Lenny Kravitz did something Tuesday (1/7) that doesn't happen very often: he had a one night stand at The Sphere.
Typically performers play multiple nights at the revolutionary $2.3 billion venue on the Las Vegas Strip because so much goes into creating a unique visual experience to go with the music.
Putting all that work in for just one show is a bit of a waste of resources.
But this was a very special occasion as it was the keynote address hosted by Delta airlines, who rolled out highfalutin guest stars like EGOT-winner Viola Davis and NFL MVP Tom Brady.
The airline wowed the audience of 18,000 with AI tech that will help passengers have pleasant experiences and the presentation wrapped up with Lenny Kravitz rocking the house with a handful of hits in the ultra modern arena.
Three of the four tunes from Lenny's set could have been written by Delta PR.
"Are You Gonna Go My Way" could easily be the punchline to a dad joke delivered to a flight attendant. The newer tune "Again" could be used as the theme song for frequent fliers. And the set closer, "Fly Away" really should be in a commercial for the air carrier if it isn't already.
The only song that seemed a little off-brand is "American Woman" which literally has the name of Delta's rival in it.
But it sure seems like if Lenny is singing it, even at 60 years-young, he could be belting out the pre-flight instructions and all eyes would be on him. Hey that's an idea.
Which brings us to another reason it's ok to have a bonafide rock sex symbol playing one night only at the Sphere: when you're projecting someone as easy on the eyes on the crystal clear 1.2 million individual LED lights spread across a 580,000 square foot panel, you don't need hyper-creative graphics.
Just show the audience this ageless Adonis and flash a few of his lyrics up in the half dome.
That isn't to say there weren't moments of true Sphere splendor. During "Are You Gonna Go My Way" the graphics mirrored the early '90s MTV video.
Attendees curiously hesitated from sharing more than a few seconds of the visuals, which was ironic because this was the Consumer Electronics Show, home of the newest tech, yet those lucky enough to get a pass into the gig seemed to have difficulty posting the entire song on YouTube or Twitter.
Some speculated that all of this was a sampling of a longer residency Kravitz will have at The Sphere, but don't be so sure.
Do It Big Chicago predicts this summer the singer/guitarist/producer will have more shows at the Vegas venue, but Lenny already has a week of gigs booked in August at Park MGM.
God bless that talented man, but does he have the drawing power to sell out several weeks of shows on separate sides of the Strip? If he did attempt it, the feat would be a first.
One thing's for certain, there are tickets available for the August concerts at the Dolby Live. Go to Lenny's website to snag those seats as well as tickets to his upcoming European tour.
