Slash Critiques Las Vegas Sphere’s Fit for Rock and Roll Shows

Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash has expressed doubts about the band’s suitability for a residency at the innovative Las Vegas Sphere. This unique venue, which opened in 2023, has hosted various artists, yet Slash believes it may not align with the essence of rock and roll.

Concerns About the Las Vegas Sphere for Rock Music

In an interview with Trunk Nation, Slash commented on the Sphere’s setup, stating, “It’s not really sort of rock and roll friendly.” He acknowledged the impressive visual aspects of the venue but remained skeptical about its appropriateness for a true rock concert experience.

Visual Appeal vs. Rock Atmosphere

While Slash praised the Sphere as “a really cool thing” and admitted that many aspects look amazing, he emphasized concerns about prioritizing visuals over music. He feels that, for rock bands, the authenticity of a live show might get overshadowed by the venue’s elaborate audio-visual display.

Residencies and Notable Performances

Since its opening, the Las Vegas Sphere has welcomed several high-profile acts. U2 was the first to perform, completing 40 shows at the venue. Other artists who have engaged in residencies include:

• Phish
• Dead & Company
• Kenny Chesney
• The Backstreet Boys

Technical Features of the Sphere

The Las Vegas Sphere is highly regarded for its cutting-edge technology, boasting:

• 15,000 square meters of LED screens
• 164,000 audio speakers

This combination creates a visually stunning and immersive experience, which contributes to Slash’s concerns regarding the environment for a more traditional rock performance.

Upcoming Guns N’ Roses Tour Dates

Despite reservations about the Sphere, Guns N’ Roses continues to tour. Their upcoming dates are as follows:

As the band prepares for these performances, fans await news on their potential plans for Las Vegas.