“Why doesn’t London want the best show on earth?”
This was the question posed by Madison Square Garden boss James Dolan after plans to replicate his ostentatious Las Vegas Sphere venue in Stratford, London, was nixed by London mayor Sadiq Khan.
Party pooper Khan vetoed the high-profile project on the grounds of it being “bulky, unduly dominant and incongruous”.
He’s not wrong. The 21,500-seat arena, replete with a 21,500-seat arena and 1.2 million exterior LED screens, would have been a real spectacle in this relatively underprivileged corner of the capital.
Now in full operation, the Las Vegas Sphere has quickly become an internet sensation, with jaw-dropping (or horrific, depending on who you ask) scenes of giant smiley face emoticons beaming down on unsuspecting civilians all night and day.
Las Vegas Sphere #lasvegassphere #sphere #thesphere #ledsphere pic.twitter.com/ghjJpNcBIE
— The Circle (@TheCircle_feed) November 16, 2023
“London is open to investment from around the world and Sadiq wants to see more world-class, ambitious, innovative entertainment venues in our city,” a spokesperson for Khan told The Independent.
“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.”
It was quite a reversal for Khan, who in 2018 said of the proposal: “It’s great to welcome another world-class venue to the capital, to confirm London’s position as a music powerhouse and to boost still further our city’s thriving night-time economy,” Khan said five years ago.
But now that The Sphere has been deflated (perhaps until a more willing Mayor is elected), what are the supposedly best shows on Earth that will not be coming to Stratford anymore?
Dolan had Ed Sheeran tipped for the grand opening, with U2 also a no-brainer.
What a bloody shame.