Phish Prepares for Historic Vegas Run at the Spectacular Las Vegas Sphere
ICARO Media Group
Phish, the renowned jam band known for their electrifying live performances, is gearing up for an unforgettable four-night run at the groundbreaking Las Vegas Sphere. With a mesmerizing display of millions of LED lights, state-of-the-art audio technology, and immersive visual effects, the possibilities for creative exploration are seemingly limitless.
The band, who will be taking the stage at the Sphere from April 18 to 21, has a reputation for pushing boundaries and delivering unique experiences to their devoted fanbase. Their approach to the Sphere, combined with its cutting-edge technologies, promises to elevate their performances to new heights of visual and auditory splendor.
Unlike U2's previous run at the Sphere, Phish's production will offer a dynamic and flexible experience that can be modified in real time. Working closely with the Montreal-based Moment Factory, the band is collaborating on the visual components of the show, enhancing their ability to adapt and evolve with each performance.
Leading up to the historic Vegas run, Pollstar caught up with Abigail Rosen Holmes, an industry veteran who has worked with renowned artists such as Talking Heads, Roger Waters, Peter Gabriel, Miley Cyrus, and Janet Jackson. Holmes, the director and co-creative director for Phish's Sphere shows, shed light on the band's creative process, their technological partners, and the multitude of possibilities that await audiences.
Holmes explained that her role involves overseeing all design elements of the show, from the conceptualization of ideas to the stage design and production elements. Working alongside Moment Factory, Chris Kuroda, Atomic Design, and Tait, the team has crafted a remarkable visual experience that synchronizes with Phish's musical prowess.
The Sphere show is an ambitious undertaking that necessitates the collaboration of a talented and dedicated team of creatives and technicians. Holmes emphasized the invaluable contributions of the Phish production crew, highlighting their role in bringing the shows to life.
Regarding the creative process for the Sphere shows, Holmes revealed that it all stemmed from Trey Anastasio and the band's initial ideas. From there, the team worked closely with Moment Factory to develop and explore creative concepts. The design choices for the show were influenced by Phish's willingness to take risks and consistently challenge themselves artistically.
As Phish will be performing dozens of songs across the four concerts without repeating any, each night's production will offer a fresh and distinct visual experience. Moment Factory, drawing from their in-house teams and content creators worldwide, has played an integral role in producing the captivating visuals that will accompany Phish's performances.
The Sphere's remarkable features, which include haptic and beam-forming sound, smell technology, and temperature controls, will also be utilized by Phish to enhance their audiovisual experience. Garry Brown, Phish's audio engineer, has utilized the Holoplot capabilities at Tait Lititz to create a breathtaking audio environment.
Holmes expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming shows and her excitement about the different ways artists will utilize the unique space of the Sphere. With lighting director Chris Kuroda adapting his rig to fit the Sphere's requirements, the visual and lighting experience promises to seamlessly blend with the band's music.
As fans eagerly await Phish's Vegas run, the spirit of anticipation is fueled by the promise of mind-blowing moments that will define the experience. With Phish's incredible musicianship, the Sphere's cutting-edge technologies, and a team of creative masterminds behind the scenes, the prospect of these four shows becoming legendary in Phish's history seems more than plausible.
The sold-out shows will not just be limited to the lucky attendees in Vegas, as they will also be livestreamed from the Sphere on LivePhish.com, allowing fans worldwide to be part of this historic event.