While touring around the world, legendary composerHans Zimmerhas gotten the chance to perform at some incredible venues, from the O2 Arena in Prague to the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai and Formula 1’s Singapore Grand Prix. Last year also marked the first time in seven yearshe’s brought the show back to North Americawith his “Hans Zimmer Live” tour, bringing him, his talented team, anda slate of beloved tunesfrom Georgia’s Gas South Arena to Vancouver’s Rogers Arena with a whole host of stops in between. Yet, there’s one modern marvel in the United States that the Oscar winner has yet to inhabit even though it seems like the perfect stage for his sweeping scores — The Sphere in Las Vegas. According to Zimmer, that’s unfortunately unlikely to happen anytime soon, though it’s not for a lack of trying.
Zimmer recently spoke to Collider’sSteve Weintraubfora Q&A session following a screeningof his upcoming concert film,Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert, where the subject of the Sphere was brought up. Opened in 2023, the venue hasalready become an iconic attraction, playing host to various shows, includinga Backstreet Boys residency, just off the Las Vegas Strip with its immersive video and audio capabilities. In addition to its signature wraparound 16k resolution LED screen, it boasts an advanced concert-grade sound system built in partnership with HOLOPLOT with a focus on delivering high-quality 3D audio no matter where attendees are seated. Zimmer was on board with the idea ofhis best scoresringing through the venue, saying “Yes, we absolutely talked about it,” but it all collapsed because “then I had a big falling out with the guy who owns the Sphere—on my birthday, no less!”
When asked about the nature of the dispute, the composer added that “It was about something really stupid.” The Sphere is managed by Sphere Entertainment Co., an offshoot of the Madison Square Garden Company owned by the Dolan family. Even if the relationship between Zimmer and the group is sour, that hasn’t stopped him from cooking up other unique partnerships to present his music in new ways. “So, no on the Sphere, but you saw the Sphere in Dubai because that was another reason,” he said. “We doInterstellarin this amazing building, and the projection was Paul and the company that did the Queen’s Jubilee and managed to do amazing things to Buckingham Palace. So, pretty good.”
What’s Next on the Docket for Hans Zimmer?
After building on from hisDunescore in epic fashion withthe roaring music ofPart Two— for which hewas snubbed for an Oscar nomination— Zimmer is about to reunite withDenis Villeneuveonce more forDune: Messiah. The third installment in the director’s blockbuster adaptation ofFrank Herbert’s sci-fi series is expected tobegin filming sometime this June, far sooner than was initially envisioned as Villeneuve has put his other projects on the backburner. He’s not the only one fast-tracking work on the much-anticipated next chapter of Paul Atreides’s story either. Speaking on the Happy Sad Confused podcast last month, Zimmer confirmed that he’s been in constant contact with the filmmaker and that he’d be back to work creating the sounds of Arrakissooner than fans think.
While we wait to hear his latest music,Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desertbrings the composer’s Dubai performance to theaters on March 19, complete with a host of conversations with actors, directors, fellow musicians, and more, includingBillie Eilish,Christopher Nolan, Denis Villeneuve, Finneas, Jerry Bruckheimer, Johnny Marr, Pharrell Williams, Tanya Lapointe, Timothée Chalamet, andZendaya. Visit the link below to see how to get tickets.
For more with Hans Zimmer, watch the full Q&A below.
Hans Zimmer & Friends: Diamond in the Desert
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