Criss Angel: vanishes from press, fails to make celebrities appear
Criss Angel is adding another layer of mist to his personality: He is no longer giving exclusive interviews. That is right, much like in a political campaign, it seems Angel is blaming the press for the buzz-killing groan emitting en masse from previews of "Believe."
Strangely, I found out about this new policy because Angel apparently has done a couple of exclusive interviews quite recently, one with Norm Clarke, which I've already blogged about. And Wednesday in the Las Vegas Sun, Melissa Arseniuk had an article with quotes from Angel.
But when I contacted Angel's representative, I was told by e-mail: "We aren't granting one on one interviews with Criss for the forseeable (sic) future." I asked if there was an explanation for this change in policy, and the reply was simply: "No."
Again, compare Angel with Penn & Teller, among the most entertaining and daring acts in Vegas. As I blogged earlier, despite marketing himself as controversial, Angel sticks mostly to the script of Vegas headliners avoiding any topic that might be divisive to tourists, like politics or religion. Angel's rebelliousness is more a question of clothing style. Anyway, unlike the unapproachable Angel, say, you had a question for Penn or Teller (who also have a successful cable show and have sold many more tickets for many more years) or wanted to discuss being offended by something in their act at the Rio --just ask them. You don't have to be press to talk to those guys. After each show, they greet their audience at the exits, pose for pictures and take questions from anyone and everyone. You don't even really have to go to their show, just show up when it lets out. Penn & Teller take all comers when it comes to questions. Could anyone imagine Criss Angel having the confidence or the interest in doing that sort of thing? Of course, nowadays Angel won't even face a reporter one on one. Again, Angel can always stage imaginary interviews, with publicists asking the questions he likes.
Anyway, I am seeing the finished "Believe" tonight, so check back here for my review of the show in the morning. I am looking forward to seeing the completed product, finally. I am excited, and I hope it comes close to the claims made for "Believe" by its creators back when the show was announced.
Meanwhile, the VIP list has been announced for the Grand Gala opening for "Believe" Friday night. For the most anticipated show in some time, the list is amazingly thin and common on the celebrity front. Buffet photographer Sarah Gerke has photographed the majority of the arrivals at other Vegas red carpets. None of Angel's famous blonds, for example, are bothering to show support for their buddy on his big night: no Paris Hilton, no Britney Spears, no Cameron Diaz, no Lindsay Lohan and no Pamela Anderson.
Instead, "Believe's" red carpet is going to be filled with generic celebrity headliners from the Vegas circuit (Seigfried Fischbacher, Marie Osmond, etc.) the second-rate metal bands that Angel worships (Suly Ema from Godsmack, Vince Neil and Hinder), the bigwigs of Cirque, a bunch of fellow television personalities (cast members from "Lost," "The Girls Next Door" and various "CSI" shows) and, of course, the usual hangers on to the Vegas scene, such as Wilmer Valderrama (does this guy have a job?) and convicted rapist Mike Tyson.
Here is the full list supplied of red carpet arrivals for tomorrow:
"Criss Angel; Guy Laliberte (Cirque du Soleil founder); Serge Denoncourt (director of "Believe"); Evangeline Lilly and Dominic Monaghan ("Lost"); Christina Hendricks ("Mad Men"); Justin Long; Marie Osmond; Neil Patrick Harris; Holly Madison and Bridget Marquardt (Girls Next Door); Keir O’Donnell ("Wedding Crashers"); Vince Neil (Motley Crue); Tanya Roberts ("Charlie’s Angels"), Mike Tyson; Michael Strahan (NFL); Adam Shankman ("So You Think You Can Dance"); A.J. Buckley ("CSI New York"), Jonathan Togo ("CSI Miami"); Jeremy Jackson ("Baywatch"), Hinder; Deborah Gibson; Sully Erna ("Godsmack"); Michael Johns ("American Idol"), Tila Tequila; Tera Patrick and Evan Seinfeld; Las Vegas entertainers Siegfried Fischbacher, Carrot Top, Penn & Teller, Louie Anderson, Fantasy Girls and more."
There is always "and more." But to compare this list to the VIP list for Cirque's last opening, Love, would show you the difference in stature between the events. Of course, when you know Paul McCartney is going to be there, it is a lot easier to recruit celebrities.
Photo credit: Sarah Gerke
Godsmack second rate? O.K. Richard now you have gone too far. No wonder no one will talk to you. And if you hop on over to Robin Leach's column.....Criss IS talking to him.
I'm done here. I won't be reading your review because I already know what it will say. Goodbye all.
Posted by: Debbie | October 30, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Debbie, please, LOL, Godsmack define mediocre! Here are some quotes from Rolling Stone's Album Guide (2004):
"...yet another down-tuned, chunky multiplatinum new-metal act that rode that genre's bull market..."
and, that was the early years. As for the later music,
"..still self obsessed and cranky... Godsmack continues to work over the sound of no new ideas. Bummer...a band that keep falling further into metallic anonymity....they flat out refuse to make a lasting impression."
Full disclosure: I contributed to the Album Guide but not the Godsmack entry.
And, you are also mistaken that Angel has singled me out on interviews. As far as I know Angel and I have always enjoyed a friendly and professional working relationship. I am invited to all of his press conferences. It is one-on-one interviews Angel is suddenly avoiding. And. I find that mysterious.
Finally, I am glad you know what I will write tomorrow, because I have no idea. I am going with a totally open mind in hopes of being amazed and impressed. Yrs., Richard
Posted by: Richard Abowitz | October 30, 2008 at 10:57 AM
Good article, Richard. I enjoyed it.
You have to admit Criss Angel is great business for all reporters. And I should point out that Criss Angel is really making it extremely difficult for those who are trying to stay unbiased in reviewing his pending premiere. If I were a reporter, I'd probably have the article written already...because everything is already clear and transparent. Criss Angel is doing this dumb stuff to himself. Without any help from anyone else.
Criss Angel's silence is not surprising. In my opinion, we are all indeed truly blessed with this decision for no press interviews. Mostly because Criss Angel in the past time and time again either says either something stupid or something that's not true. Then when he gets called out on it, he goes into this paranoid frenzy of lashing out, saying everyone is picking on him. He even had the gall to lash out at audiences for not liking his horrible "soft opening" shows! And probably another reason he is quiet is because he's afraid he'll be asked for an account of the past unresolved shenanigans in his personal life he has been involved with here in Las Vegas. He don't want questions about that detracting from the premiere. All this clearly shows Criss Angel's blatant arrogance in that he wants to totally control what is said. When he fails to do that, his typical tried and true method of dealing with it is to just quietly pout about it in frustrated silence. I would even venture to guess that Cirque du Soleil has informed him in strong terms to just shut up and do the show; a show that has increasing bad reviews. Not from reporters, but from the audience!
And yes, that is a very weak list of celebrities for this premiere. Some of them will probably beg out and not show up too.
Wasn't O.J. Simpson invited? No. Wait. Umm....er....he can't make it because he's at the moment...umm....detained elsewhere at another...um....pressing engagement in downtown Las Vegas. There is a difference between them though. O.J. will probably have at least a ten year long engagement to attend to. Pretty much guaranteed. Criss Angel's won't reach ten years.
Posted by: ColinFromLasVegas | October 30, 2008 at 11:13 AM
I agree with Debbie above. I thought journalists were suppose to be unbiased. You have made your mind up already. You feel slighted by no interview and your review will reflect your personal feelings.
Tell those celebrities who are attending to their faces that they are second rate. Most are more current and interesting that any of th "so 10 minutes ago" blondes you just mentioned.
Very very harsh Richard. I wont be reading any longer either and I pity you. I bet you wont let yourself have one ounce of fun at the show or party afterwards.
Posted by: Kellee | October 30, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Debbie and Kellee- I do not know you, but I can make a fair assumption that you are fans- at least to some extent- of Criss Angel. Now you not reading Richard's column from this moment forward is pretty much doing the same thing you are accusing him of. Richard has opinions and writes them, usually follows them with facts or at least reasons for his opinions. If you do not agree with them, that is fine. You don't have to agree with him. But my guess is that he writes an unbiased review. And hopefully he does not hold anything back if the show is a disaster!
Also, Godsmack is awful. They are tolerable, at best. If you like Godsmack, you don't know good music.
Posted by: Mitchell | October 30, 2008 at 03:36 PM
Yes, spiteful and mean, Richard. Just when I thought you were beginning to be sporty and nice when you published the pic of the invitation. You strike with low blows. These celebs are honored people of the Strip plus others. Whether you like Godsmack or not has nothing to do with a good column. Godsmack rocks. Rolling Stone magazine...oh yeah, I seem to recall reading RS had nothing good to say about Led Zeppelin for many years when LZ was on the scene. Led Zep declined interviews finally just like Criss is doing because he refuses to kiss someone's after they have been nasty behind his back. You snooze, you lose!
Posted by: MsMerlina | October 30, 2008 at 08:05 PM
Of course, he is not going to grant interviews. He's AFRAID of how awful they will tell him the show is. LOL! And wha't this stuff about being unapproachable?? He used to be, but when you are "king of Vegas," your head swells up and then you bed playboy bunnies. Oh well. You know that old saying: "what comes up, must come down." It's the law of gravity.
Posted by: Yen woo ping | October 30, 2008 at 08:29 PM
criss is probably too busy for 1 on 1 interviews. as im writing this, he has 23hrs,19mins,52 secs (criss angel countdown clock) to turn a 100 milion dollar show which is supposedly putting people to sleep, into some mega awesome thing hes told the press it is. he cant waste an hour talking to journalists.
Posted by: envy | October 30, 2008 at 08:43 PM
I wish Criss the best and I look forward to hearing reports about the Gala Premiere which is happening tonight. Good luck, Criss!!
--Jessica
Posted by: Jessica | October 31, 2008 at 04:48 AM
Criss busy with interviews? Criss busy preparing the launch of his new Believe show? Criss seems most busy sharing the spotlight with Holly Madison amongst the gossip list.
Posted by: Guest | October 31, 2008 at 06:55 AM
I'd like to comment about the fact that Richard brought up originally. About the original focus of Richard's blog, Criss Angel and talking with the press one-on-one. To put things in clear terms.
There was mention on another web site that Criss Angel talked with Robin Leach. Here is a quote from Robin Leach about that: "I promised Criss and Cirque officials that I would not technically comment or review the production during the 'preview process.'" So, understandably, Criss Angel feels comfortable talking with him. Because Criss Angel feels like he's in the driver's seat and can control the outcome of the interview. It was pointed out that because such an agreement like that exists, it clearly implies that all parties (Criss, Robin and Cirque) involved know in advance that BeLIEve is a horrible show. And I agree with this assessment.
Richard Abowitz here has claimed that (correct me if I'm wrong) that one-on-one interviews between reporters and Criss Angel have been discontinued. This leaves only press conferences. Press conferences are conducted by the President of the U.S. And believe me, people...Criss Angel is no lofty figurehead like that. And he is no "King of Las Vegas." He don't even come close. Not at all. And it's a clear move to control what is said, feeding Criss Angel's arrogance and big headedness too, I might add. He seems to love the bright lights and the microphones, that's for sure.
So, you Loyals go ahead and pay attention to Robin Leach, a person who is a lackey and can be controlled (and I might add he is not even a reporter...just a washed up former television personality who happens to live in Las Vegas), but go ahead and completely disregard Richard Abowitz, a reporter who in the past has clearly demonstrated he writes factual stuff...WITHOUT any bias at all. And Richard appears to show signs he doesn't intend to deviate from those standards at all.
Typical Loyal stupidness that shows clear bias. Loyals seems to like to point fingers, but they are not held to the same ethics and standards. UnbeLIEvable.
Posted by: ColinFromLasVegas | October 31, 2008 at 06:56 AM
http://las-vegas-hotels.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45963-d1174403-Reviews-Criss_Angel_Believe-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html
take a look at the review,and tell me who is unbiased. the fans or Richard Abowitz.
Posted by: Ringu | October 31, 2008 at 08:12 AM
FYI; Criss and Robin leach are personal friends, Robin is not a real journalist to be afraid of like the others as he is a friend! i think this titanic is already sank,it just takes time for it to disappear completly under water,but criss's show MINDFREAK has just been renewed for a 5th season,so he will coast along for a while yet publically.
Posted by: melissa | October 31, 2008 at 01:25 PM
As usual, I enjoy reading commentary from Colin of Las Vegas. I remember Angel saying he was "King of Las Vegas." It was an interview with Alicia Jacobs when she met him at the airport after a living airing of his tv show with Uri Geller. He mentioned David Copperfield's disdain for him and said "it's nice to be King."
King of what? I am still trying to figure out. Maybe king of goth and black toe nail polish, thats about it.
Posted by: Achilles | October 31, 2008 at 09:08 PM
I wish the reviews would address the quality of the show itself, and quit obsessing about the celebrity level of the participants, guests, and attendees. Really, I want to know how the show is. And why? Because on this year's finale of "So You Think You Can Dance," I saw a dance performance from that show that knocked my socks off. The costumes! The music! The quality of the dancing! The haunting theme, and imaginative story line in the magician's rabbit's funeral...it was all there. I don't watch Mind Freak, and am kinda repulsed by Angel's goth angsty high school persona. I don't care about how effectively he presented that persona, or how cool the celebrities are that might or might not attend (are they first tier? second tier? has-been? so has-been they're cool again? who care?!) I want to know if the performance lives up to the promise of the dance shown on TV. I wanted to see it so much, I bought tickets and flew to Vegas especially to see the premiere week -- and found out too late that Angel cancelled the show. A full refund, but no other considerations. A wasted, and expensive, trip to Vegas. But, I still want to know how the show was. Hopefully the reviewers will spend more time talking about the show and less about celebrity/persona.
Posted by: Juliane Douglas | November 01, 2008 at 03:51 PM
I have been a real Criss Angel fan from the time I saw him on Mindfreak. I didn't think anyone could beat David Blaine but, Criss Angel certainly did....until "BeLIEve"
I was really looking forward to seeing "BeLIEve" because in addition to liking Criss Angel and his talent, I am also a big fan of Cirque du Solel with the creativity and stage sets etc.
I went to "BeLIEve last night [12/28/08] and paid $120.00 and I have to say it was so disappointing. The "LIE" in the middle of BeLIEve is truly a lie. He has deceived everyone. I don't know where to begin....The magic was basic, the illusions were mediocre and he is not a dancer. If I wanted to see a dance show, there are many on the Strip, so I didn't need Criss to dance. The Cirque de Solel portion was creative, but didn't make any sense for the type of show that it was. His big illusion at the end where he gets cut in half was a bomb. Something went wrong with the stunt, because just when they were ready to cut him in half, the curtain goes down and the entire theater is dark. An announcer came on and said for everyone in the theater to remain in their seats. At first I thought it was part of the show, but it lasted too long. The curtain finally went back up and he started the illusion again, but it really came off as being real fake and then the show ended. I felt bad for Criss, because his Mother, Aunt and new Girlfriend Holly Madison were in the audience. Criss mentioned that he has a 10 year contract with the Luxor, but if he doesn't get his act together and Cirque du Solel doesn't get their act together....nobody is going to BeLIEve...They will just believe the LIE....Criss, I really hope you change your act back to what you know.
Posted by: Jeff Nussdorf | December 29, 2008 at 05:08 PM
did criss stop doing stunts cause of his mother??
Posted by: cece | October 14, 2009 at 10:47 AM