U2’s GROUNDBREAKING Production — A brief overview

Isaac Baker
4 min readOct 3, 2023

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With U2 opening their industry-altering residency at The Las Vegas MSG Sphere, here’s a brief look at some of their other revolutionary production designs!

The Joshua Tree Tour 2017/19:

Featuring a huge 200 x 40 foot LED screen, it's design creatively directed by Willie Williams, the Sphere wasn't the first to dwarf the four Irishmen.

Innocence + Experience Tour 2015:

Designed by Es Devlin, the cage added a dimension to their performance through use of its advanced screen technology and adjustable height. Used in Arena shows, it created a unique blend of intimacy and visual awe.

Experience + Innocence Tour 2018:

The stage also featured in the sister-album's tour. With added features and use of augmented reality.

360° Tour 2009-11:

The highest grossing tour of all time (adjusted for inflation). Featuring a gargantuan 164 foot claw-like stage, designed by Willie Williams and Mark Fisher. Equipped with moving bridges, a groundbreaking sound system, and modular LED screen at its center.

Vertigo Tour 2005-06:

Once again crafted by long-term collaborator Willie Williams, the stage featured modular curtain-like screens. Constructed with large spherical LEDs, similar to those of The Sphere.

Pop Mart Tour 1997-98:

Again designed by Fisher and Williams, with a 40 ft motorised Lemon mirrorball, 100 ft cocktail stick and 100ft arch. The screen reached dimensions of 170 x 56 feet, a world first in its class.

Zoo TV 1992-93:

The iconic 'Zoo TV' set featured 36 TVs and (the now iconic) Trabant cars raised from a height. The goal was over stimulation!
This tour was U2’s first outing in something so technical, and inspires many of the trippy visuals seen during their MSG Sphere shows!

Over 5 decades they have never ceased to innovate and excel. There are a few other sets that are also remarkable from U2, but these are some of the most visually notable!

Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👇

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Isaac Baker

18yo from Dublin Ireland with a burning passion for music, tech and film.