U2 makes their debut at the Las Vegas Sphere with Stars Pack.

It is rare for the main performers in Las Vegas to not be the most well-known individuals in the venue. However, during U2’s “UV Achtung Baby” show at the MSG Sphere on Friday evening, notable figures such as Jeff Bezos and Oprah Winfrey were in attendance. The lead singer of the iconic Irish rock band also opened up to a childhood idol in the audience during the performance.

“Bono mentioned that Macca, or Paul McCartney, is present tonight as U2 smoothly transitioned from their song “Desire” to the Beatles’ “Love Me Do.”

“We’ve stolen a lot of your songs,” he announced to McCartney. (In the encore, U2 also took on the “Sgt. Pepper’s” reprise and “Blackbird.”)

Also lurking among the crowd were actors Matt Damon, Jon Hamm, Bryan Cranston, Orlando Bloom, and Neil Patrick Harris, as well as vocalists Katy Perry, Snoop Dogg, Jon Bon Jovi, and sports stars LeBron James and Oscar De La Joya — among many other luminaries.

An improved version of the original object, with potentially enhanced features and capabilities.

A superior iteration of the initial item, possibly with upgraded functionalities and abilities.

The true standout was the Sphere itself.

Las Vegas publicity firms have cried wolf overusing the word “immersive” to describe their clients’ latest attractions. But the visuals accompanying U2’s two-hour at the $2.3 billion venue, displayed on a giant video screen that enveloped the audience, were truly next-level.

In U2’s popular song “Vertigo” from 2004, the use of 260 million pixels on the screen gave the impression of two helicopters flying over a desert setting, with spotlights illuminating Bono. At one point, the screen changed to depict the Las Vegas Strip at nighttime, creating the illusion that the Sphere had disappeared and U2 was performing outside.

Bono made a sarcastic understatement about the luxurious dwelling.

The sound was equally stunning, causing Bono to express gratitude towards James Dolan, owner of MSG Entertainment and the venue’s builder. Bono speculated that the creation of the Sphere may have been inspired by Dolan’s attempt to solve the issue that arose when The Beatles played at Shea Stadium – the audience couldn’t hear the band and they couldn’t hear themselves.

At a recent concert, Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and substitute drummer Bram van den Berg (replacing the injured Larry Mullen, Jr.) played a variety of their popular songs on their square stage. They also included a Prince song and some Elvis and Sinatra tunes for the Las Vegas audience. See the complete setlist below.

Bono announced that the band would perform songs from a different album at each show. This may explain the blackout that occurred during their four-song tribute to 1988’s “Rattle and Hum.”

All 25 performances of the band’s residency, lasting until Dec. 16, are fully booked.

“Setlist for Opening Night of U2’s ‘U2:UV’ Tour”

“Achtung Baby” Part 1

1. “Zoo Station”
2. “The Fly”

“Superior to the Authentic Item”
4. “Mysterious Ways”
5. “One”/”Purple Rain”/”Love Me Tender”
6. “Until the End of the World”
7. “Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses”
8. “Tryin’ to Throw Your Arms Around the World”

The interlude “Rattle and Hum” will vary on a nightly basis on the album.

I desire only you.
10. “Desire”/”Love Me Do”
11. “Angel of Harlem”/”Into the Mystic”/”Dancing in the Moonlight”
12. “Love Rescue Me”

“Achtung Baby” Part 2

13. “So Cruel”
14. “Acrobat”
15. “Ultraviolet (Light My Way)”
16. “Love Is Blindness”

Encore

17. “Elevation”/”My Way”
18.  “Atomic City”
19. “Vertigo”

The song title is “Where the Streets Have No Name.”
21. “With or Without You”
22. “Beautiful Day”/”Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)”/”Blackbird”

The article “U2 Debut at Las Vegas Sphere Draws Attention” was published on Casino.org.