GUNS N' ROSES' Slash Hesitant on Las Vegas Sphere Residency: 'Too Controlled'

In a recent deep dive with radio stalwart Abe Kanan on Audacy, GUNS N' ROSES' six-string sorcerer Slash aired his thoughts on the prospect of the band taking up residency at the colossal Sphere in Las Vegas. The iconic guitarist made it clear that while the idea may have been tossed around, he’s not exactly chomping at the bit to dive into that theatrical beast. "I'm gonna go see METALLICA over there," Slash quipped, revealing that the visual extravaganza of the venue, while impressive, doesn’t mesh with the raw, unfiltered essence of rock that he holds dear.

Slash's skepticism stems from the production-heavy nature of the Sphere, which he feels detracts from the genuine experience of a live performance. "It's really about the production, and it's not so much about the band," he noted, casting a wary eye on the idea of performing in a space where the amps must be stashed away like some dirty little secret. The Gunslinger is more inclined towards the visceral, in-your-face sound that GNR is known for, rather than a polished, controlled performance that might come off as too rehearsed.

Despite his reservations, the legendary guitarist did express admiration for METALLICA's ambitious residency, which promises a staggering array of unique performances from October 1 through March 13, 2027. Each of their 24 shows boasts a completely different setlist, a concept that Slash finds genuinely exciting. "Lars [Ulrich, METALLICA drummer] told me about this... I love that METALLICA's always doing something new. It's great," he said, clearly intrigued by their innovative approach.

Meanwhile, the Sphere itself has quickly established a reputation as a titan of live entertainment since its grand opening in September 2023. Boasting a jaw-dropping 17,600-capacity, this venue is more than just a concert hall; it’s an experience, featuring a groundbreaking 16K resolution wraparound screen and an audio system that promises to deliver sound like never before. The Sphere is already making waves, having hosted megastars like U2, PHISH, DEAD & COMPANY, and THE EAGLES, among others.

While the temptation to perform at such a cutting-edge venue lingers in the air, Slash concluded that for GUNS N' ROSES, the call of the wild, unrestrained rock show will always take precedence over the spectacle. As fans eagerly await news of their next move, the question remains: will the band ever embrace the Sphere, or will they remain committed to the authentic grit of their live roots?