In Inglewood, California, audiences are being transported to a new dimension of entertainment, where the boundaries of traditional media are expanded by cutting-edge technology. Frontman Bono of U2 offers an intimate performance of “Vertigo” in his documentary film “Bono: Stories of Surrender.” This isn’t an ordinary show; instead, audiences are granted a front-row seat via immersive technology, appearing onstage with Bono through the Apple Vision Pro. This immersive experience, available on Apple TV+, delivers Bono’s performance in stunning 8K quality, paired with spatial audio that creates an enveloping 180-degree video experience.
Bono explains that this technology deepens the connection with viewers, allowing them to feel more than just present in the room—they are deeply immersed within their own thoughts and emotions. Such advances in media hint at the future of concerts and live performances, as devices like Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest 3 redefine how these media are consumed. Major artists, from Alicia Keys to The Weeknd, are already embracing this technology, pushing entertainment into a new era.
The concept of immersion was further endorsed by Metallica’s guitarist Robert Trujillo, who described an awe-inspiring experience while watching their concert replayed with this new technology. He felt a compelling closeness to the audience and performers, highlighting the sensory richness provided by these devices. Such technology, Trujillo believes, resurrects the visceral energy of live rock performances, which has felt diminished in recent years.
Bono, always at the forefront of technological innovation, uses immersive media to create powerful connections with audiences. He recalls launching U2’s album directly onto Apple devices in 2014 and becoming the first band to perform at Las Vegas’ futuristic Sphere venue. With “Stories of Surrender,” Bono reflects on various life stages through Apple Immersive Video, enhanced with custom artwork and 3D animation, even employing tools like the Apple Pencil Pro to enrich the visual experience.
The evolution of venue technology is also in focus, with places like the Sphere and Cosm redefining live entertainment. These sites offer vast experiences without the need for headsets, turning concerts into dynamic, visual spectacles. Baz Halpin, a visionary in concert production, sees venues like the Sphere as offering unparalleled visual marvels, going beyond mere concerts to blend cinema and live music into a thrilling adventure.
“The Matrix” joins the journey toward immersive reality, courtesy of Cosm, which celebrates the film’s legacy through an interactive viewing experience. Attendees at Cosm’s locations in Dallas and Inglewood are drawn deeper into “The Matrix” universe as the surrounding environment seamlessly interacts with the cinematic action. According to Cosm’s CEO Jeb Terry, this approach broadens how audiences engage with classic films, keeping the medium vibrant and interactive.
Expansion plans for this immersive entertainment format are underway. Jennifer Koester, president and COO at Sphere, reveals that a second Sphere is set to open in Abu Dhabi, sharing the Las Vegas venue’s technological prowess. These plans are part of a larger strategy to create a network of Spheres worldwide, including smaller-scale versions within the U.S., broadening access to this futuristic entertainment model.
As technology evolves, realms previously untouched are opening for exploration. The Sphere in Las Vegas will host a new, immersive version of “The Wizard of Oz,” using advanced AI to project archival materials onto its massive screen, ensuring an experience that’s both familiar yet revolutionary. Koester asserts that such advancements in technology are imperative, as audiences increasingly seek more engaging and immersive experiences. As the industry moves forward, expectations rise, setting a new benchmark for experiential entertainment.