by Queen guitarist Brian May has expressed strong interest in bringing the legendary rock band to Las Vegas for a residency at the Sphere. This comes from a recent interview with Rolling Stone.
May’s comments reveal his enthusiasm for the innovative venue. They also address his evolving perspective on touring after five decades in the music industry.
“I’m very keen on the Sphere. It’s got my mind working,” May said. “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.”
However, the guitarist also shared his reservations about traditional touring. He cited personal constraints and family obligations.
“I’ve had 50 years of touring and there’s a part of me that thinks it’s enough,” he continued. “I don’t like the idea that you wake up in your hotel room and you’re trapped. 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.’”
May emphasized his desire for creative freedom. He remains committed to performing and innovation.
“I feel like I’ve given up my freedom too many times. So my feeling at the moment is I don’t want to tour as such,” he said. “I still want to play shows. I still want to innovate. I don’t think we’re done. And I don’t think we’re gonna say, you know, final farewell tour or whatever. ‘Cause it never is, is it?”
May’s interest in the Sphere reflects the venue’s revolutionary approach to live entertainment. This could provide Queen with an unprecedented platform for their theatrical performances.
The Sphere represents a groundbreaking achievement in entertainment architecture. Wikipedia reports that the venue is the largest spherical building in the world, measuring 366 feet high and 516 feet wide. The facility can accommodate 17,600 seated guests with a total capacity of 20,000. This makes it an ideal size for major rock acts seeking an intimate yet grand setting.
The venue’s technological capabilities would particularly suit Queen’s elaborate stage productions. VFX Voice detailed that the Sphere features a state-of-the-art 16K resolution wraparound LED screen that creates immersive visual experiences for audiences. This technology could amplify Queen’s legendary theatrical elements, from their iconic lighting designs to their elaborate stage setups.
The audio system represents another compelling feature for the band. FOH Online noted that the venue houses a 395,120-pound concert-grade audio system with beam-forming technology that allows sound to be directed to different parts of the audience. This precision audio delivery could enhance Queen’s complex harmonies and Brian May’s intricate guitar work in ways traditional venues cannot match.
The Sphere’s haptic-enabled seating adds another dimension to the live experience. Salaso Brien explained that these specially designed seats allow audiences to physically “feel” the sound. This creates a multi-sensory experience that could transform how fans experience Queen’s powerful anthems like “We Will Rock You” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
The comments suggest Queen may be exploring alternative performance formats. These would allow them to continue entertaining audiences without the demands of extensive touring.
