The Sphere in Las Vegas is currently set to sit empty from the first week of March to the second-to-last weekend in April. And then, as of right now, it will sit empty again.
U2 is set to wrap the first-ever residency at the Sphere on March 2. Phish will play four nights at the world’s most viral entertainment venue over 4/20 weekend in Las Vegas.
That’s it for now!
There is no indication as to who or what might next take over the Sphere or when. Nothing has been announced about any future residencies. Rumors continue to swirl. They are just rumors.
Of the artists and bands that have been tied to the Sphere, Dead & Company appears to be the closest to getting a deal done. However, there is also chatter about Harry Styles, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Bon Jovi, Paul McCartney and Miley Cyrus. Beyonce, Styles and Cyrus have reportedly had some talks.
And yet, still nothing so far!
There seems to be one big issue with booking— money. According to the New York Post, James Dolan and MSG Entertainment guaranteed 90% of the earnings from their ticket sales to U2. They also reportedly paid $10 million for U2 and its team to produce the show.
Those numbers may or may not be real, but The Post is usually pretty dialed-in on these things.
As a result, all of the artists and bands who are currently discussing a possible residency in the upcoming year expect similar compensation. Such a significant number is causing issues at the negotiating table.
If U2 is worth $10 million plus 90% of ticket sales, what is Beyonce worth? Styles? Etc….
Dolan and MSG, who were “very confident” in the investment for U2, likely are not prepared to approach future residencies with equivalent compensatory packages. The artists are likely unwilling to accept a deal that isn’t in the same ballpark, at the very least.
Which side will budge first? That seems to be the question!