U2 to play first live shows in four years at MSG Sphere, but without Larry Mullen Jr.
Call it a dual win.
U2 will return to the stage after a four-year absence and one of the most anticipated new venues in recent memory will finally open.
The superstar Irish rockers announced during a Super Bowl spot on Sunday that they will help launch the MSG Sphere at The Venetian in Las Vegas this fall with “U2: UV Achtung Baby Live at the Sphere.”
Show dates haven’t been announced as the $2.18 billion venue behind The Venetian in the northeast area of the Strip – under construction since 2019 – is still receiving its final touches. Fans can visit U2xSPHERE.com for details as they're announced and register for ticket information at verifiedfan.livenation.com/u2.
The 17,500-capacity globe will feature 4D technology, immersive sound and a 16k screen that wraps up and around the seating.
“We’re the right band, ‘Achtung Baby’ the right album and the Sphere the right venue to take the live experience to the next level,” U2 said in a statement.
The band has long been rumored as the opening act for the Sphere, but there will be one notable absence during the shows: drummer and founding member Larry Mullen Jr.
Prior to U2’s Kennedy Center Honors induction in December, Mullen told The Washington Post he needed surgery to continue playing and any 2023 concerts wouldn’t include him.
Bono, The Edge and Adam Clayton announced that journeyman drummer Bram van den Berg will sit in for the Las Vegas shows.
“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,” the band said.
This is the first time a member of U2 has missed a series of concerts since the band began nearly 50 years ago.
The decision to focus on U2’s 1991 “Achtung Baby” album for the Sphere concerts marks a sequel to the band’s Zoo TV outing, a massive run of stadiums and arenas in 1992 and 1993 to support the album.
At the time, the elaborate multimedia – couched in satirical messages about media oversaturation – included live satellite transmissions to Sarajevo, prank calls to the White House and banks of TV screens. The tour also birthed the creation of some of Bono’s most memorable onstage characters – The Fly and MacPhisto.
More major artists on tour:
Beyoncé is back: How to get tickets to Queen Bey's outing
Tips to see Taylor: Tickets went fast for Swift's tour, but don't lose hope yet
A 'Celebration' of Madonna: The pop icon will hit the road this summer
The Boss still reigns: Springsteen angered fans with ticket prices, but he's still selling out venues
'Together Again': Janet Jackson returns to the stage in April
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: U2 reveals 2023 Las Vegas Sphere residency without Larry Mullen Jr
