The Sphere in Las Vegas transformed its exterior into a Lego Death Star and featured a full-scale Lego X-Wing for visitors, in partnership with Lego and Lucasfilm, to promote Lego's new Smart Play platform and create an immersive, interactive Star Wars-themed experience during the Consumer Electronics Show.
No Doubt announced a six-show residency at Las Vegas' Sphere in 2026, marking their first performances together since 2015 and the first female-fronted act to headline the venue. The band, including Gwen Stefani, will perform on select dates in May, with presale starting October 15 and general tickets on October 17.
The success of the reimagined 'Wizard of Oz' film at Sphere in Las Vegas is projected to generate over $500 million in gross profits by 2026, potentially leading to more classic film reimaginings at the venue, including discussions with Warner Bros. and Disney about other franchises like Harry Potter and Star Wars.
The article critiques Sphere, a new Las Vegas venue showcasing a heavily altered, AI-enhanced version of The Wizard of Oz, highlighting its superficial spectacle, technological excess, and the underlying costs and ethical concerns associated with AI-driven entertainment.
The immersive version of The Wizard of Oz at Las Vegas' Sphere features digital alterations that include the faces of Sphere CEO James Dolan and Warner Bros. Discovery's David Zaslav, replacing some original characters, with the project costing nearly $100 million and utilizing AI effects, sparking some controversy.
The Backstreet Boys are earning approximately $4 million per show during their residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas, primarily from ticket sales, VIP packages, and travel deals, with minimal expenses involved, making it a highly profitable venture for them.
The Sphere in Las Vegas is premiering a digitally enhanced and expanded version of 'The Wizard of Oz' that incorporates AI technology, new characters, sensory effects, and a rerecorded soundtrack to create an immersive and innovative cinematic experience, sparking debate over the use of AI in filmmaking.
Sean O'Malley blames the lighting at the Sphere for his UFC bantamweight title loss in 2024, citing it as a distraction that contributed to his injury and poor performance. He is set to rematch Dvalishvili at UFC 316, aiming to reclaim his title and address the setbacks from his previous fight.
Dead & Company will return to Las Vegas' Sphere in 2025 for an 18-show spring residency, following their successful 2024 run. The band will perform three nights a week from mid-March to mid-May. This residency, titled "Dead & Company: Dead Forever – Live at Sphere," will be their only Sphere shows in 2025, though other events may commemorate the Grateful Dead's 60th anniversary. Tickets start at $145, with presales beginning soon. The lineup includes original Grateful Dead members Bob Weir and Mickey Hart, alongside John Mayer and others.
Sphere Entertainment's Las Vegas venue reported a decline in quarterly revenue to $127.1 million, down from previous quarters, despite high artist demand and successful events like The Eagles' residency and UFC 306. The venue is facing challenges in managing logistics for multiple events and securing advertising. Sphere's operating loss improved after adjustments, and plans for a new venue in Abu Dhabi were announced, funded by the local government. Sphere shares fell 8.7% following the earnings report.
Phish wowed fans with their visually stunning first show at the Sphere in Las Vegas, featuring state-of-the-art visuals and a tight performance despite some sound issues. The concert showcased a mix of classic hits and newer tracks, with the band experimenting with creative visual effects that enhanced the overall experience for the audience.
Phish's upcoming shows at the Las Vegas Sphere are anticipated to be groundbreaking due to the band's emphasis on live performances and improvisation. Show director Abigail Rosen Holmes, who has worked with renowned artists like Talking Heads and Roger Waters, discusses the creative process and technical aspects of the shows, highlighting the band's willingness to take creative risks. The production will feature cutting-edge visual and audio technologies, with the goal of delivering a unique experience for each night's performance.
Sphere announces a new virtual reality concert series, starting with the Evening at Red Rocks VR Concert Experience, utilizing state-of-the-art technology to simulate the Red Rocks Amphitheatre experience without the inconveniences of nature. Ticket-holders are promised perfect conditions, including weather simulation and scent misters, and the ability to chat with an A.I.-powered greeter. The concept has sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning the need for a virtual experience when the real venue exists. However, it turns out to be an April Fools' joke.
A groundbreaking survey using ESO's VLT has provided new insights into planet formation by capturing images of over 80 young stars with potential planet-forming disks. The research, presented in three papers, reveals the diversity of planet-forming disks and their intricate features, such as spiral arms and large cavities carved out by forming planets. The observations, gathered from three different star-forming regions, offer valuable data for understanding the processes that lead to planet formation and could inspire future scientific exploration.
U2 concluded their 40-show residency at Las Vegas' Sphere with a dedication of their song "All I Want Is You" to First Lady Jill Biden. The band honored their album Achtung Baby and welcomed producer Daniel Lanois on stage, while also acknowledging drummer Larry Mullen Jr.'s absence due to health issues. Bono dedicated the song to all women and specifically to Jill Biden, who was in attendance. The show also featured political statements and a dedication to Alexei Navalny's widow. U2's residency will be followed by upcoming events at the Sphere featuring Dead & Company, Phish, and Darren Aronofsky's immersive film experience.