Posted on: April 24, 2023, 11:31h. 

Last updated on: April 24, 2023, 11:33h.

U2 announced five dates, over two weekends, for its upcoming residency at MSG Sphere at the Venetian in Las Vegas on Monday. ”U2: UV Achtung Baby Live” will kick off Sept. 29 and recur Sept. 30 and from Oct. 6-8. The Irish superstars are expected to add more dates if and when the initial ticket sales meet expectations.

Simultaneously with the announcement, Apple Music released a video of U2 singer Bono and guitarist The Edge being interviewed about the residency. In the video, The Edge explained why the Sphere’s unique sound system was a selling point to them. Unlike most arena shows, the Sphere will have no speakers, because the entire building is a speaker that envelops attendees in a “completely immersive” sound.

“Depending on where you are in the venue you’ll get your own very unique show,” The Edge said.

Bono added that the idea behind U2 was always “to make the worst seat in the house the best seat in the house,” but that the Sphere “changes the whole dynamic on that.”

“Most music venues are built for sports, they’re not built for music, they’re not built for art,” Bono said. “You can’t come here and see an ice hockey game.”

“In short, it’s a canvas of an unparalleled scale and image resolution and a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” The Edge added. “We all thought about it and decided we’d be mad not to accept the invitation.”

U2 has not performed live since December 2019 and will not appear as a complete unit during the residency. Larry Mullen Jr., the band’s founder, will sit out the residency to recover from neck and elbow surgery. He will be replaced by unknown drummer Bram van den Berg.

How Long to Sing this Song?

In the interview, Bono and The Edge hinted that the residency may be open-ended.

“I think it’s going to be hard to get us out of here,” Bono said, though he also joked about the experiment turning into a possible failure.

“Who do we blame if it doesn’t work?” he asked.

Fans can register now for the Verified Fan presale at u2.ticketmaster.com. Fans selected to get an access code will be able to participate in Verified Fan presale starting on Thursday, April 27. Ticket prices begin at $140 and will reflect all-in pricing, which means the listed price is the full out-of-pocket cost including taxes and fees.

According to a press release from the band, the large capacity of the Sphere (17,500) will allow for 60% of tickets to sell for under $300.

A U2.com presale is open now through Wednesday at 10 am ET, while the general onsale (if any tickets remain) will begin on Friday, April 28 at 10 am ET via Ticketmaster.