Is the controversial Criss Angel an illusion?
First, anyone, interested in Criss Angel and all the stories surrounding "Believe" should read Chris Lee's excellent profile of Angel from Sunday's Calendar. Lee was nice enough to take me along to the now notorious first performance of "Believe." After the show, a publicist for Cirque came to get Lee to take him backstage to speak to Angel in his dressing room. I was not allowed to join them and so I went home. I wondered what happened after that, and those fireworks offer the start of Lee's profile.
Meanwhile, I am sort of amazed at all the people who claim Angel is too polarizing to view fairly, and that this is causing "Believe" to get a bum rap. Honestly, let's put this out in the open: Being controversial is part of Angel's image, but it is less substance than show business. Why is Angel so controversial?
You really think Angel would dare an opinion on the presidential election or touch on a hot-button issue like abortion?
Angel's goth clothing may hint at rebelliousness, but most days he functions within the norms of Vegas headliners, which means being blandly neutral on any topic that might really cause actual controversy. The only exceptions to this seem more examples of Angel's temper than his convictions: his feud with Norm Clarke (written about by Lee) and his potty mouth at corporate press conferences. And being a diva headliner is hardly controversial.
Compare Angel with another Strip headliner: Penn Jillette of Penn & Teller. Jillette holds vastly more polarizing opinions that he will not only tell people if they ask him, but Jillette goes the extra mile to make videos for those who never asked.
But Penn & Teller offer consistently one of the best shows in Vegas because they manage to make Jillette's aggressive, pushy personality work perfectly onstage as well as off. Angel is far more boxed into a traditional headliner role with his narrative of obstacles overcome and deep family love. And Angel shows no desire to escape that box in order to risk alienating any potential fans by having public opinions on any topic besides himself. So why exactly is Criss Angel so controversial? Could this be his best illusion?
No. He's not controversial. He's just an idiot.
And yes. It's all a big illusion. And that illusion is snowing everyone into thinking he is a good guy and has talent.
Back in April 2008, Criss Angel threatened to blind a respected Las Vegas Review Journal reporter (Mr. Norm Clarke) during the Miss America Pageant because he didn’t like how his girlfriend at the time (Miss Nevada, Miss Veronica Grabowski) was being treated and he wanted her to place high and/or win the event, and he didn’t like the question Mr. Norm Clarke asked about Criss Angel's actions to accomplish this. So, he decided to level a vicious threat to blind him. And it has been verified that it did occur.
Afterwards, the Las Vegas Review Journal expressed complete disapproval of Criss Angel's reprehensible actions and put him on notice about threatening one of their reporters.
On April 15, after this threat incident, Mr. Abowitz tried to ask Criss Angel or any of his people about this and was met by total silence. Criss Angel and his camp chose to ignore opportunities to discuss, deny or retract the threat he made. From all appearances, he wanted to just make it go away.
On April 18, a publisher for the Las Vegas Review Journal revealed during a commercial break at the Miss America Pageant, Criss Angel got up and, angry that his girlfriend, Miss Nevada, didn’t place in the top 15, approached the stage and tried to get another contestant to trade places with Miss Nevada so she could get more exposure. Later during this event, when an NBC camera came over to get a closeup of Criss Angel in his seat, he made an obscene gesture with his middle finger. I am assuming this is what led up to Criss Angel threatening Norm Clarke.
Then on May 18, another reporter (Mr. Steve Friess), during the Academy of Country Music Awards here in Las Vegas, asked Criss Angel about if there was any apology from him regarding the threat incident. Criss Angel replied, "The problem is, some people got their lines crossed. And if some people got the whole story, they would see that what he wrote is actually not what really happened. So there’s nothing to apologize for.” (Huh?) When asked what really happened, Criss Angel replies, “I’d need awhile to explain that to you and now is not the appropriate time.” (To this day, everyone is still waiting for that appropriate time to happen.)
Then skip forward to July 23 at a premiere party for the new Mindfreak season on TV, Criss Angel was asked again about what happened back in April about the threat to Norm Clarke. Criss Angel: “I invited Norm tonight. What happened between me and Norm is between me and Norm. I did invite him here. I hope he comes to the opening of 'Believe,' because 'Believe' is going to be the show to see." (I guess he had to say that invite thing twice so that he himself would believe the lie he just told. Because Mr. Norm Clark never made mention of any of it to this day.) It was around about this time that the Cirque du Soleil company, after silence about the whole matter, decided to follow this same line; that there response mirrored Criss Angel's, that it is a matter between Criss Angel and Norm Clarke.
Now skip forward to recently, during a conversation with reporter Mr. Chris Lee that Mr. Abowitz alludes to in the above article, Criss Angel just outright vigorously denied that the threat incident ever happened.
Sorry for being long winded there, but when you put it all down on paper, it reveals alot. So, that’s pretty much what I know has happened according to news articles and it's where we’re at now six months after this threat happened. I know. It's old news. But the old news keeps getting added on by other events, which make it still current.
It just shows incredible arrogance, acting at times like a spoiled child when Criss Angel doesn’t get his way, even resorting to borderline criminal tendencies to get what he wants. Criss Angel is stupid, clearly a liar and acts like a prison convict. He doesn’t even remember what he tells one reporter to the next. You put all this stuff together and it reveals he feels he is untouchable and can do whatever he wants whenever he wants.
I guess there is a lot of other shenanigans he has done here in Las Vegas that hits the news too and it all centers around the need for him to be in front of a camera all the time flashing stupid non-sensical gang signs with his fashionably dressed homeless person get up and making sure rumors are spread around liberally about new celebrity girlfriends he is supposedly going out, but this threat incident episode just seems to stay there totally unresolved. All the other stuff he does kind of reveal his continual need for fame, glory and money and basic indifference about who he hurts and/or uses in the process.
And now, he has a headline act in a large casino/hotel show room on the Las Vegas Boulevard. And it is getting increasingly more and more bad reviews from the viewing and paying public, and there isn't even a glimmer of hope that the show will improve at all, even though Criss Angel says it will get better. And the grand premiere is just days away, with the increasing likelihood the show is doomed, thereby causing the potential for millions of dollars thrown down the drain.
I am amazed this guy is still around in Las Vegas after all the idiocy he has done here. He's giving entertainment a bad name in this town, not only in his personal actions, but also by demonstrating his lack of talent on the stage. Cirque du Soleil needs to inform him to hit the road and do his bad-boy-rock-star-who-don't-give-a-crap-about-anyone-but-himself act somewhere else.
Posted by: ColinFromLasVegas | October 16, 2008 at 08:36 AM
Give it up Colin.... Criss and BeLIEve are here to stay!!!!
Posted by: Jade | October 16, 2008 at 01:08 PM
hahahahaha, Collin you are hilarious. Jade no kidding. Count on Collin to be on every Criss blog. Collin, you must have it out for Criss. This is so personal. As for Criss's show, I heard great things about beleive from people who have actually seen it. I would have been in Vegas last week with family and friends if not for my new job. My brother, his girlfriend and a few friends saw beleive and LOVED IT!
I can't wait to see it early next year.
Posted by: Jeanne | October 16, 2008 at 04:46 PM
I was at the box office the other night. Saturday, October 11. After the 10:30 show which is scheduled for 10:00 because he is always late, loyals and about 20 fans waited for Angel to come out to hopefully sign a few autographs. We stood there for about 2 hours, only to find out, that only a few loyals were allowed backstage.
Some "person" who called himself his manager, told me at first that he was his manager. Now, I know better, because I know what David Baram looks like. The individual told me I was did not win the contest and was not allowed to get my 2 magazines signed because "he did not trust me." Well, I am a grown woman and not an AlQuada terrorist. So after being told by another person on stage that I WAS allowed to go backstage, I throw the magazines to the floor and told him: "I think I'll go see David Blaine." He immediately wanted a confrontation from me which he got nothing! I turned around, did an about face and left. Who do these people think they are?
I remember Criss Angel being a nice guy and you didn't need to win a popularity contest to meet him or get an autograph. I am very disappointed in him and this so-called person that calls himself a manager.
Posted by: vanillasky | October 16, 2008 at 07:03 PM
The meet n greets that are going on now were a promotion quite a ways back. When the show got delayed, so did the schedule meet n greets which were bascially lottery type drawings. Criss is making good on his promise and honoring those winners now.
Controversy you ask? It' s simple. Criss has stepped out of, crossed over and completely smashed the box of what a magician should be. This bad boy mind freak has turned his art upside down. Who would ever think of combining the elements that he has? The little bit of "attitude" he gives us once in a while...I say heck yeah. Criss was totally in the corner of his then girlfriend. Sorry, I can't fry him for that. Mmmmm, a supportive boyfriend who cares enough to act? I'll have to give him A plus there.
By the way, this week's count shows Believe up from 7 to number 6 in the top ten of Vegas shows.
Posted by: Debbie | October 16, 2008 at 08:00 PM
COLIN
Its not nice to verbally attempt to burn someone just because you lack everything that person is and has and might i add will have and continue to be. Looks like the green monster has you by your little round things. What are you doing colin? Are you eating,sleeping and breathing Criss Angel? It sure sounds like you are. My goodness you are so angry colin. That anger is eating at you isnt it. Its driving you crazy. You want everything criss has and your not criss and you can not have it. So much shame on you colin. What your really doing is draging yourself down far below your genetic level. You are a nervous ,week, hungry crying baby kicking your legs and screeming. Should you continue swimming in the sea of fabrication, please leave criss angels name out of all that you do and say. If you have nothing nice to say keep your lips sealed . Loose lips sink ships colin. Good Day
Posted by: azeneth | October 17, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Vanillasky, if I remember correctly, unless someone was posting using your name. Its actually happened to a few fans. Anyway, if I remember correctly you are another one who has been all over these blogs doing nothing but bashing Criss's character. Now your telling us your upset because you never got to meet him. Scratches head????
I heard so many great fan experiences. Criss is very approachable and like Debbie mentioned the meet and greets were a promotion (not a popularity contest as you stated). I am sure the vast majority of his audience would have loved to meet him and have him sign something for them. It is physically impossible for any artist to do. They wouldn't have time for anything else.
Posted by: Jeanne | October 17, 2008 at 11:42 PM
To Jeanne,
Not sure what all this reference to "vanillasky" and being "all over the net bashing Criss" and I really don't care to know but I am yet another fan of Criss Angel who just so happen to have seen the Believe show a few friday's part and Mr. Angel demonstrated lack of interest when both my husband and I were fortunate enough to have caught him and his entourage walking out of the theater. My husband made the initial comment to Criss "great show Criss, would you mind a quick pic with my wife and I". Criss said "thanks, sorry but I can't right now" and walked away. For a man who's "bad press" has been lingering him for the past month you would think a guest who "enjoyed the show" he'd be willing to spend 2 minutes top. After all "power the word-of-mouth" but no. Mr. Angel was far too busy.
Well after that I can assure you that I will be "far to busy" to attend Mr. Angel's show again during the next 10 years. It was a good show but it wasn't that good.
Posted by: Jackie_Smith | October 18, 2008 at 08:08 AM
After reading all of these comments, I think meeting Senator John McCain or Senator Barack Obama would be much easier. And probably more pleasant.
Posted by: yen woo ping | October 18, 2008 at 10:02 AM
COLIN,I always check now before I read a comment because if it's you I pass over it,I dont want to hear any more of you..such a waist of my time.Always the same ol thing,going on and on w/your hatred of Criss.
JACKIE,maybe he WAS to busy.Sounds like your pride got hurt,get over it.Your not the "Queen of England"for pete's sake.
Criss does not want people to judge him on the basis of his political views,He wants to be known for his art.penn jillettes act is to be combattent and controversial on the other hand.
In my opinion,I think CA is contriversial because people who dont like him make such a big deal about it.99% of the people that dont like him are bitter, angry,jealous type people.You can tell by the way they express their opinions.
Posted by: bettylouh | October 19, 2008 at 03:14 PM
WELL, WHERE DO I START. IM A LOYAL FAN OF CRISS ANGEL. AND IM GOING TO VEGAS IN MAY TO SEE BELIEVE. MY EXPECTATIONS OF BUMPING INTO HIM ARE REALISTIC. LISTEN HES WAY BIGGER THAN A FEW YEARS AGO, MY GOD EVEN LAST YEAR TO THIS YEAR THE CROWD OF FANS IS INSANE. HOW DO I KNOW , WELL LIKE A TRUE FAN I DO MY RESEARCH, AND I WOULD NOT HAVE THE BALLS TO ASK CRISS RIGHT AFTER A SHOW WHEN U SEE HIM WITH HIS ENTOURAGE , LEAVING , DUH GOING SOMEWHERE TO EXPECT HIM TO STOP AND SIGN AND HUG AND TAKE A PIC AND HUG SOME MORE, 2 MINUTES? RIGHTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!! THE MAN I WOULD THINK IS EXHAUSTED, HES NOT A PIECE OF MEAT, HES HUMAN LIKE TO REST OF US, YES HES A CELEBRITY, BUT THATS WHAT A MEET AND GREET IS SET UP FOR. SO JACKIE SMITH IF YOU ARE SUCH A FAN , BUT EGO WAS HURT, WHAT DID YOU EXPECT, THERE WAS NO CONSIDERATION ON YOUR PART!!! A SIMPLE 'way to go criss, we loved the show" WOULD HAVE SURFICED. AND JUST LET ME SAY TO YOU 'JACKIE SMITH" YOUR A GOOD FAN, BUT YOUR NOT THATTTTTTTTT GOOD !!!!!
Posted by: simpleming | October 24, 2008 at 12:29 AM
I'm so happy, though, because now, no one can tell me anything that's going to get me doubting him. I could sit here and read horrible articles saying what a fake he is. But I'm just so unbelievably glad. Because he himself doesn't care what anyone has to say about him. So why should I.
And Im just so, so, incredibly thankful for all the people who believe in him. And for everyone who doesn't, I dont even have anything to say.
And for Colin from Vegas, yeah, for your sake. Don't waste so much time ...I wish you could hear the tones of peoples' voices when they tell you that.
I don't, I don't know. And Im so -Just Happy- to say, I couldn't possibly care less.
I'm so happy he exists. So inconcievably thankful he exists.
Posted by: iBelieve | October 26, 2008 at 05:56 PM
Colin, please don't waste time. I only say this for your own sake, truly. I wish you could hear the tones of peoples' voices when they tell you that.
I'm so happy though, because now, no one can convince me that he is a "lie" or a "fake". It honestly doesn't have a sting to it anymore. Just knowing that it doesn't sting him, satisfies me so much.
I'm so incredibly happy he exists. So inconcievably thankful, he exists.
Posted by: iBelieve | October 26, 2008 at 06:05 PM
Rumor on the street is Criss is into males. Criss Angel's biggest illusion is that he is dating celebrities.
Posted by: Kayala | October 27, 2008 at 11:04 AM
Criss Angel is not gay. In fact he is everything but gay. Stop spreading such false rumors.
Posted by: Mary | October 28, 2008 at 08:34 AM
This is his past! Obvoiusly he made up with the guy as Mr. Clarke gave him a great review for his October 31 Cirque performance! I don't think he'd bother covering it if he was still so threatened and appauled by Criss' actions. I was not there so I refuse to judge Criss and call him a jerk who pretends to be a nice guy! He's not a jerk because of one or two incidents where he lost his temper and said or did something he shouldn't have! Haven't we all at some point? What he is is a flawed human being just like me! From what I've seen and will always believe, he's a wonderful person. He has a lot of charisma and truly stands out because there are not a lot of people like him in the world! He has the right to disagree with someone from time to time! The guy is not an unrepentant racist, woman beater, murderer or a rapist, so the terms "jerk and idiot" don't fit him at all! He's normal and quite intelligent! That's all!
Posted by: Lakeya Mitchell | November 07, 2008 at 06:16 PM
Very well saide Lakeya. The haters will blast their lies always. All I know, is that my 11 year old daugher w/. a speech diffficulty found her self empowed in Criss. Not to give up, believe in yourself and strive for what you believe. She now is a A-B student, lots of friends and wants to go to college to be a veternarian. As the mom... thru all the trials....I keep hearing that one line "don't give up"...and I won't.. Criss Angel is not an illusion..in fact...he has touched so many lives that they would probably not even think to blog here. Cyberspace can be an illusion in and of itself.....I would say...check out Criss for yourself. All of his years cannot be for nothing.
Posted by: Debbie | November 07, 2008 at 07:45 PM