Reports: Bono unconcerned with Sphere’s sight lines
We were originally concerned about that overhang issue at The MSG Sphere.
But Bono is not concerned, so we aren’t either.
The issue at hand, and overhead, has been the section above the lower 100-level section that can conceivably obstruct the view of the full video display for some 800 ticket-holders. This design oddity was disclosed in April, just as tickets went onsale for “U2 UV: Achtung Baby” were to go on sale.
Ticketmaster went to work immediately to move ticket to another section and date, or furnish a refund.
With so much at stake in this unique venue launch, Bono visited the venue on May 28. That surreptitiously planned trip has been previously reported. But we have since learned the famous front man was in town to specifically to check out The Sphere’s sight lines.
Bono reportedly walked away satisfied at the setup. The rock star’s visit came a day after sound man Joe O’Herlihy, who has been with the band 45 years, also arrived to review the venue.
“U2 UV” opens U2 opens Sept. 29, with all 25 dates through December sold out on Ticketmaster. Secondary-market prices on opening night are ranging from $700 upstairs, to $3,000 in that 100 section. The floor GA seats are running about $900.
The Sphere will undergo a “stress test” in September, the week before U2 opens, to test the plumbing, the seats, and the audio/visual technology.
After U2 closes its original dates, the theatrical residency production “Postcard From Earth” moves in on Oct. 6. The ace Hollywood filmmaker Darren Aronofsky (“The Whale,” “Black Swan,” “The Wrestler”) is reported to be heading up the creative on “Postcard.”
Aronofsky has not been formally announced. And yet, we hope to see him opening night.
Gaga for ‘24?
With time leaking away and no solid progress on her voyage back to the Strip, we feel Lady Gaga won’t be back at Dolby Live until next year. Busy room, busy headliner. We hope MGM Resorts officials and Gaga’s manager, Bobby Campbell, collab on a plan. Bandleader and trumpet master Brian Newman’s return is invariably tied to these talks. We want it all.
Cool Hang Alert
The Fab, Vegas’ pre-eminent Beatles tribute band, celebrates Global Beatles Day at The Mirage’s Center Bar from 8 p.m. to midnight Sunday. The show celebrates the 56th anniversary of the worldwide “All You Need Is Love” broadcast. As a preview, The Fab’s Pat Woodward, Cam Konicek and John Menniti play an acoustic set at The Mirage’s Parlour Bar from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday. No cover, 21 and over for both Beatles gigs (wigs optional).
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. His “PodKats!” podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.
Descrition of the late Danny Gans' 1967 Ford Mustang "Eleanor" Replica
Lot #767
- Danny Gans' personal custom 1967 Ford Mustang Eleanor replica, commissioned by the late American singer, comedian and vocal impressionist in 2002 and built by Cinema Vehicle Services with a Certificate of Authenticity. It is powered by a 351/400hp Windsor V8 engine with a Clay Smith cam, forged pistons, roller rockers, screw-in studs, balanced and blueprinted, performer high-rise intake manifold, Shorty headers, 2.5-inch custom-built exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers and a Holley 650CFM 4-barrel dual-pump carburetor. It is also equipped with an MSD six AL ignition with an MSD blaster coil and a custom Ford high-output alternator. This car has a 5-speed manual transmission with a Centerforce clutch, a rear posi-traction axle with 3.0 ratio gears, 4-wheel disc brakes with power booster and power-assist steering. It rides on PS Engineering custom wheels (17x9.5 rear and 17x8 front) on Z-rated tires.
The A-arms were relocated for Shelby drop spindles, 620 coil springs, shock tower saddles, KYB shocks, 1-inch front and rear sway bars and 5-leaf mid-eye rear springs, all new or rebuilt. The interior has Shelby-style 1967 Mustang seats, along with a fold-down rear seat. Other interior features include and AM/FM cassette radio with four speakers, a Vintage Air system that blows cold, Phantom custom-mounted gauges, a Lecarra wood steering wheel with a Shelby emblem, and a mounted shifter with a floor-mounted center console. Built from an original 1967 Mustang fastback factory 289 V8 car, it has a body kit by Total Control Products that was fabricated, assembled and built in Riverside, CA, between 2001-02.
This Shelby GT500 Eleanor Mustang replica has approximately 4,000 miles on both the car and the drivetrain since the build was completed in 2002. The paint and body are a combination of original Ford steel and fiberglass custom molds cast from the ones used on the actual movie car featured in "Gone in 60 Seconds." A Certificate of Authenticity issued by Cinema Vehicles Services, Los Angeles, CA, is included with the sale of this vehicle.
