Las Vegas Resorts Live Music News: Roth v. Hagar, No KISS Reunion, and Katy Perry Drama

Experience a legendary fusion of rock history and high-stakes excitement when the second living museum of Van Halen nostalgia arrives in town on September 8. As one of the premier destinations among Las Vegas resorts, the city provides the ultimate backdrop for this spectacle, where you can enjoy incredible live music as original singer David Lee Roth swings by BleauLive Theater at Fontainebleau for a new tour.

Despite most hardcore fans deeming the “Van Hagar” era of pop-rock hits as inferior to Van Halen’s original sound, Sammy Hagar remains a significant draw in Las Vegas. Currently, he is concluding his nine-show residency, the “Best of All Worlds”, at Dolby Live at Park MGM on May 17.

In 1995, Roth had a residency at Bally’s (now Horseshoe), which struggled to sell tickets and closed after only three months, according to Rolling Stone. There was also speculation around a cancellation for a nine-show residency Roth announced at the House of Blues in late 2021 and early 2022, which was officially attributed to pandemic-related concerns.

In addition, Hagar’s line-up features bassist Michael Anthony, presenting a more authentic re-creation of the original band than Roth’s fewer members. Even at 77, Hagar manages to maintain a youthful appearance and sound compared to Roth.

If you still want tickets to see Roth, they go on sale at 10 a.m. PT on May 23 here. A presale will begin at 10 p.m. the day before with the code “FREESTYLE.”

KISS That Dream Goodbye

While it was recently announced that KISS would perform at the “KISS Army Storms Vegas” — a special event celebrating 50 years of the band’s fan club taking place from November 14-16 at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas — it will only include a small, intimate performance featuring band leaders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.

Simmons mentioned the format would be more of a conversation than a traditional concert, akin to a casual gathering in a garage setting.

Furthermore, Simmons emphasized their commitment, stating, “once we put on the last shows in New York City at Madison Square Garden, we said we will never do a KISS show ever again.”

In addition to Simmons and Stanley, guitarist Tommy Thayer and former guitarist Bruce Kulick will perform at the convention, though it remains uncertain if founding members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss will attend or send greetings.

Katy Perry Played Out?

According to sources like News Nation, Katy Perry’s “Play” residency at Resorts World, which spanned from 2021 to 2023, was financially disappointing, largely due to a bidding war with Caesars Entertainment that led to payout estimates between $750K and $900K per show.

Despite being labelled as “a complete failure,” the show was known for its artistry and drew good reviews, indicating that while sales struggled, the show itself was joyful and drew a steady crowd.

Rumour has it that Perry is still a beloved act in Vegas; however, her return might come at a more modest cost.

Key Takeaways:

• David Lee Roth returns to Las Vegas for a new tour.
• Sammy Hagar is a bigger draw compared to Roth, with a successful residency.
• KISS alters their format for an anniversary performance.
• Katy Perry’s residency ended with mixed reviews and major financial losses.
• Long-term impacts could reshape performances and expectations in Las Vegas.

In summary, Las Vegas still holds plenty of magic and excitement when it comes to live performances. From David Lee Roth’s new journey to Sammy Hagar’s ongoing successes and the unique shift of KISS, these iconic acts continue to shape the entertainment landscape. Despite Katy Perry’s struggles, she remains a significant part of the Las Vegas vibe, showcasing that the city’s live music scene is as vibrant and eclectic as ever.