Queen are reportedly in discussions about staging a Las Vegas residency at the Sphere, the futuristic venue that has become a destination for high-profile productions since opening in 2023.
Brian May revealed the band’s interest in the innovative venue during a recent interview with Rolling Stone, explaining that his experience watching the Eagles perform there left a lasting impression. “I was blown away,” he said. “It’s one of the best shows I’ve ever seen in my life. Such a wonderful marriage of sound and wonderful music and incredible visual contact content.”
The guitarist’s enthusiasm for the Sphere stems from witnessing firsthand how the venue’s cutting-edge technology enhances live performances. The 17,500-capacity venue features a 160,000-square-foot LED screen that wraps around the audience, creating an immersive visual experience that has redefined concert production standards.
May confirmed that Queen, alongside current vocalist Adam Lambert, are actively exploring the possibility of developing their own production for the venue. “I’m very keen on the Sphere,” he stated. “I sat there watching the Eagles, thinking, ‘We should do this. The stuff that we could bring to this would be stupendous.’ So, yeah, I would like to do it. We’re having conversations.”
The potential residency aligns with May’s evolving perspective on touring. After five decades of global performances, the musician has expressed reservations about extensive travel commitments. “I’ve had 50 years of touring, and there’s a part of me that thinks it’s enough,” he explained. “I don’t like the idea that you wake up in your hotel room and you’re trapped.”
Recent personal experiences have reinforced May’s preference for more localised performances. He described situations where family matters required his presence at home while he remained committed to tour obligations abroad. “I had a few experiences recently where stuff happened at home with my family and I could not go home. It got under my skin and I just thought, ‘I’m not sure if I want this anymore.'”
Despite his reluctance towards traditional touring, May remains enthusiastic about live performance and innovation. “My feeling at the moment is I don’t want to tour as such. I still want to play shows. I still want to innovate,” he said.
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Drummer Roger Taylor reinforced the band’s continued commitment to performing, dismissing any suggestions of retirement. “I don’t think we’re done,” Taylor stated. “And I don’t think we’re gonna say, you know, final farewell tour or whatever. ‘Cause it never is, is it?”
The Sphere has already hosted successful residencies from U2, the Eagles, and Phish, establishing itself as a premier venue for established acts seeking to create unique concert experiences through advanced audiovisual technology.
