Light My Way – The U2:UV Experience at Sphere Las Vegas

Sphere Las Vegas

I recently returned from Las Vegas astonished that it all went to plan.  Seemingly forever ago, I (and many other U2 fans) heard rumors of possible shows at some over the top venue under construction in Vegas.  Even if the rumors of U2 shows at Sphere were true, health matters would prevent drummer Larry Mullen, Jr. from participating.  Even if they could commit, who would be on the kit?  Would Sphere be completed on time?  Could I even score tickets?  Indeed, everything aligned for a truly magnificent event earlier this month.  Let’s dig in to my highlights from the U2:UV Experience at Sphere Las Vegas.

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U2:UV Pregame at Zoo Station

My brother, sister, and I arrived in Las Vegas the day before the show, and I encourage other avid U2 fans to do the same.  Alot plenty of time to take in Zoo Station, an exhibit within the Venetian focused on U2’s Achtung Baby album and Zoo TV tour.  The space houses plenty of niche photo opportunities, such as the Zoo Station entryway to the Trabant car from Zoo TV.  Workers float around the area, helpfully taking photos for visitors.  Of course, a store sits within the exhibit, offering plenty of predictably-overpriced official concert merchandise.  (My $50 t-shirt prediction was spot-on.)  Still, being able to pick up such tour items in advance of that night’s show was a relief, taking one item off the to-do list.  For what it’s worth, the exhibit store’s selection was much bigger than anything I saw at the show.

TV’s adorned the space (of course), in addition to a full stage and instruments where fans could live out their performance dreams, all while being photographed.  My siblings and I enjoyed the fun photo booth, as well.  The exhibit didn’t end there, though.

In true Vegas fashion, Zoo Station offers a bar upstairs.  Fly Bar mixes themed drinks, like an Achtung Old Fashioned and a Mysterious Ways concoction.  Perhaps my favorite part of the entire experience is the soundtrack throughout – particularly, the ambient version of So Cruel.

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Sphere Las Vegas

Arrival and Entry

The Venetian and Sphere are connected via interior walkway, but it entails a long, winding jaunt.  I didn’t mind it, as the lighting and U2 tracks set the mood for the upcoming event.  My anticipation intensified as we came closer.

The Sphere lobby is a breathtaking space seemingly reaching the heights of the structure.  Everything glows.  We didn’t loiter too long, opting to take the escalators to the 200 level where our seats were.  My primary goal was to not fall down the escalator while taking photos.  Mission accomplished.

While awe-striking, Sphere also houses the remarkably mundane arena accoutrements, including myriad concessions.  How many people come to a U2 concert but need a tub of nachos right before the show?

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Inside Sphere

Sphere has been covered plenty, and after experiencing the venue myself, it’s entirely justified.  Our seats were on the 200 level toward stage left.  But we felt in the middle of the action.  The cliche “not a bad seat in the house” truly applies to Sphere.

DJ Pauli “The PSM” Lovejoy spun a variety of 80’s and early 90’s hits while slowly traversing the floor’s assembing GA crowd in a lit up car.  Like the venue itself, it was as pleasing to the eyes as the ears.

I looked back at the crowd in the levels above.  I’m intrigued to visit Sphere again to take in the experience from the cheaper seats.  I don’t think I can say that about any other venue.

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Showtime

The stage is remarkably simple, especially compared to previous U2 tours.  A turntable design, Bono arrived and spun around the center, seemingly basking in the faux-youth from his Fly sunglasses.  It was 1992 all over again, but this time with a bigger TV set.

The Sphere’s screen is simply remarkable, and U2 used it to push their live show boundaries, as expected.  Designs, vistas, band shots were crystal clear.  The presentation offered several nods to Vegas, including Elvis and Sinatra on the screen, while Bono crooned bits of Love Me Tender and My Way.  Perhaps the most memorable effect is the current day’s Las Vegas Strip being stripped away to reveal a barren desert.

U2 played the entire Achtung Baby album, but wisely mixed up the order and sprinkled in tracks from other records between.  I won’t run down everything, but you can check out the full set list here.  I was surprised to hear four songs from Rattle and Hum and a bit disappointed at the dearth of any pre-Joshua Tree material.  Dutchman Bram van den Berg did yeoman’s work filling in for Larry on drums.

Conclusion

The full set, including encore, came in at a fairly-tight two hours or so.  In terms of set list, I’ve been to better U2 shows, but Sphere’s eye-candy version just may be the most complete package I’ve ever experienced from these gents.  I fully encourage even lukewarm U2 fans to attend.  I plan to return for another show, perhaps with the now-confirmed extension of their Sphere residency.  And seeing Aronofsky’s Postcard From Earth next time will be the cherry on top.

Have you visited Sphere Las Vegas yet?  How was your experience?

Disclosure: Miles to Memories has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Miles to Memories and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

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