The Pop Corporation

Venues are every bit as interesting as the bands that play them, and there’s a new one over in Vegas which is psychedelically odd. It’s fun, even if a bit of a mind melter.

Technically, it’s called the MSG Sphere (that’s Madison Square Garden, not the stuff you put in food) and it’s innards are entirely speakers and features a screen that can change the shape of the room inside visually. It’s a bold project and there’s going to be some crazy stuff done in there for those with the imagination to do so.

To celebrate the Fourth of July, the venue decided to show itself off for everyone, and yes, there’s a video to look at so we don’t have to fail to describe it.

The whole thing cost over $2 billion, so y’know, if you’re passing and fancy chancing your arm on a show in the future, don’t expect it to be a cheap ticket. The first shows will be with U2 who, regardless of your opinion of their music, sure know how to put on a spectacle. Also, U2 are alright – don’t be weird just because Bono has been occasionally annoying.

Here’s the light show.

Zane Lowe toured the space with U2 a while back which gives you a much better idea of what it’ll be like inside. Of course, you’ll be faced with some of Zane’s infamous wordiness and briefly cloying enthusiasm, but Zane’s alright isn’t he? He means well.

The main takeaway is that there’s no speakers inside as such – more, the whole thing is one big speaker, which potentially means great sound wherever you are in the building.

Have a look. It’s an exciting project, even if you’re never likely to be able to afford a trip to Las Vegas any time soon.