Metallica Express Enthusiasm for Performing at Las Vegas' Innovative Sphere Venue
Rock band Metallica have expressed strong interest in staging a performance at The Sphere, a cutting-edge entertainment venue in Las Vegas noted for its immersive audiovisual technology. Guitarist Kirk Hammett conveyed the band’s enthusiasm when discussing the opportunity with The Hollywood Reporter, stating, "Oh, heck, yeah! That’s a great example of how venues are changing. That’s using modern technology to the fullest, to really up the levels of production and entertainment, connected to AI and making it a crazy experience."
The Sphere is distinguished by its giant wraparound LED screen and advanced audio capabilities, which create an unprecedented immersive environment for concertgoers. Metallica’s attraction to the venue aligns with their ongoing embrace of technological innovation in the music industry. The band has previously engaged with new platforms and formats, including a virtual concert with Apple Vision Pro and an appearance in the video game Fortnite.
Reflecting on these developments, Hammett advised other artists to adapt proactively to emerging technologies. He said, "The formats and venues just keep on coming. Ten years ago, I didn’t know we would be characters in a Fortnite game or that Apple would create VR headsets that can bring you literally right in front of the performer or the athlete. We didn’t see any of this coming." He highlighted the evolution from traditional music formats like albums and CDs to a rapidly expanding array of platforms and venues, warning, "If you’re not paying attention, then stuff like Napster happens. It’s not for me to say, but that’s something to ponder."
Despite performing at large venues worldwide, Metallica strive to maintain genuine connections with their fans. Hammett shared one of the band’s practices at concerts: performing for a brief period before the show officially begins, allowing them to see and acknowledge regular attendees. He explained, "We used to go out on stage with the lights still on so we can see everyone. We’d play or jam on some unrecorded song, and then, boom! The lights go off, and the show would begin. It’s a way for us to connect without playing our instruments or having a wall of sound out there."
This approach helps Metallica recognise and thank the dedicated fans who return for multiple shows. Hammett said, "It’s our time to do exactly that, recognise and acknowledge all the faces, the regulars who are at every single freaking show, or have been to the last six shows, or whatever it is. We use that time to acknowledge them, and they acknowledge us. ‘Great to see you. You’re here at the show, right on, let’s rock out. Let’s all have fun again.’"
Metallica’s openness to innovations in live performance technology and their commitment to fan engagement signal their intent to evolve alongside the music industry’s changing landscape. Their interest in utilising venues like The Sphere could set a new standard for immersive concert experiences in the future.
Source: Noah Wire Services