The Zac Brown Band kicked off its highly anticipated eight-date residency at the Sphere in Las Vegas on December 5, 2023. The evening not only marked the debut of their live shows at this innovative venue but also coincided with the release of their new album, Love & Fear, which features a collection of fresh tracks. The inaugural performance showcased a total of 26 songs, including seven from the new album, and highlighted the band’s extensive repertoire that dates back to their first album, The Foundation, released in 2008.
Zac Brown expressed his excitement about the Sphere venue earlier this year in an interview with Billboard. He described it as the realization of a dream he had long envisioned, even before the venue opened in 2023. “I’ve been wanting to do a spectacle for a couple of years,” Brown stated. “This is the place… The Sphere is the greatest canvas that’s ever been created for imagination.”
The band, which has won three Grammy Awards and achieved significant success with five albums topping Billboard‘s Country Albums chart, aims to elevate the concert experience with this residency. Brown referred to this phase as “2.0 for our band,” a testament to their ongoing creativity and passion for music. “There are some bands that keep going for a while and then they kind of get tired,” he noted. “But my passion and my creativity are as good now as it’s ever been.”
As the band continues its residency, the first four shows are already sold out, with limited tickets available for the remaining performances through January 17, 2024. This unique venue not only enhances the audience’s experience but also allows the band to present their music in an innovative way.
Below is the complete setlist from the opening night:
1. “Free” – Album: The Foundation (2008)
2. “Into the Mystic” – Van Morrison cover
3. “Colder Weather” – Album: You Get What You Give (2010)
4. “Take It to the Limit” – Eagles cover
5. “The Man Who Loves You the Most” – Album: Jekyll + Hyde (2015)
6. “Out in the Middle” – Album: The Comeback (2021)
7. “The Highway” – Album: Love & Fear (2023)
8. “The Best of Me” – Album: Love & Fear (2023)
9. Additional songs from various albums including The Grohl Sessions, Vol. 1 (2013) and Welcome Home (2017)
The residency at the Sphere represents a significant milestone for the Zac Brown Band, reinforcing their commitment to delivering memorable performances and pushing the boundaries of their artistic capabilities. As they continue this journey, fans can expect an unforgettable series of shows combining new music with classic hits in a state-of-the-art setting.
