegas this Fall.

U2 have always – since their earliest days, including the industry-defining ZOO TV Tour which broke the mold in 1991 - pushed the boundaries of live performance, with ground-breaking stage shows that embrace the latest in technology and innovation. The news that the band will launch the Sphere, the state-of-the art venue currently dominating the Las Vegas skyline, is fitting for a show from the world's most thrilling live band. 

The announcement comes with confirmation that Larry will take time out to undergo and recuperate from surgery in 2023. These Las Vegas shows will see Larry and the band welcome drummer Bram van den Berg who will be sitting in to join Bono, The Edge and Adam onstage at the Sphere.

Bono, The Edge and Adam said, "It's going to take all we've got to approach the Sphere without our bandmate in the drum seat, but Larry has joined us in welcoming Bram van den Berg who is a force in his own right."

More information here and HERE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peMw65Pljoc

finbarrk

This is going to be expensive. Might still go though!

fafy

Venue is quite something, there is no doubt about that. MSG are in for planning, for an identical venue in London, by Olympic Park near Stratford.

But i’l keep my cash, i’d say prices for this will breach anything thats gone before.

https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/tourism/msg-sphere-work-moves-indoors-for-screen-sound-system-2471693/

RolandGoose

I wonder will tickets be cheaper as a quarter of the band will not be playing..... Fat chance! 😂

Any word on ticket prices yet? This is likely when I'll bow out of the running....

RayCon

Looks like the drummer replacing Larry, Bram van den Berg, is Dutch. Probably got a preferential tax status for using him 🤓

JKerova1

This is supposed to be a celebration of Achtung Baby. Larry was an integral part of the Achtung Baby / ZOO TV sound. Songs like Zoo Station, The Fly and Acrobat all hinged on Larrys drums. Celebrating Achtung without Larry is ridiculous. Doing a residency in Vegas is the sort of thing Celine Dion and Britney Spears do. I never thought I would see U2 do it.

Gotta remember these guys are in their 60’s, it’s possible that touring around the world no longer holds the attraction it used to. The Sphere looks amazing and they are probably getting an outrageous amount of money to be the act to open it, so it all makes sense. The biggest acts in the world have done residencies since the days of old blue eyes and the king.

fafy

My understanding, is they signed up to this a few years back, and they are now locked in, and contractually bound to deliver. Its been suggested by some, that they would knowingly and deliberately, exclude the founding member. I’m definitely not buying that.

Larrys recovery period,(from sugery) is unknown, and clearly, will be well into next year.

some good, well researched, background in this article:

https://medium.com/@u2isable_12816/achtung-babies-if-they-build-it-will-you-go-efbbd411307

forumdedum

Would love to go though when I went to see them last Bono never stopped talking between songs. He completely ruined the flow of the concert.

flasher0030

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120241730#Comment_120241730

Doing these Vegas residency thing is not some sell-out. The biggest stars in the world do it. Elvis Presely did hundreds of shows in Vegas. Guns n Roses, Aerosmith, Celine Dion, Elton John. What would make U2 unique that they shouldn't go for it? It's a fantastic opportunity.

finbarrk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120241942#Comment_120241942

That's the time to go to the bar or toilet.

PTH2009

https://www.ebay.es/itm/285148278766

Out of my price range a lot but they are pretty cool

forumdedum

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120244756#Comment_120244756

That would be about 17 times!

forumdedum

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120241730#Comment_120241730

Nothing most drummers can't play. Though I should say while Queen were never same without Freddie I also noticed a huge difference without Deacon on Bass. Completely different feel.

JKerova1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120246796#Comment_120246796

That's not quite the point. I'm sure most drummers could play The Fly or Zoo Station. Like Edge's guitar parts aren't that difficult to play but you couldn't imagine another guitar player filling in for him. The Stone Roses replaced Reni for a while but while the other guy did a good job it still wasn't the same.

PTH2009

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120246894#Comment_120246894

A lot of classic rock bands still going full of replacement members with most/all cashing in off past reputations.

Some times it's works (few examples Iron Maiden with Bruce, AC/DC with Brian) sometimes it doesn't (Guns N Roses in 2000s was just not the same, Spandau Ballet have a new singer)

No disrespect too Larry and Adam but U2 without one of Bono or Edge would just be plain wrong. Adam was replaced for a few shows wasn't he ??

This upcoming show will be very interesting and doubt phones will be allowed in meaning there might be an 'official recording' of the tour. Saying that there's no sign of the Joshua Tree revisited recording

Wishing Larry the best in his recovery and hoping too see him back in 2024. Best wishes to Bram behind the kit, what a **** gig too get tbh

RayCon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120246796#Comment_120246796

Completely agree about feel. Recently Opeth parted ways with drummer Martin Axenrot and had to get Sami Karppinen as a stand in for the US tour. Watched footage of the tour and to my ears, it just wasn't the same. Competent but different.

They've since got a new permanent drummer, Waltteri Väyrynen, who is much closer to the original feel. Did a great job on the recent tour and I'm looking forward to see what he brings to future new studio material.

And that's not even mentioning the fact that some Opeth fans never got over Martin Lopez leaving back in 2006 ! (in fairness he's a superb drummer with a lovely jazzy feel)

Opeth have the interesting distinction of being a band where every original member has been replaced.

greenspurs

Megadeth never the same without Nick Menza.

Slayer never the same without Dave Lombardo...

Metallica would be infinitely better without Lars Ulrich ....

Riders on the Storm/ 21st Century Doors never the same without John Densmore

A replacement drummer rarely gets that same 'feel' as the original drummer.....

Would love to see U2 , but i think prices will be waaaaaaaay too much ...

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120247248#Comment_120247248

Coincidentally, I did think of my favourite band when reading this thread, I didn’t think Metallica would be the same after Jason Newsted departed, definitely disagree with you about Ulrich.

SoundOfSilence

Muse did a fantastic cover of Streets at Glastonbury when they headlined a good few years back with the Edge guest appearing.

The enjoyment and energy in the performance was fantastic to watch. I think it was a mix of having the edge on stage with them as well as the fun involved covering a brilliant tune. The camera panning to the different members of Muse throughout the song with big grins on their faces, which you rarely see them do on their own songs.

I honestly enjoyed that performance of streets more than the majority of times I've seen U2 play it. I know when you're playing these songs night after night the enthusiasm isn't always gonna be there. But Larry seems so strained trying to ensure he's keeping up with a click track most times that he barely cracks a smile.

Anyways my point is you can slip in another amazing drummer or bassist for a u2 show and it wouldn't make a difference.

SoundOfSilence

Following on from the above comment, Muse drummer played with a feel or a groove that you rarely see Larry play with.

My own personal opinion but judge for yourself

https://youtu.be/SbH-uJ31uPY

https://youtu.be/SbH-uJ31uPY

greenspurs

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120247441#Comment_120247441

That is pretty damn epic alright ...........

weadick

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120247441#Comment_120247441

I haven't liked the way Larry played Street's since the lovetown tour.

forumdedum

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120247426#Comment_120247426

A click track is to be anticipated, not kept up with. Your point I guess

forumdedum

I can imagine replacements for Larry & Adam.

Kilteragh

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120255522#Comment_120255522

And let's face it, for the Edge as well. He's not exactly Hendrix, Clapton or Slash.

Love him or hate him but Bono is a amazing front man. Without him U2 are just another band.

weadick

U2 have always been more than the sum of their parts. There are four individual personalities that make up the band, each important in their own way. U2 without Larry, Adam, Edge or Bono is not U2.

fafy

I heard Sam O’Sullian, U2’s studio manager and Larry’s drum tech, has departed the band, just a retirement. He has been with the band since the mid ‘80’s,

He’s now working in the community/schools, in West Cork:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4R3oPHal0sqQ4xKXAvmhrL?si=Kl-pSLq7R329fkwdG18ttw

weadick

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120270581#Comment_120270581

Sad to see one of their old crew going but wishing him all the best on his retirement.

PTH2009

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120270581#Comment_120270581

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120272655#Comment_120272655

One thing about the band is that there pretty loyal to there crew and management

Ben Done

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120272655#Comment_120272655

If he spent all those years setting up for Larry, likely his shoulder"s fecked too..

fafy

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120273221#Comment_120273221

Very true,

Stuart Morgan(bass tech), Dallas Schoo(guitar tech), Joe O Herlihy (sound) Sam O’Sullivan(drum tech), all had, or have, 30 + years with the band, as did ex manager Paul Mc Guinness, who stepped down in 2013.

That is highly unusual, as is the fact, that until the ‘23 Vegas gigs, only on one occasion ever, across more than 2,000 gigs, has any member missed a scheduled u2 gig, which was when Adam went on a binge, in late 1992, the night before, a big stadium gig, in Sydney.

Stuart Morgan had to “step in” that night.

sprucemoose

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120247211#Comment_120247211

one of the many similarities they share with the Sugababes

weadick

Any idea what dates they will be playing Vegas or when this will be announced?

Muahahaha

Any guesses on what a ticket is likely to cost, like what sort of prices were Barbara Streisand,Mariah Carey and other artists charging in Vegas? Im guessing its going to be minimum $250 with way more again for seats up the front. Id still be tempted as Ive never been to Vegas and can get very cheap flights there through a friend. But reckon it will probably be almost impossible to get tickets, the hotels will probably block buy loads of them up for resale

weadick

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120290106#Comment_120290106

I'm afraid you could be right. I might have access to a pre-sale through the fan club but even that doesn't guarantee you tickets anymore.

finbarrk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120288945#Comment_120288945

Good question. The last weekend in September was speculated as the opening show.

Aladdin Sane

Suggestions are the stint will consist of 12 shows in September. I have registered an “express my interest”. If I can get a ticket I’ll go.

walshb

Achtung Baby one greatest pop/rock records ever released. So Cruel is one greatest tracks in history.

weadick

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120295993#Comment_120295993

The Fly is my favourite. The box set they did for the 20th Anniversary is the best thing they ever released.

So cruel for me as well. I remember getting that CD and playing that song over and over again.

MadYaker

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120241730#Comment_120241730

Id put them exactly the same category as Britney Spears and Celine Dion tbh, I wasn't a bit surprised when I heard about this. Can't wait to see the disgusting ticket prices.

Everlong1

I'm a hardcore fan and have been debating with myself whether to go to this or not. What's turning me off is the fact that it's in Las Vegas. If it was New York, Chicago or any of the other major American cities I'd be happy to go as you could do plenty of sightseeing in addition to the gig. What the f*ck is there to see or do in Las Vegas though if you're not a gambling addict?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120362992#Comment_120362992

Vegas is fantastic, been there a couple of times, and I’m not a gambler. It’s a playground for adults.

Hurrache

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120362992#Comment_120362992

Vegas is a great spot for gigs with plenty to do outside of gambling. You can factor in a road trip top include a stay at the Grand Canyon or a few other national parks.

Wooderson

Mad theyre going ahead without LMJ. Its his band.

Can only think the venue/tech behind the dome show is so spectacular they can't help themselves.

I saw the Beatles "Love" show in Vegas - a bespoke venue. Utterly incredible and this setup proposes to make that look prehistoric by comp.

RolandGoose

I get where your coming from in terms of Larry putting the advert up and getting them all together in the one room. But even Larry says his management lasted all of 5 minutes, until Bono walked into the room.

I'm a huge U2 fan and I've always admired their four legged table, equal pay stance. But, of late the band seems a bit divided to me and very much the Bono and Edge show.

The very same claims being made about the Sphere, in relation to sound quality, were also made for the 3arena when it was "purpose built" for performance too. I have seen several shows in there with brutal sound, including a couple of U2 gigs. Why soundman Joe O'Herlihy was set up on the floor off to one side was an absolute mystery to me! I'd be tempted to go see Achtung Baby in Vegas..... But I'm sure my enthusiasm will be quinched when the ticket prices are released!

PTH2009

The new album is very Acoustic coffee shop type reworks. Sounds OK but its still the originals for me

Its like a modern day 'MTV Unplugged'

'All I Want Is You' and 'Bad' did translate well tbf

JKerova1

Most reviewers seem to be giving it about 3/5 and I think that's fair. There are a few stand out tracks like Until the End of the World but mostly it's just middle of the road elevator music.

PTH2009

The Vegas show could be these songs with very fancy special effects