The Las Vegas Sphere: Navigating Future Bookings and Speculation

The Las Vegas Sphere has now been operational for two and a half years, establishing itself as a unique venue. It has hosted a diverse array of live acts, including U2, Eagles, Kenny Chesney, Zac Brown Band, Phish, Dead & Company, Backstreet Boys, No Doubt, Anyma, Illenium, and Carín León. Despite its operational history, anticipating the venue's future bookings has proven difficult.

Past Challenges and Missed Opportunities

Reports of high-profile residencies by artists such as Harry Styles and Beyoncé did not materialize. Harry Styles subsequently booked 30 shows at Madison Square Garden. Beyoncé's negotiations reportedly stalled over demands for an extensive two-week rehearsal period.

Sphere owner James Dolan later issued a cease-and-desist letter to Beyoncé for incorporating an image of the Sphere into her 'Cowboy Carter' stage show.

Upcoming Engagements

For the remainder of the year, the Sphere's schedule includes a lineup of established acts. Upcoming bookings feature Eagles, Anyma, Kenny Chesney, Backstreet Boys, No Doubt, Phish, and Carín León.

Speculation Surrounds Potential Future Acts

The unique capabilities of the Sphere continue to fuel speculation about which major artists might next take its stage. Here's a look at some of the names being discussed:

Metallica

Band members, including Lars Ulrich, have expressed a desire to perform at the Sphere. Production teams have visited the venue, and discussions are underway for a potential engagement following their 2026 tour. Contract finalization is pending. The band's continued ability to perform at stadiums globally is a significant factor in these negotiations.

Tool

Drummer Danny Carey has communicated the band's interest in a Sphere residency, potentially coinciding with a new album release. He noted the band's visual suitability for the venue and acknowledged the extensive and costly preparation required.

A concern is that the band's audience may be more niche compared to other Sphere acts, potentially impacting the financial viability of a short run.

Guns N’ Roses

A Sphere residency could offer a novel format for the ongoing reunion tour featuring Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan, providing a different experience from their standard stadium shows.

Guitarist Slash has expressed reservations about the venue's emphasis on visual spectacle, questioning whether it would detract from a rock and roll performance.

Depeche Mode

The band's history of incorporating innovative visuals in live performances and their catalog of hits are seen as suitable for the Sphere. A residency would represent a departure from their established pattern of releasing albums and undertaking world tours, potentially requiring significant work to develop visuals for their entire repertoire.

Roger Waters

The music of Pink Floyd, known for its elaborate visual and sonic productions, is considered highly compatible with the Sphere's capabilities. Waters, who has been off tour since December 2023, is noted for his continued innovation in live shows.

Potential challenges include Waters' strong political views, which may conflict with those of Sphere owner James Dolan.

David Gilmour

Gilmour indicated in 2023 that he had been approached by the Sphere, but he expressed limited knowledge of the venue. Despite his infrequent touring, a limited run could become a significant event.

Factors against this include his age and general preference for staying home.

Radiohead

The band recently employed a center-stage setup with a large video curtain during European arena shows, suggesting an adaptable visual approach. However, Radiohead maintains highly private plans.

There is a perception that the band might view the Sphere as too commercial or tourist-oriented, preferring traditional festival and arena settings.

KISS (Avatars)

A potential scenario involves a residency featuring KISS avatars, similar to ABBA Voyage, allowing for multiple daily shows without human performers.

The viability of attracting a consistent audience of 17,000+ for a non-live KISS performance is questioned, distinguishing it from the unique appeal of ABBA.

U2 Pop 30

Speculation suggests a 30th-anniversary residency for U2's 1997 album 'Pop', potentially redeeming the original 'PopMart' tour.

This is generally considered unlikely, as U2 is expected to focus on new music and move beyond extensive nostalgia-based performances, with Larry Mullen Jr. having rejoined the band.

Genesis

A highly speculative scenario involves a reunion featuring Peter Gabriel, with Phil Collins' son Nic potentially on drums. This would allow for elaborate visual interpretations of progressive rock pieces like "The Musical Box" and "Supper’s Ready."

This is viewed as improbable due to Peter Gabriel's lack of interest in such a reunion.