The members of U2 found themselves a long way from their native Ireland this month but they made sure to make their first-ever residency at The Sphere in Vegas a time to remember. For their February 15 show, none other than Priscilla Presley was in attendance, and U2 was sure to give her special treatment befitting the former wife of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley.
The night was full of uniquely-charged energy as U2 paid homage to the power and history of Vegas, especially in relation to the music industry. But the band – especially lead singer Bono – could not help but notice they had some Vegas history in attendance. Priscilla, for her part, had nothing but high praise for the show they put on.
U2 acknowledges Priscilla Presley as rock and roll royalty
U2 went through their February 15 concert with the same excitement as the rest of the residency. But in between songs, around the time they sang “Even Better Than the Real Thing,” they also acknowledged special guest Priscilla in the seats.
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“I just now talked about the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. I’d like to talk about the king and queen in rock and roll,” said Bono, “because Priscilla Presley’s in the house.”
Priscilla was seated in the second-level VIP section, and that is where Bono redirected everyone’s attention, while he himself bowed before the queen.
Priscilla Presley gives her verdict on the Vegas show
For all the excitement U2 and the attending concertgoers must have felt seeing Priscilla there, the feeling was entirely mutual. Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that Priscilla sounded off in a text message saying, “It was an amazing show! Truly captivating! I do plan on going back soon, to see it again. Yes … It was that outstanding!”
Bono gave an excited “Thanks!” to Priscilla, before adding, “Elvis of course, was the king of rock ‘n’ roll, there would be no Beatles without Elvis, there would be no U2, Crowded House, Oasis … Rock and roll was the sound of freedom, is that fair to say? Political, sexual, as well as religious.
U2 kicked off its first-ever Vegas residency, U2:UV Achtung Baby Live at the Sphere, in September 2023. By last October, the band announced several additions to their show schedule, but the residency officially wraps up on March 2.