U2 is one of the most iconic and enduring rock bands of all time. Formed in 1976 in Dublin, Ireland, U2 consists of Bono (lead vocals), The Edge (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Adam Clayton (bass), and Larry Mullen Jr. (drums). The band is known for its anthemic rock songs like “With or Without You”, “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”, and “Sunday Bloody Sunday” as well as their legendary live performances.
In 2023, U2 will be performing a series of shows in Las Vegas as part of their latest tour. Fans are eager to know exactly which dates the band will be in Sin City so they can plan trips and get tickets to the hottest concerts in town. Keep reading to find out the schedule for U2’s upcoming Vegas residency.
U2’s History of Legendary Concerts and Tours
Over their nearly 50 year career, U2 has embarked on some of the most ambitious and remarkable tours in music history. Their first tour was in 1979 in support of their debut album Boy. In the 1980s, U2 began performing in larger venues and selling out arenas, boosted by their 5th album The Joshua Tree. This album featuring hits like “Where the Streets Have No Name” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” launched them to global superstardom.
In the 1990s, U2’s Zoo TV Tour was an elaborate multimedia spectacle involving giant video screens, costumes, and characters. For the Elevation Tour in 2001, U2 performed in-the-round stages to deliver an intimate experience in large stadiums. Perhaps their most memorable tour was the Vertigo Tour in 2005-2006 in support of their album How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. This tour was the top-grossing tour of all time when it concluded.
Most recently, U2’s massive The Joshua Tree Tour in 2017 celebrated 30 years since their seminal album. Across all these tours, U2 has dazzled millions of fans with their passionate performances and socially conscious songs. Their shows are known for uniting audiences in singalongs and creating unforgettable concert moments.
U2 Announces Las Vegas Residency for 2023
After years of speculation and rumors, U2 finally confirmed in late 2022 they would be setting up shop for a Las Vegas residency in 2023. Vegas residencies have become a popular move for music icons like Elton John, Mariah Carey, and Aerosmith to settle into one location and deliver a spectacular production.
Given U2’s affinity for theatrical tours and ability to command giant venues, a Vegas residency seems well-suited to their strengths. The band expressed enthusiasm for the residency, saying Las Vegas would provide the perfect backdrop. The sets are reported to be U2’s largest ever constructed for an indoor show.
The residency will take place exclusively at MGM Grand Garden Arena, which can seat over 16,000 fans. U2 is planning to perform multiple dates per month throughout 2023. Fans from all over the world are already planning trips to Las Vegas to catch one of these highly-coveted shows on the strip.
U2 Vegas Residency Dates
U2 officially announced the dates for their 2023 Las Vegas residency on October 10, 2022. The band will be performing on the following dates:
March 17-18, 2023 |
April 14-15, 2023 |
May 12-13, 2023 |
June 16-17, 2023 |
July 7-8, 2023 |
August 18-19, 2023 |
September 15-16, 2023 |
October 6-7, 2023 |
November 24-25, 2023 |
That makes a total of 10 weekends and 20 planned shows throughout the year. However, given massive fan demand, U2 may add additional dates if their schedule permits. Of course, dates are subject to change or cancellation in rare cases due to unforeseen circumstances.
Fans noticed the residency dates strategically avoid conflicts with major U.S. holidays and events that would prevent travel to Vegas. By performing multiple weekends per month, U2 is making it convenient for fans to catch more than one show.
Inside U2’s Vegas Production
U2 is sparing no expense when it comes to the state-of-the-art staging and production for their Vegas shows. The band described the residency as “U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at the Sphere.” This refers to the Sphere, a custom-designed venue created exclusively for U2’s residency.
The Sphere will be set up inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena, transforming it into an immersive experience for fans. It includes groundbreaking video, LED, and custom optic technologies to deliver a stunning visual experience. The capacity will also be reduced from 16,000 seats down to just 4,000 seats per show for a more intimate vibe.
Of course, the setlist will draw heavily from their classic 1991 album Achtung Baby featuring hits like “One” and “Even Better Than the Real Thing.” They are also expected to incorporate career-spanning songs from other albums both old and new. Given the band’s penchant for reinventing themselves, fans can expect some surprises and reinvented arrangements of old favorites.
How to Get U2 Vegas Tickets
Given U2’s loyal global fanbase, demand for tickets is expected to be extremely high even with the reduced 4,000 seat capacity per show. Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster.
There are a few options available:
– Standard admission tickets – These start around $200 and go up based on location in the arena
– VIP packages – For a premium price between $1,000-$3,500, these include luxury seating, exclusive pre-show events, backstage tours, merchandise, and more
Standard tickets are selling out quickly, so fans are encouraged to buy early before quantities become scarce. Visitors planning to travel to Vegas for the residency are also advised to book accommodations early, as hotels will fill up fast.
Conclusion
U2’s long-awaited Las Vegas residency is set to be an incredible spectacle as the band transforms the MGM Grand Garden Arena into The Sphere venue. Across 20 nights from March through November 2023, fans will finally get their chance to see U2’s groundbreaking show focused heavily on Achtung Baby. Given the band’s track record of pushing creative boundaries and achieving new heights with every tour, the Vegas shows are guaranteed to be extraordinary. This residency cements U2’s legendary status and will allow a new generation of fans to experience their iconic songs live in concert. Don’t miss out on the chance to catch rock history in the making at U2’s monumental Vegas engagement.