![]() ![]() But even before it opened in June 2011, the production was beset with problems, including injuries to performers and stage crew. The smart money was on it becoming the next Wicked or The Phantom of the Opera. On paper, it seemed as though Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark would be a huge success: it had the biggest budget of any musical to open in New York, a galaxy of the finest theatrical talent were behind it, and the music and lyrics were courtesy of the creative heart of U2. Back in 2011, Bono and The Edge had spent the best part of a decade obsessing over a musical that would light up Broadway. Sometimes, though, things go wrong even in the meticulously oiled cogs of U2. Only Paul McCartney has made more money - and he has not, as yet, taken his chances in the neon lights and 24/7 casinos of Nevada’s desert city. U2 remain second on The Sunday Times Music Rich List for UK and Ireland, with an estimated wealth of just over €700m. Thanks to the business nous of former manager Paul McGuinness, they struck some of the most advantageous and financially savvy deals of any of their contemporaries, and their acute sense of their own value has ensured that they command top dollar every time. The residency in Sin City will add significant sums to their collective coffers. With 175 million album sales behind them and a reputation as one of rock’s great boundary-pushing live acts, Bono, the Edge and Adam Clayton will be determined for the Las Vegas adventure to demonstrate that they are still firing on all cylinders, creatively. With anxiety among investors at the ballooning cost of the $2.2bn arena amid difficulty in attracting corporate sponsors, Dolan will be hoping that U2 can deliver the sort of spectacular live set that will be the talk of the showbiz world. James Dolan, the billionaire owner of the New York Knicks basketball team and Manhattan’s famed Madison Square Garden, is the brains behind the 17,500-seat MSG Sphere and it was he, reportedly, who signed off on the eye-catching U2 deal.Īccording to the New York Post, which broke the story, there will be 12 shows in total, with the first of them likely to happen at the end of September after the giant, ball-shaped venue is finally completed. U2 have long kept a close grip of their financial affairs - they are considered to be among the most commercially savvy bands of all time - but it has been reported that they will be paid $10m upfront to play Las Vegas, plus a remarkable 90pc of earnings from ticket sales.
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