Watch “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – 1987 Version

Watch – “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” – Version 2023, Performed at the Sphere in Las Vegas

Interestingly, “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)'”was not included in U2’s live/studio album Rattle and Hum, but the band did release a video of their captivating performance of the track from November 1987. Despite not being listed on the official setlist, U2 made sure to rehearse the song during soundcheck before the show, ensuring that their rendition would be flawless and memorable.

The surprise performance of this holiday classic came as U2 extended their residency at the Sphere, adding an impressive 11 extra dates to their already extensive run. With this addition, the band’s total number of shows at the Las Vegas venue now reaches an impressive 40. This residency has allowed U2 to captivate audiences night after night, showcasing their incredible talent and timeless music to fans from all over the world.

Tickets for the FINAL FOUR U2:UV Achtung Baby shows are on sale today, along with @vibeepresents VIP and Hotel packages. Visit https://t.co/KuHopvHH1u for more information. #U2UVSPHERE pic.twitter.com/Ky35gexGPP

— U2 (@U2) December 8, 2023

Listen to U2’s latest single “Atomic City” played at the Sphere, Las Vegas show 2023.

U2’s surprise rendition of “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)'”not only delighted their fans but also showcased the band’s versatility and ability to breathe new life into beloved classics. It was a truly special moment for both the band and their dedicated audience, reminding everyone of the enduring power of U2’s music and their ability to create unforgettable live experiences.

NME recently gave U2’s inaugural performance at a lavish venue a glowing five-star review. The review praised the band’s captivating stage presence and musical talent, as well as the venue’s magnificence. The writer also expressed excitement for U2’s ongoing residency in the city, known for its vibrant music scene.

In other U2 news, bassist Adam Clayton revealed in late November that the band’s progress in producing new music relies on the recovery of drummer Larry Mullen Jr, who has temporarily taken a break for the first time in four decades to undergo surgery.

Meanwhile, frontman Bono reassured fans that the band’s upcoming album will be a “unreasonable guitar record” that may not conform to practical expectations. Previously, the singer had described the album as “noisy” and “uncompromising.”

The Sphere in Las Vegas is a 21,500 was first announced in 2018 by the Madison Square Garden Entertainment Group and would have been the largest arena by capacity in the UK. The plans for the venue would have had the Sphere lighting up the Stratford area adjacent to the Westfield Shopping Centre and the Olympic Park.

When plans were originally presented for the London site in 2018 it received the support of London Mayor, Sadiq Khan and then-Culture Secretary, Matt Hancock. Network Rail originally had an objection to the venue, but then withdrew the objection as the plans became clearer in 2019.

Plans were drawn up to include a smaller 1,500 capacity venue inside the sphere to support smaller grassroots. A complex including shops and restaurants were also drawn up within the plans. A 2019 application informed that thousands of jobs would be made available with the new project, however thousands of residents had objected to the venue’s construction and concerns were raised by the London Assembly Environment Committee about light levels.

The project gained planning approval on March 22nd 2022, with the next steps being a review from the Mayor of London as well as a legal planning agreement. However, it has now been revealed that the venue has not passed the review from the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.

A spokesperson for Khan said: “London is open to investment from around the world and Sadiq wants to see more world-class, ambitious, innovative entertainment venues in our city. But as part of looking at the planning application for the MSG Sphere, the mayor has seen independent evidence that shows the current proposals would result in an unacceptable negative impact on local residents.”

Full statement from me as local councillor for Stratford Olympic Park as @SadiqKhan has today FINALLY rejected the MSG Sphere in his stage 2 decision. pic.twitter.com/4xGoeuqUeV

— Nate Higgins (@natehiggins) November 20, 2023

Local councillor Nate Higgins, who has been campaigning against the Sphere being built in Stratford said: “Absolutely delighted to share that our campaigning on behalf of residents in Stratford Olympic Park alongside Against the MSG Sphere London has paid off, and Sadiq Khan as Mayor of London has today rejected the MSG Sphere planning application in his stage 2 decision. London’s cultural venues are incredibly important, but this application was always inappropriate for the site and the 25-year advertising consent the applicants demanded shows they were not interested in contributing to our capital’s cultural scene – but bombarding the residents of Stratford with endless advertising,”.