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U2 graced the Grammys telecast with a performance of their 2023 jam “Atomic City,” joining the ceremony from inside the Sphere in Las Vegas, where the Dublin-originated band currently has a residency.
While there was no official word on whether the footage of Sphere was live or not, U2 and Sphere still dazzled the show with lots of drone footage, showing off a sold-out crowd and trippy, hypnotizing visuals.
Host Trevor Noah’s introduction of the segment didn’t provide much indication of a live performance either: “We are leaving Los Angeles for a moment and going to Las Vegas for the venue that everybody has been talking about this past year. Remember, no television cameras have ever been allowed inside until right now.”
Frontman Bono finished the segment by introducing the night’s next category, best pop vocal album.
U2 has experienced great success at the Grammys throughout the past decades, being the only group to win two trophies for album of the year (recognized for “The Joshua Tree” in 1987 and “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb” in 2005.) At the 43rd Grammys in 2001, “Beautiful Day” won song of the year, record of the year and best performance by a duo or group with vocal. In total, U2 has been nominated 46 Grammys over the years and taken home 22.
Six years ago, U2 opened the Grammys alongside Kendrick Lamar before returning the same night for a performance from the New York Harbor.
The beloved rock band’s Las Vegas residency “U2:UV Achtung Baby Live At Sphere,” runs until March 2. The towering venue, which opened in September 2023, boasts a massive wrap-around LED screen with unparalleled resolution. U2’s Grammy performance is the first televised segment from inside the venue. In a review of the opening night, Variety‘s chief music critic Chris Willman described the U2 show as “spectacular.”
Other artists showcasing their talents at the 2024 Grammys include Billy Joel, Olivia Rodrigo, Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Travis Scott, Luke Combs and Burna Boy.
