The Killers double down on Elvis in downtown Las Vegas video
The scene at 11th and Fremont streets earlier this week was fairly commonplace by downtown Las Vegas standards: Just a famous rock band leaning on a convertible pink Caddy, a pair of dueling Elvis impressionists, a sinewy showgirl and a magician cradling a pigeon.
Otherwise, nothing to see here, folks.
The lineup was enlisted by The Killers for a video promoting the band’s July 8 appearance at the British Summer Time Hyde Park festival in London. In their first London appearance in a dozen years, the Las Vegas rockers will join fellow headliners Justin Bieber, Phil Collins, Green Day, Kings Of Leon, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and Tears For Fears. The event runs two weekends, June 30-July 2 and July 6-8.
https://t.co/eFITnnuCqM pic.twitter.com/ZCottW8tOx
— The Killers (@thekillers) January 27, 2017
Music from the Killers’ upcoming album plays in the background of the video, which features the Vegas-centric characters. The two Elvis impersonators squaring off in a display of martial arts were Jesse Garon (the go-to Elvis for Mayor Carolyn Goodman’s public events) and Shane Paterson of talent agency Vintage Vegas Entertainment. The showgirl was Kymberly Clifton, and the magician was Dixie Dooley (with his bird), a Vegas headliner for decades.
After filming, Garon shared this story, which has become part of Vegas lore: In November 2006, when he owned and operated Art Bar on Main Street, members of the band were 86’d from the establishment for not holding proper IDs. The guys left hastily, knocking over a stand of flyers near the door, before Garon figured out his business had just booted the most successful rock band ever from Las Vegas.
His attempt later to buy a round of drinks for the guys was “respectfully declined.” More than a decade later, the video marked the first time the band had worked with Garon. As he said, “It’s a good thing they don’t hold a grudge.”
The Killers have a history of referencing Las Vegas icons, and living legends. The Vegas-centric cast reminded of the band’s promotional video from 2012, recorded at their Battle Born Studios in Las Vegas. The clip was a satirical tour of the Battle Born for the British entertainment website NME, a remarkable effort that drew Wayne Newton, Andre Agassi, Carrot Top, UFC star Forrest Griffin (as a security guard) magician Dirk Arthur, several Cirque du Soleil artists, and members of “Jubilee.”
All of this was in a single afternoon, and led to the band reuniting with Newton to open T-Mobile Arena last April. Elvis is the king, Newton is Mr. Las Vegas — and The Killers are the consummate hosts for such civic all-star events
ATTELL SIGNS
We nearly leapt too soon in Friday’s column to announce Dave Attell as the main headliner of the Crapshoot Comedy Festival on Fremont Street (and Zappos headquarters) in downtown Las Vegas. Attell finally signed Friday and will appear at the 450-seat Zappos Chambers during the event, which is set for May 18-20 at that venue, the Fiesta Room at El Cortez, Beauty Bar, Fremont Country Club, Commonwealth and Inspire Theater.
RIPLEY: BELIEVE IT
The Space has signed its first Tony Award-winning performer: Alice Ripley, starring in “Ripley Reflects,” set for 8 p.m. April 14-15. Ripley won her honor for Best Actress in a a Musical for her portrayal as Diana in the rock opera “Next to Normal.” She just finished the first season of the comedy “Girlboss” on Netflix. The show has been booked by The Space overlord, Mark Shunock, and his producing partner Brandon Ellyson.
PERCUSSIVE IMPACT
More to be revealed here, but the guys from Recycled Percussion are performing as part of Super Bowl weekend in Houston. The group is still pounding it down at Saxe Theater at Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood.
BLACK & WHITE HAPS
Vanessa Williams is being honored as Woman of the Year by Nevada Ballet Theatre during the annual Black & White gala on Saturday night at Aria. Williams is being introduced by Howard Hughes Corporation Chief Executive Officer David R. Weinreb. The connection: Williams and Weinreb have been friends since grade school, and Weinreb was instrumental in NBT’s decision to honor Williams with the prestigious award.
BEAUTIFUL UPDATE
The effort to bring “Beautiful” — the well-received musical based on the life and music of Carole King — to the Venetian Theater is dragging out but is reportedly not yet dead. What’s booked at the former “Phantom — The Las Vegas Spectacular” theater is “Willie Nelson & Family” on Feb. 1, 3 and 4, along with Diana Ross’ return for nine dates in February.
NEW MD AT ‘BAZ’
The supremely able Chris Lash has ended his contracted term as music director for “BAZ — Star Crossed Love” at Palazzo Theater. He celebrated his last night Sunday. Stepping in is Keith Paraska, most recently of “Vegas! The Show” at Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. Also on the MD front, Aaron Fuller, who most recently helmed the music for “Alice — A Steampunk Rock Concert,” is MD for the new show adult revue “Twerk!” opening Feb. 28 at Centerfolds on Paradise Road (the former Club Paradise). That show and “Alice” are both conceived by Anne Martinez hopes to make an announcement in the spring about a new venue for “Alice.”
WHO WAS WHERE
“Vanderpump Rules” reality stars Brittany Cartwright and Stassi Schroeder — on a tour of Strip shows this week — were at Thursday’s 10 p.m. performance of “Absinthe” at Caesars Palace. Also Thursday, at Lavo at the Palazzo, Holly Madison with her husband, Insomniac and Electric Daisy Carnival founder Pasquale Rotella. A pair of NHL stars chilling (hah) at Tao at the Venetian: Paul Martin andDouglas Murray of the San Jose Sharks. At Terry Fator’s show at the Mirage, Joel and Victoria Osteen.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section, and Fridays in Neon. He also hosts “Kats! On The Radio” Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on KUNV 91.5-FM and appears Wednesdays at 11 a.m. with Dayna Roselli on KTNV Channel 13. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.
