Rush reportedly in talks for Las Vegas Sphere residency
Canadian rock band Rush is reportedly close to signing a residency at the $2.3bn Las Vegas Sphere, adding another legacy act to the venue's high-demand booking model.
Canadian progressive rock band Rush is reportedly in negotiations for a residency at the Las Vegas Sphere, a move that could add up to 18 shows to the venue’s calendar. The discussions signal the latest attempt by the operators of the $2.3 billion (£1.7 billion) venue to secure long-running engagements with legacy acts.
The Sphere, which opened in 2023 and features an exterior exosphere of 1.2 million puck-sized LEDs, has shifted its business model toward multi-month residencies. This approach guarantees consistent ticket revenue and maximizes the return on the venue’s massive technological investment, moving away from the traditional model of short, touring stops.
According to a report in The Sun, discussions between the band and the venue are advanced. “Talks have been secretly going on now for a while,” a source stated, adding that “the word is that contracts could be locked down in the next couple of weeks.” Separately, SiriusXM host Eddie Trunk claimed on his radio show that the booking is already a “done deal.”
From a commercial standpoint, Rush represents a low-risk booking. The band is currently on its “Fifty Something” tour, performing with new drummer Anika Nilles while celebrating the legacy of late drummer Neil Peart, who died in 2020. “Rush has an enormous audience across North America,” the source noted. “Their hits, history and live performances make them an attractive proposition.”
The venue’s strategy of targeting established rock demographics has proven effective. U2 launched the Sphere with a residency running from September 2023 to March 2024. The venue has since hosted extended runs by Phish, Dead & Company, the Eagles and the Backstreet Boys.
Demand for these premium experiences continues to outstrip supply. Metallica recently extended their upcoming Sphere residency into 2027 due to high ticket demand. Those shows will utilize a “No Repeat Weekend” format, where no songs are played twice across Thursday and Saturday performances. Drummer Lars Ulrich admitted the scale of the venue is “overwhelming and fucking intimidating.”
Neither Rush nor the Sphere has officially confirmed the residency. Tool has also been the subject of similar residency rumors. For European audiences, the focus remains on Rush’s confirmed “Fifty Something” tour, which is scheduled to cross the Atlantic for UK and European dates in 2027.
