A U2 concert uses stunning visuals to open huge Sphere venue in Las Vegas

LAS VEGAS — It looked like a typical outdoor U2 concert: Two helicopters flew through the starlit sky before producing spotlights over the Las Vegas desert, and singer Bono knelt on the ground while singing “Vertigo,” the band’s 2004 hit.

This scene may look familiar, but the visuals were created through floor-to-ceiling graphics inside the immersive sphere. It was one of many impressive moments during U2’s “UV Achtung Baby” residency launch show at the high-tech, globe-shaped venue, which opened for the first time on Friday night.

The legendary rock band, winner of 22 Grammy Awards, performed for two hours inside a massive, modern spherical hall with crystal clear sound. Throughout the night, there were a plethora of eye-catching visuals – including images of a kaleidoscope, a burning flag and the Las Vegas skyline, taking over 18,000 attendees on U2’s epic musical journey.

“What a luxurious pillow,” said Bono, who was accompanied on stage by guitarists The Edge and Adam Clayton along with drummer Bram van den Berg. He then stared at the high-resolution LED screen that displayed a larger version of himself with a few hands and bells.

Bono then paid tribute to the late Elvis Presley, who was a staple of Las Vegas entertainers. The band has been rocking the city since 1987 when they shot the music video for the song “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” on tape during a tour in 1987.

“Look at all this stuff. Elvis definitely didn’t leave this building,” he added. “It’s Elvis’ church. It’s Elvis’ cathedral. Tonight, entry into this cathedral is the password: flirt.”

U2 made their presence felt at the $2.3 billion Sphere, which stands 366 feet (111 meters) high and 516 feet (157 meters) wide. With stunning visuals, the band opened their 25-show residency with a slew of hits including “Mysterious Ways,” “Zoo Station,” “All I Want is You,” “Desire” and new single “Atomic City.”

On several occasions, U2’s band members were so large on screen that it appeared as if Bono was closely singing to the audience on one side while The Edge was playing his guitar for others on a different side.

The crowd included many artists and athletes: Oprah, LeBron James, Matt Damon, Andre Agassi, Ava DuVernay, Josh Duhamel, Jason Bateman, Jon Hamm, Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Oscar De La Hoya, Henrik Lundqvist, Flava Flav, Diplo, Dakota Fanning, Orlando Bloom, and Mario Lopez.

After the conclusion of the Beatles’ “Love Me Do” jam, Bono recognized Paul McCartney, who was in attendance, saying “Maka’s in the house tonight.” He recognized Sphere owner James Dolan’s efforts in leading a venue that pushes the live concert soundscape forward with 160,000 high-quality speakers and 260 million video pixels.

The Sphere is the brainchild of Dolan, CEO of Madison Square Garden and owner of the New York Knicks and Rangers. He made the first sketch of the place on notebook paper.

“I think Sphere may have come into existence because of Jim Dolan trying to solve the problem that the Beatles started when they played at Shea Stadium,” Bono said. “No one could hear you. You couldn’t hear yourselves. Well, the field is here. …Can you hear us?”

The U2 frontman pointed at the crowd and Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Jimmy Iovine shouted. At one point, he got emotional when he dedicated a song to the family of the late Jimmy Buffett, who were also in attendance.

Bono then talked about performing on stage for the first time without drummer Larry Mullen Jr., who is recovering from back surgery. He recognized Dutch drummer Bram van den Berg’s birthday and filled in for Moline.

“I would like to introduce you to the only man who can stand and sit in his shoes,” said Bono, who walked toward Berg as some began singing “Happy Birthday.” He handed the microphone to Berg, who said a few words.

“There should be no mistake, there is only one Larry Mullen Jr.,” Berg said.

As U2 finished the show, a bright light shone from the ceiling and the huge screen began to fill with images of birds, insects and reptiles above the lake. The band closed their first concert at the Sphere with the song “Beautiful Day”, which won three Grammy Awards in 2001.