What is meeting Duran Duran worth?

When you work for a resort in Vegas, people will pitch all sorts of barter to get special treatment or access.

On Friday afternoon I got a call from a representative of the Hard Rock. She wanted to share a story about the oddest trade she has yet to be offered for a show happening that night.

It seems the teen girls who grew up with Duran Duran posters on the wall are now adult women with careers and childhood crushes that have yet to fully evaporate. On Friday night Duran Duran was set to play the Hard Rock, and one Duran Duran fan from the '80s reached out to the Hard Rock. She is now a prominent plastic surgeon and her offer: In exchange for meeting the band, the Hard Rock's representative could have a free work. "She said I could have anything like Botox." The twentysomething Hard Rock representative declined the offer. Of course, with Duran Duran, the surgeon may not have been a fan so much as looking to get its business.

Also, coming out that night to support the old new wavers were new new wavers Brandon Flowers and Dave Keuning, from local hit makers the Killers, who joined Duran Duran for "Planet Earth."

(Photo courtesy of Hard Rock)

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09:28 AM PT, May 12 2008 in Hard Rock Hotel | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Other people's problems

I am just waking up from a late night at the Hard Rock. I forgot that one of the great joys of Vegas is witnessing other people's domestic strife. Cab lines are especially good for this: people waiting in the cold, arguing, and, of course, other people's yelled phone calls!

Divorcing guy in the cab line: "Jenny, just take it all. OK, I don't want to fight anymore. I'll be home in few days, and you can just take everything!"

Elevators are great spots for this sort of eavesdropping as well. Heading down from my room at the Hard Rock to the casino last night, I heard a man attempt to offer his girlfriend the following compliment: "You look so hot tonight. You look like a stripper!"

I only wish I could offer you her diatribe of obscenities that followed. It was a packed elevator, too. So there were about 10 of us looking at our feet uncomfortably during the incident while enjoying every moment.

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08:30 AM PT, Dec 30 2007 in Hard Rock Hotel | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Just hanging: Jenna and Tito

I just saw Jenna Jameson and Tito Ortiz in the lobby of the Hard Rock.

She looked too thin and withered to be Jenna and he looked too fat and round to be Tito, but together they are unmistakable.

(Photo by Richard Abowitz)

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07:51 PM PT, Dec 29 2007 in Hard Rock Hotel | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Live from the Hard Rock

I am blogging from my room at the Hard Rock. Being here brings back so many memories. My very first trip to Las Vegas, I stayed here. I never even saw the Strip that trip. I was in town for a job interview with the Las Vegas Weekly, and the Hard Rock was ample evidence that Vegas could be a great home for me. And it has been, for going on 9 years. In fact, thanks to concerts by Red Hot Chili Peppers, Guns & Roses and Velvet Revolver, I have started a few years at the Hard Rock. And, it seems the perfect place to start my New Year's weekend adventure.

Of course, nostalgia is a dangerous thing in ever-changing Vegas. In a few hours, I will be going to the opening of Cathouse at Luxor. Cathouse chef Kerry Simon used to be the proprietor of Simon here at the Hard Rock.

AGO, a restaurant associated with actor Robert DeNiro, will be opening here to replace Simon. AGO is not set to have its grand opening until February. But according to people here at the Hard Rock, there may be a soft opening this weekend. I will try to check it out, if that is the case.
(Photo by Richard Abowitz)

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05:50 PM PT, Dec 29 2007 in Hard Rock Hotel | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Beacher tries on 50 Cent's retirement ploy

Lost in all of the O. J. Simpson attention this past week was Hard Rock headliner Jeff Beacher's latest publicity stunt.

As you may recall, right after their storied fight at the VMAs, Beacher offered a purse for a fight between Tommy Lee and Kid Rock at his Vegas show, Beacher's Madhouse.

But this latest grab for attention may have fizzled in the media maelstrom kicked up by O.J.'s alleged robbery at gunpoint of sports memorabilia.

Meanwhile, Beacher has found a simple way out of another problem. The promotional idea factory had linked his own fate to that of 50 Cent in the lost sales battle against Kanye West. Beacher, too, had vowed to retire if West outsold 50 Cent.

Well, now that the sales results are in and West has clearly beat 50, have we seen the last of Jeff Beacher? Ha, not a chance.

The publicity machine that is Jeff Beacher offers only this of his broken promise to retire: "I lied."

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11:11 AM PT, Sep 21 2007 in Hard Rock Hotel | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Slash leaves memories in Vegas

On Saturday night, I went to the Hard Rock to interview Slash at a dedication for a memorabilia case to the guitar legend. I have a sort of odd history with Guns & Roses. I first saw the band open for Alice Cooper when I was an undergraduate in the Midwest in the '80s, and Appetite for Destruction, their debut, had just come out. Slash was in G&R then, of course, and I remember his extraordinary guitar-playing technique.

But when I experienced my most vivid knowledge of Slash, he was not present. In fact, they weren't even my memories. I did a series of interviews a few years ago with former Guns & Roses drummer Steven Adler (who at the time was living in Las Vegas). Adler spent hours telling me about his best friend from childhood, Slash, and how they had grown up together with dreams of being rock stars. Those stories of Slash and Adler and their kiddie hopes while penniless on Sunset Strip have always stuck with me. Of course, they achieved those dreams, before Adler became the first member of the group that made Appetite for Destruction booted out by G&R's mercurial lead singer, Axl Rose.

By the time I moved to Vegas in 1999, Axl Rose had reformed G&R without even Slash. Professionally, in Vegas, I have covered two post-Slash, Guns & Roses shows for Rolling Stone magazine. At one of those shows, Slash showed up to watch the band he used to be a member of play and was denied admission.

Of course, Slash has had plenty of opportunity to play Vegas. I once interviewed him when he performed with side project Camp Freddy at the opening of a Vegas topless bar. That night, his first words to me: "No questions about Guns & Roses." Most recently, for a New Year's Eve show in 2005, I saw a very drunk Slash on stage at the Hard Rock playing with Velvet Revolver. Most fans didn't seem to notice. Slash is a legend even if he never plays another note and an off night means nothing. He has fully paid his dues.

At the Hard Rock on Saturday night for the dedication of his memorabilia case hundreds of fans turned out just to catch a glimpse of Slash. Since there was also a Mary J. Blige concert in the Hard Rock's Joint right next to the Slash memorabilia case, for our brief interview, I suggested a nearby VIP lounge. We had to be hustled to the lounge by security, while desperate fans were thrusting their own memorabilia at Slash to sign (oh, why do people ask a guitar player to sign a drum skin?). Anyway, Slash is old school when it comes to pleasing fans. He asked security to arrange after the interview an orderly way he could sign autographs for his fans. So, as we had our 3 minute interview, the entire time, through tinted glass, I watched the fans being lined up outside the VIP lounge:

Richard Abowitz: So, how did you feel about the dedication?

Slash: It was really nerve-wracking. I am not good without a guitar in front of me.

Q: So, do you have any good stories to go with the memorabilia in the case?

A: There is a story with everything in the case. The jean jacket is something I got off of somebody in Canada a long time ago. I wore the jacket in the "Sweet Child of Mine" video. The top hat is one of the ones I've had for years, and it was sort of hard to part with it. But I get it back one day. They hold the stuff here, but I can take it back. The guitar has the best story. I stole that from the Hard Rock in Orlando. It was in the dressing room. I didn't know what it was doing there, so I took it. I mean it was in the dressing room and no one claimed it. So, I've had it all these years and been playing it. But then I thought what better way to honor the Hard Rock for honoring me than to give it back, sort of.

Q: So, any thoughts on having a case to honor you like this in Vegas?

A: It is very cool. At least, it has genuine stuff in it. As we all know, a lot of stuff isn't real, because people don't like to part with stuff.

Q: So, do you have any good Vegas stories? Last time I saw you on stage here you seemed pretty drunk.

A: Yeah, yeah, yeah. That was the only time with Velvet Revolver that I got really...um, well. We had a big party in my room. I'd been drinking wine. I have a very even way of drinking wine and sustaining alcohol without overdoing it. One of my friends says that it is New Year and I've got to do a shot with him. I wound up doing three shots of Jack and that took me over that little edge. Then I got on stage. That was a memorable night at the Hard Rock.

Q: Of course, with G & R you never played Vegas?

A: I never played Hard Rock with Guns or anything. But I did come to a Guns show in Vegas to see Axl's new band and they would not let me in. That was memorable. I kind of knew Axl didn't know I was there and they were trying to protect him from me for some reason. When I got there they thought I brought my guitar with me and had heard all this stuff. And, I was just going to the gig. So, we went to Green Valley Ranch instead and had a blast.

(photos by Sarah Gerke)

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10:23 AM PT, Jul 16 2007 in Hard Rock Hotel | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0)

Anniversary of Hard Rock sale

I normally don't read press releases on financial reports. But one of the great mysteries of the Hard Rock has been what are the new owner, Morgans Hotel Group, is going to do with it. So far the answer seems to be, not much. That isn't their answer though. That is mine. Today marks the one year anniversary of the day the purchase of the off-Strip landmark was announced by old owner Peter Morton. And, so stumbling through this corporate press release from Morgans Hotel Group earlier this week I came across this bit of barely coherent bureaucratic chest-thumping about the casino here in Vegas that caught my eye:

"As we have said many times, we are thrilled to be operating in Las Vegas, the ultimate entertainment destination. In the first two months of operation, the Hard Rock has already contributed approximately $3.3 million in EBITDA, including $1.3 million in management fees, to our results. We are also moving rapidly forward with the announced expansion and renovation project at the Hard Rock. Recent trends at Hard Rock have been very encouraging.”

I am confused by this. The first part I just don't understand. But the last sentences sure get my attention. Last time I was at the Hard Rock I saw no changes and nothing encouraging. There was zero major or minor construction. It was mostly the same staff (not that there was anything wrong with the people working at Hard Rock). In fact, in the year since the sale was announced the concert bookings at Hard Rock have been mostly inferior with each passing month. This is especially so now that the Palms (with the Hard Rock's old booker) has opened the Pearl. Also, University Theater and the new Canyon Club (not to mention the always wonderful House of Blues) pick up a lot more of the competitive shows for up-and-comers.

So, here is my question: what are the things, "rapidly moving forward" to which this press release refers? Do I have the wrong definition of "rapid"? The transaction closed only earlier this year, true, but it has now been a full year to plan for this ownership. And, after a year, The Hard Rock looks just like a slowed-down version of how Peter Morton left the place. The feeling of the place is of a resort grinding its wheels and not a sensation of moving forward. Even Hard Rock media darling Jeff Beacher (while staying in the headlines) hasn't had a single show for his Madhouse with the new owner. Anyone able to explain what I am missing?

I e-mailed a Hard Rock publicist to ask for a list containing all of the "rapidly forward... renovation" currently taking place and have not gotten a list back. I was offered this general observation: "Rapidly moving may include the design and permitting and signing of partners and who knows. It doesn't necessarily mean construction." I am still focused more on the use of the words "expansion" and "renovation" with "rapid" and "forward". Not to nitpick, but this does seem to imply current construction. So, I also called the room reservations number today to see if any construction noise from work being done at the Hard Rock would interfere with a stay there next week? I was assured that only a very few rooms were being renovated now, and I would hear no construction.

On this date last year Morgans Hotel Group agreed to pay a reported $770 million for the Hard Rock at the very top of the Las Vegas real estate boom.

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01:11 PM PT, May 11 2007 in Hard Rock Hotel | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Where do bunnies come from?

The word "Bunny" appears in the advertisement for a party tonight at Body English at the Hard Rock for a model who turns 21. An actual little white bunny is shown coming out of a hat in the advertisement. Also, four "playmates" are listed as attending the birthday party along with the guest of honor, Athena Lundberg, who the advertisement lists as Miss January 2006. The one word missing from the advertisement is the name of the magazine that these words and images all seem meant to conjure: Playboy. The Playboy Club, of course, is located at Hard Rock rival the Palms.

By the way, if you are heading down to the Hard Rock tonight for Athena Lundberg's party, according to Playboy's site, the birthday bunny is looking for: "A guy with a great smile, someone who likes to cook for me and has a sense of humor."

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07:49 AM PT, Apr 20 2007 in Hard Rock Hotel | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Hard Rock to Grow Without Condos?

Just before the Hard Rock was sold to Morgans, the plan to build luxury condominiums there was put on hold, ostensibly on account of the pending sale. This, of course, also conveniently solved the problem of how to deal with the spiraling cost of supplies and construction in Las Vegas. This rise in construction costs was the subject of my interview with Reagan Silber of W Las Vegas on Friday for the Buffet.

Despite the challenges, Silber was clear that the W still hopes to break ground within the next year. The Hard Rock condominiums would have been part of that same expanding (and now, contracting) Harmon Corridor as the W. But now I hear that the Hard Rock's new owners are going to abandon entering the condominium market altogether and instead plan to add another 1,600 hotel rooms to the resort. As the sale on the Hard Rock has not officially closed yet, Morgans is not allowed to comment at this time on any plans they may or may not have.

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12:02 PM PT, Oct 16 2006 in Hard Rock Hotel | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Same Old, Same Old from Guns n' Roses

I missed Guns n' Roses last night. I have been slammed working on a cover story for Las Vegas Weekly on the wonderful jazz pianist Mike Jones who performs in the Penn & Teller show. I am also writing my L.A. Times Sunday Calendar Movable Buffet column about Clint Holmes, the Harrah's headliner whose show will close after more than six years of offering the single most rewarding musical experience on the Strip. So, I had to get back home to work long before the band started playing.

I have seen G&R in Las Vegas twice already: once at the Hard Rock and once at House of Blues. Both times I heard Rose promise that "Chinese Democracy," his next disc, was about to be released. It isn't out yet, but Rose (and whoever he is paying to stand on stage with him) was back in Vegas doing two shows at the Hard Rock for what one can only imagine was some serious cash. Despite all my work, I went down to the Hard Rock to check out the vibe breifly last night.

Amazingly, the Hard Rock was not that crowded inside. Parking, however, proved a disaster, because despite hosting a G&R concert, the casino had its entire front parking lot closed off for no obvious reason, forcing everyone into a covered garage not large enough to accommodate the crowd. Useful tip: If you are ever forced into the garage at the Hard Rock, the ramp sucks. Finding a space in upper parking is hellish. The shortcut is to try avoiding the ramp altogether and sneak an immediate right turn. That puts you on the ground floor of the garage where the casino is and the parking spaces back there are close to the door, easy to reach and more likely to be empty.

Inside was what I now call a typical G&R crowd (dudes, dudes, dudes) and entourage (lots of aging T-shirted white guys wandering around with laminates acting important). G&R were supposed to start at 10:30 p.m. and I knew from experience that wasn't happening. Rose and paid hands were once an hour late onstage and that is the best I've ever seen him do in terms of curbing his appetite for tardy. So, I found a friend who's heavy into G&R and asked her for an e-mail on anything interesting that happened. She reports:

"It was a great show. Axl was smiling when he walked through the crowd and Axl himself walked right by me before going on stage. He went on around 11:30 and opened with 'Welcome to the Jungle,' naturally. Later that evening I spotted none other than Steven Adler. I have to say it was memorable. G&R sang all the great songs...'Mr. Brownstone,' 'Sweet Child of Mine,' 'My Michelle,' 'You Could Be Mine,' 'November Rain,' the list goes on and closed with 'Paradise City'. He sang mostly the older music, not too much from 'Chinese Democracy' (I don't think). Not too crazy about the new band, nothing can top Slash or Duff or Izzy. There were four guitar players...don't know if it was two guitar players and two bass players or what, but there were four. Axl was amazing. He played until 1:30 a.m. and came back out to take a bow. He was spectacular! Worth waiting six years to see him again."

Does anyone think Rose is ever going to get in the ring again for real? And, if he does, will he have success among only old fond fans like Motley Crue does or once again rule the charts? Will Linkin Park fans dig G&R? What about the people who listen to Eminem or Green Day or Justin Timberlake? Do those people even know Guns n' Roses?

I am sorry I missed it. But I guess in truth I've already seen it. This sounds like almost the identical G&R show I saw in 2000 at House of Blues and again more than a year later also at the Hard Rock. Rose is so stuck in his past he still always opens with "Welcome to the Jungle" and closes with "Paradise City." Still, no "Chinese Democracy" in stores

It is worth pointing out that, adding up all the concerts, Rose has probably played with his new band in Las Vegas more than any other city. Nostalgia always does great here. But the real question remains: Outside of Vegas, will Rose ever take the risk of seeing who remembers Guns n' Roses?

(Photo: Lekfeldt Thomas / AP)

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12:17 PM PT, Sep 18 2006 in Hard Rock Hotel | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Beacher Beached?

Tomorrow night I will be at the final Beacher's Madhouse event at the Hard Rock. As previously posted on the Buffet, the Hard Rock is going from private ownership to a true corporate environment and that will likely take some of the nuttiness (and obviously, some of the fun) out of that property.

Losing Beacher's show is an early sign of the changing times, but it's not a surprising one as the Madhouse is executive produced by Harry Morton, the son of the outgoing owner of the casino.

The first day I met Beacher was the day he snuck into MGM disguised as a maintenance worker during the Billboard Music Awards in December 2003. As the audience left the Casino's Grand Garden Arena, Beacher stripped to a Speedo and jumped into a fish tank and a sign advertising his show. If you can take it, there is a photo in the story I wrote back then.

A little more than a year later, the Madhouse had become such a phenomenon that I went back to do a cover story on Beacher for Las Vegas Weekly. He still claimed to be 29, like he did the first day I met him. After I busted him on that in the article, Beacher began holding an annual 29th birthday party.

The editor of Las Vegas Weekly put "The New Mr. Las Vegas?" on the cover. Beacher loved that, except in quoting the title in his promotions, Beacher lost the question mark and replaced it with an exclamation point.

Most recently, Beacher briefly sued "America's Got Talent" for using one of his acts. He sued just long enough to hold a press conference at the Pink Taco, which Harry Morton is currently franchising.

With Beacher's personality writ so large, I will be surprised if the Madhouse does not resurface somewhere on the Strip. In the meantime, he will be doing his own experiment working in a corporate environment. Harrah's has given Beacher the Imperial Palace's old karaoke bar to makeover as Beacher's Rockhouse. Unlike the Madhouse, which is a show, this will be a bar and it will be interesting to see how well Beacher's talent for marketing, promotion and press translate.

According to Norm Clarke of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, on Aug. 29, Beacher's got a big splash in store for his opening:

"The ringmaster of 'Beacher's Madhouse' will be wrapped in dough by little people, hoisted 10 stories and dropped into a 10,000-gallon tub of ketchup."

Oh, and if that isn't enough, he has promised me Paris Hilton will be there. Of course.

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11:23 AM PT, Jul 28 2006 in Hard Rock Hotel | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBack (0)

Hard Rock vs. Kurt Cobain's Guitar

I remember when I first heard Nirvana I knew they were going to be huge. It was a mixed feeling. I was starting graduate school in Minnesota in the early '90s when I saw the video for "Smells Like Teen Spirit." I already knew of the band. As a high school kid I had been part of the same '80s hardcore punk scene that birthed Nirvana. But with the album "Nevermind," it was clear that Nirvana's gift for melody was going to make the clubby underground scene I loved mainstream.

It did, and that success was most difficult for the band's leader Kurt Cobain. Cobain's mainstream fame seemed impossible for him to reconcile with his underground ethos. Everyone knows how the story ends.

Cobain's fame remains, yet it's still filled with so many jagged edges that cashing in on Nirvana's legacy, especially these days, requires some compromises or, to be more blunt, some whitewashing. Casinos have no problem there. We have a clean New York casino, a Venetian where the canals have no odor, and a huge Roman coliseum where instead of lions rending human flesh Celine Dion only tortures the ears.

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11:55 AM PT, Jun 15 2006 in Hard Rock Hotel | Permalink | Comments (13) | TrackBack (0)

Beacher Mixes Publicity Stunt and Audition

Jeff Beacher called to ask me to check out the talent auditions at the Hard Rock tomorrow for his Madhouse. When I attend, I want to ask him about details of upcoming projects he is involved in at the Venetian and Imperial Palace. I am sure he will want to talk about those. Beacher will probably have less to offer on another topic I am going to raise: the recent departure of the Hard Rock's president.

But my main reason for going is simply to see the audition. The last time I went, I saw a lady who rolled about on broken glass, a dancing troupe from Africa and a go-go dancer who was about 70. About the only thing Beacher's staff wouldn't allow was someone who wanted to do something involving setting a certain body part on fire. The audition, by the way, isn't just freaks or mere variety acts. Sort of unique among shows in town, Beacher auditions everything publicly for his show at events like this. Everything that is except the comics — the ostensible stars and yet the most disposable part of the Madhouse experience.

So as with all things Beacher, the auditions draw many attractive young women hoping to work in his show as Beacher's Babes or in dance teams or as hostesses. You can look at the auditions for Beacher's Madhouse in two ways and both work. First off, it makes the audition process a marketing and publicity vehicle for the show. That is pure Beacher. This is the reason Beacher wants me to drop by. But another way to see it is the reason you should drop by too: Beacher's auditions offer the highlights of the Madhouse experience for free. Usually only celebrities and major VIP characters get close to the stage at the actual Madhouse. But at the auditions everything is unstructured and open to the public. You can wander about and take it all in as free entertainment.

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11:14 AM PT, Jun 14 2006 in Hard Rock Hotel | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)

Pink Taco Heads to Arizona

The Pink Taco is one of the big successes in the Hard Rock. The food is fine, of course. And, for a popular spot in Vegas, The Pink Taco is also a reasonably priced meal. But that isn't why male tourists pack themselves near the entrance at peak hours: caught between loitering and waiting for a seat. They are looking at the bevy of totally sexy hostesses in tight pink outfits placed in the entrance. For years I've heard that there were plans to expand the restaurant into a chain. And, now with the Hard Rock being sold, there is time to move on that dream for the hotel's old ownership.

A 200 seat version of Pink Taco is preparing to open in Scottsdale, Arizona.

According, to The East Valley Tribune all was going well until anonymous e-mails began arriving complaining about the name:

The minor flap also got the attention of Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross several months ago. Manross has admitted she never thought of the name in a sexual context until opponents brought it up. Manross has said she is offended by the name and went so far as to ask the owner to change it but he refused.

One of the e-mails argued:

The City of Scottsdale has a very fine reputation around the world. Let’s keep the standards high. Let’s let what plays in Vegas stay in Vegas.

But here is the irony, as everyone in Scottsdale I am sure is already is well aware, Las Vegan Jenna Jameson exported herself to Scottsdale years ago and made the town the center of her ClubJenna business empire. And, now they rise up over our Mexican food? Okay, this is what the plan is, look out world: Scottsdale the new Las Vegas! What do you think?

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09:50 AM PT, May 16 2006 in Hard Rock Hotel | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)

Hard Rock Sold

I was wrong. The Hard Rock sold to a company I have barely heard of and for a price far lower than I expected: $770 Million to the Morgans Hotel Group. Morgans still has to get licensed for gaming for the transaction to close, and that can become surprisingly tricky for outsiders. But the company has connections with Boyd (owners of the Stardust and other properties) and can certainly cut a deal that allows Boyd to come and run the casino as either part of the plan or as a last resort should troubles appear for Morgans Hotel Group in the pursuit of their licence. For example, that the company was founded by Ian Schrager of the original Studio 54 fame/controversies/convictions---may not be a cool thing to gaming officials. But nowadays, Morgans Hotel Group is a publicly traded company and the Hard Rock will join the crowd of casinos owned by corporations instead of individuals. How sad. Peter Morton has made a huge impact on Las Vegas during his decade owning the Hard Rock.

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New Hard Rock Sale Rumor

So, what happened with the sale of the Hard Rock? I've heard names ranging from MGM-Mirage to Jann Wenner. The only company I was sure wasn't in the running was Station Casinos. Station is the chain of locals casinos that just opened the nearly $1 billion Red Rock Resort. There are a few reasons I never thought of Station. One was that they seem to have a plenty of projects like Red Rock currently underway. Also, Peter Morton would only sell the Hard Rock for way more than it is worth, and Station is run by a savvy local family who seem the least likely candidates to volunteer to pay too much. But today Norm reports a rumor that Station may have a deal for the Hard Rock. Norm also quotes Station Corporate Director of Communications, Lori Nelson, on the subject saying, "We don't comment on rumors." So, now I am ready to leap into believing that Station is the prime suitor. Why? Because, even though Norm, doesn't mention it this morning, he spoke to Ms. Nelson back on February 23 about Station being involved in the Hard Rock sale at which time she said: "It's not us." So, first "no" and now "no comment." Who knows what word I expect to come from Station next? Hint: it's also the last word in James Joyce's Ulysses.

On the subject of books Norm also today has an interesting look at the local and national crime reporters lining up to get book deals on the Titus-Ryan murder trial that has yet to happen. I am so not on that list (Oh, and, just to quell any rumors, I am not buying the Hard Rock, either).

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06:25 AM PT, May 11 2006 in Hard Rock Hotel | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Who is Buying the Hard Rock?

Everybody in town wants to know who is closing in on buying the Hard Rock. Something is sure about to happen. Current owner Peter Morton has canceled the Hard Rock's $1 billion expansion that was to include exclusive condominiums and bungalows. And, one Hard Rock insider told me of the sale: "It's a done deal." But insider is a relative thing on this one; the person had no clue who the buyer might be. Norm guesses that the buyer will be someone who already has a strong local presence. I am leaning more toward the buyer being a relative outsider (though certainly with local partners). But it is safe to say one thing: I am not the buyer. The guesstimate value being bandied is $750 million and I was just telling a friend that there is no way I would go over $650 million for it. So, we will see...

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08:42 AM PT, Feb 24 2006 in Hard Rock Hotel | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Hard Rock for Sale?

In surprising news: a short press release went out saying that The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino may be considering and exploring proposals to buy the property. No, other information was given beyond noting that nothing is definite.

The Hard Rock is in the midst of a major expansion and so the timing of this seems very odd. Maybe the expansion ran into more costs than The Hard Rock had anticipated or, more likely, someone made an offer (say, Jann Wenner, who already checked out the hotel across the street for a possible Rolling Stone casino) large enough to make Hard Rock owner Peter Morton take some notice. There is also the distant possibility that the Hard Rock management is sick of constantly tangling with gaming regulators who have gone at them of late for suggestive ads and, most recently, it is said, are looking into stories about underage celebrities and wild times at Body English (The Hard Rock's nightclub). It is clear to all that The Hard Rock will not be given the benefit of the doubt if there is another "incident." By the way, I honestly think the Hard Rock has a right to feel a bit persecuted by gaming authorities, because The Palms is every bit as racy yet never seems to get told it crossed any lines while the Hard Rock lives under a microscope.

Back to the possible sale: I've put out some e-mails and calls and will let you know if I learn anything.

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08:02 AM PT, Feb 22 2006 in Hard Rock Hotel | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0)

Few New Year's Eve Concerts

It will be slim pickings this New Year's Eve. Matchbox 20 (at the Hard Rock) and Goo Goo Dolls (at House of Blues) with the big show being Kanye West at the Aladdin. It looks like among the major venues in town who will have nothing going on December 31: Hilton Theatre, The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, MGM Grand Garden Arena and The Mandalay Bay Events Center. December 31 is a Saturday night and so I am a bit surprised or maybe that is the issue (people might need more attractions to come here for a New Year's Eve that fell on a Tuesday). But it seems that New Year's Eve in Las Vegas--at least if it lands on a weekend---has become enough of a draw that casinos no longer feel the need to book a big name.

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07:59 AM PT, Dec 9 2005 in Aladdin Hotel , Caesars Palace , Hard Rock Hotel , Las Vegas Hilton , Mandalay Bay , MGM Grand Hotel , Vegas Headliners | Permalink | Comments (0)