Slash Questions Guns N’ Roses’ Future at The Sphere: ‘Not Really Rock and Roll Friendly’
Guns N’ Roses frontman Slash has expressed reservations about the band ever performing at the Las Vegas Sphere, the cutting-edge entertainment venue that has quickly become a focal point in the live music industry. In a recent interview, Slash stated the venue’s design doesn’t necessarily align with the raw energy of a traditional rock concert.
The Sphere, which opened in 2023, boasts an immersive visual experience unlike any other. It has already hosted spectacular residencies from artists like U2, Phish, Eagles, and the Backstreet Boys. Plans are also underway for a second Sphere location in Abu Dhabi, as recently confirmed.
The Sphere: A New Paradigm for Live Entertainment
The Las Vegas Sphere represents a significant shift in concert technology. Its massive LED screen, wrapping around and above the audience, creates a fully immersive environment. This technology allows for unprecedented visual spectacles, but it also raises questions about how well it suits different genres of music. The Sphere’s focus on visual presentation, some argue, could overshadow the core elements of a live rock performance – the musicianship, the energy, and the connection with the audience.
Speaking on Eddie Trunk’s Trunk Nation SiriusXM show, Slash elaborated on his concerns. “Everything that I’ve seen…looks amazing,” he conceded. “I’m real trepidatious about playing there, because…it’s a great visual show. I think that in almost every case for a band, it becomes a visual show as opposed to seeing a rock and roll show. So there’s that.”
Slash revealed he’d discussed the venue with Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh, who has firsthand experience performing at the Sphere. “My concern is that it’s not really sort of rock and roll friendly, the way that it’s set up,” Slash explained. “It seems like a really cool thing and conceptually there’s probably a lot of cool things that you could do, but I don’t think it would be the right environment for a proper rock and roll show.”
However, Slash did acknowledge that certain artists might thrive in the Sphere’s environment. “I could see Metallica doing it,” he said, “because you have to prepare your mind to put on not just a band performance, but 50 per cent of what you’re doing is going to be the projection…the outer wall…what you’re putting on as content.” He believes Metallica’s willingness to embrace visual spectacle would make them well-suited to the venue.
This raises a crucial question: is the future of live music heading towards a greater emphasis on visual immersion, potentially at the expense of the raw, unadulterated energy of a traditional concert? And if so, what does that mean for bands like Guns N’ Roses, who built their reputation on delivering powerful, visceral performances?
Meanwhile, No Doubt recently announced a 2026 residency at the Las Vegas Sphere, marking their first live performances in 14 years. Gwen Stefani expressed excitement about the venue’s potential for creative expression, stating, “The opportunity to create a show at Sphere excites me in a new way…Doing it with No Doubt feels like going back in time to relive our history, while also creating something new.” Tickets are available here.
In other Guns N’ Roses news, Slash recently hinted at the possibility of new music from the band, stating, “everybody is thinking about it.” The band’s last studio album, 2008’s Chinese Democracy, was a long-awaited release, and fans are eager to hear what the iconic group will produce next.
Frequently Asked Questions About Guns N’ Roses and The Sphere
Will Guns N’ Roses ever play at The Sphere?
Currently, Slash has expressed doubts, citing concerns that the venue’s focus on visuals might detract from the band’s traditional rock and roll experience. However, he hasn’t ruled it out entirely.
What other artists are performing at The Sphere?
The Sphere has hosted residencies from major artists including U2, Phish, Eagles, and Backstreet Boys. No Doubt is scheduled to perform in 2026.
Why does Slash think The Sphere isn’t “rock and roll friendly”?
Slash believes the emphasis on visual spectacle at The Sphere could shift the focus away from the band’s performance and the raw energy of a live rock show.
Is Guns N’ Roses working on new music?
Yes, Slash has hinted that the band is actively considering new material, though he acknowledges the challenges of coordinating the band’s creative process.
What makes The Sphere different from other concert venues?
The Sphere features a massive, fully immersive LED screen that wraps around and above the audience, creating a unique visual experience. It also utilizes advanced spatial audio technology.
Could other rock bands adapt to performing at The Sphere?
Slash suggests that bands willing to embrace the visual aspects of the venue, like Metallica, could potentially deliver a compelling show at The Sphere.
What are your thoughts on the future of live music and the role of venues like The Sphere? Do you think visual spectacle will ultimately enhance or detract from the concert experience?
Share this article with your fellow music fans and let us know your opinions in the comments below!
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