For more than forty years, U2 has been shattering fans’ expectations by constantly redefining the technology accessible to them as performers and pushing the boundaries to the point where it’s natural to question what’s left for them.
Enter technical director and veteran U2 colleague Stefaan “Smasher” Desmedt, as well as technology partner Weka. Together, they worked to create a completely unique experience for fans during the band’s residency at Sphere, immersing them in visual images while engulfing them in the band’s music. U2’s previous concerts need 4K video material.
200 to 300 terabytes of data must be moved each minute for their concerts at Sphere. Furthermore, they needed to transport over 500 gigabytes of old video footage that was rendered in the United Kingdom to the servers at the Las Vegas site.
CNBC’s Jim Cramer has his eye on Sphere Entertainment
The business that has the massive 580,000 square foot Sphere dominating the Las Vegas skyline, yet Jim Cramer isn’t suggesting it to potential investors.
According to Cramer, “the stock has been a solid performer, up nearly 57% year to date.” “But to be honest, a lot of those benefits seem to be dependent on how awesome the thing looks.”
The Sphere’s power lies in the attraction found on both its exterior and interior. Its inside has been converted into an event hall, which last autumn housed U2 for a Las Vegas residency. Its outside is utilised as a billboard that businesses may hire for $450,000 per day.
Positive comments have been made on the billboard and the concert experience, although Cramer stated that at this time, he is not too interested in the specifics of Sphere Entertainment’s operations.
To begin with, whatever ambitions it may have for growth appear challenging. The company’s request for a comparable building in London was recently rejected by the mayor of London due to its aesthetic.
“The company’s long-term growth strategy depends on developing new Sphere venues in a variety of global cities, though it’s unclear where they plan to go next right now,” Cramer stated.
Although Cramer believes it will be extremely difficult to obtain the required permissions to build Spheres in other places, he believes that unique structures are acceptable in Las Vegas.
Additionally, the Sphere’s construction exceeded budget and schedule constraints. Construction was supposed to cost $1.2 billion, but it ultimately came to $2.3 billion.
Although Sphere Entertainment now owns a number of regional sports networks, the cable industry is in upheaval due to a decline in customer base. Despite having a streaming business, Cramer does not currently suggest the shares of Sphere Entertainment.
The Madison Square Garden Company, best known for owning Madison Square Garden, the Knicks, the Rangers, and a number of other iconic locations and local sports networks, is the parent company of Sphere Entertainment.
Regarding Sphere Entertainment, Cramer said, “In the end, it’s a high-risk proposition with a questionable long-term growth trajectory.”
The group has extended its stay at the location to March 2.
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Desmedt saw right away that he could rely on Weka’s platform to handle, store, and manage the data required by U2 for their current tour designs. Desmedt notes that the band’s propensity to alter the visuals throughout performances in an attempt to adjust and play with the setting is an additional obstacle.
“They’re very impatient, especially with (U2),” remarks Desmedt. They want to implement their novel idea within a week. Thus, we have a few local animators using (Weka), and they just log in, make their modifications, render locally, and then upload it to my servers.
Songs such as “Where the Streets Have No Name” are treated to an elegant and almost restrained treatment with the images of the desert sunrise that accompany the performance, while much of the show immerses the audience in rich, unforgettable visuals that recall everything from images of Las Vegas icon Elvis Presley to geometrics inspired by techno/rave. Only now, with the ideal location, upgraded technology around it, and a band ready to push it all to the limit, is this moment feasible. “We needed to find a storage server technology partner that could meet both the band’s vision and the production’s extreme scale and performance requirements and deliver flawlessly in real time,” says Desmedt, explaining how moments like these were made possible.
U2, which are renowned for selling out gigs throughout the globe, is no stranger to technological difficulties. Desmedt quickly draws attention to the fact that residencies may be a more alluring option than full-on tours due to the Sphere and Weka’s auxiliary technology. With around 18,000 seats, The Sphere has the world’s largest and highest definition LED screen inside its interior.
“This was new territory for me, so I needed somebody who understood all the challenges,” says Desmedt, realising that there would be problems with directories, access, archiving, and so many other structural issues that needed to be resolved in order for the art to be created. “It becomes extremely complex since I’m also incorporating all of my footage into that thing.”
Desmedt didn’t hesitate when asked whether he’d be up for anything the band thought it wanted to do onstage next, even though he was about to take a well-earned rest following our conversation.
He said, “Oh, yeah, it keeps me going.”
Sphere will host a performance by Phish in April 2024.
Sources:
https://variety.com/2023/music/tech/u2-sphere-las-vegas-1235835739/
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/15/jim-cramer-evaluates-if-the-las-vegas-sphere-is-worth-a-buy-.html
Dwayne Paschke specializes in writing, management, development, design and Search Engine Optimization. Although he has worked for 8 years in the industry, he never found an ideal person to work with as a partner. Later, he found Sebastian Pearson, and they both found specific understanding between them. Both of them divided their tasks in this project and are running this venture successfully.