Where The Riffs Do The Healing: Freeman Brady Barnes & McKee Bring The Revival To The Tuscany Suites Casino Copa Room LV

 

This past Sunday afternoon, the wife and I rolled into the Copa Room inside of the Tuscany Suites Casino looking for a jolt — the kind of sonic reset only a wall of amps and a band with something to say can deliver. We needed our spirits lifted, our minds realigned, and our bodies blasted clean by the high‑octane energy of the Rock n’ Roll Church.

Out front on the podium, Andrew Freeman wasn’t just addressing the crowd — he was igniting it, blasting the room with his gravel‑edged comedy and his full‑tilt rock‑star charisma that makes you sit up straighter and think, yeah, this guy came to Testify!

Christian Brady didn’t just play guitar — he unleashed it. Every riff came off his fretboard like a precision‑guided missile, fired with that seasoned‑pro confidence only Vegas Road dogs truly master. His tone had teeth, his solos had altitude, and every time he leaned into a bend, the whole room felt the floor move!

Barry Barnes held down the low end like a man guarding the gates of groove. His bass lines weren’t just supportive — they were commanding, pulsing through the Copa Room like a heartbeat with attitude. Every thump carried that deep, unshakeable conviction that only a lifer in the rock trenches can deliver!

Shon McKee didn’t simply keep time — he took it, reshaped it, and hurled it back at the crowd with explosive authority. His drumming was a full‑body experience: sharp, thunderous, and impossible to ignore. When he locked in, the whole room snapped to attention like he’d just flipped a switch on everyone’s body & soul!

The band ripped through spirit‑lifting anthems — Come Together, Hollywood Nights, blasts of KISS, Bob Seger, Ozzy — all wrapped in the band’s trademark humor, swagger, and camaraderie. It’s the kind of show that doesn’t just entertain you; it recalibrates your soul!

The Rock n’ Roll Church hits the Copa Room every final Sunday of the month, with the next service landing on July 26th. If you’re craving a cleansed body and soul, some spirited laughter, and a full‑throttle rock fix, this is the place to be!

Gary England

Count's Vamp’d Family Resurrection: The Night That Celebrated The Club That We All Called Home!

 

What a killer way to spend a Sunday night in Las Vegas, the city where neon never sleeps and the rock ’n’ roll heartbeat never really dies. Rolling back into Count’s Vamp’d felt like stepping into a time machine tuned to the loudest, rowdiest frequency we ever knew. Catching up with old friends, family, and the diehard Vamp’d tribe reminded every one of us why this place wasn’t just a club; it was home!

First off, massive love to the people who made this reunion roar back to life. Danny and Korie Koker — the king and queen of the Vamp’d kingdom — thank you for all the years of music, madness, late‑night hangs, killer food, cold drinks, and the tightest rock‑family vibes anywhere in Las Vegas. You two don’t just rock… you RAWK!!

And to Valeri Rose, Cathy Alberts, Jen Lynn, and to the YoDog legend himself, Donny DeCecco — the four‑horsemen of Sunday night — thank you for grinding behind the scenes to make this celebration explode the way it did. You all RAWK too!

I’d bet my last poker chip there were a little over 200 rockers packed into that parking lot — swapping stories, hugging it out, laughing loud, and reliving the nights that made Vamp’d the beating heart of the Vegas rock scene for so many years! Music blasting, YoDog serving up the kind of food that keeps the party upright, friends reconnecting, new faces joining the tribe. Memories drifting overhead like the last smoky breath of a midnight encore — hanging in the air long after the stage lights fade.

You could feel the love. You could feel the energy. You could feel the Vamp’d spirit rising again!

It wasn’t just a reunion — it was a celebration of the greatest rock club there ever was, there is, and there ever will be. Count’s Vamp’d lives in all of our hearts forever!

Will we do it again next year? Who knows. But damn… it sure would be nice!

Gary England

Metal Mayhem Inside The Copa Room: Dirty Ratt & Red Hot Blow The Roof Off The Tuscany Suites Las Vegas!

Saturday, June 27th, 2026

When I rolled out of bed this morning, the mission was simple: blast it across the desert sky that my wife and I — along with a shoulder‑to‑shoulder, wall‑to‑wall, standing‑room‑only mob of metal diehards — just lived through one of those nights that remind you why live music still matters! Metal Rules! No room in this house, no room in that showroom, no room anywhere except the stage and the sound system roaring like a jet engine on takeoff!

What was supposed to be me hammering out a straight‑up review of two killer metal bands turned into something way better — me ditching the notebook, snapping a few raw, sweaty photos, and just living in the moment. Laughing with friends, talking trash, soaking up every decibel from the first blast of heat to the final knockout punch. Last night .. I was a fan!

So, here's my Rock Writer slash Fan review of how last night went down!

The night opened with Dirty Ratt, a band so hot they could’ve melted the Copa Room carpet. They came out swinging with Wanted Man, tore through The Morning After, and slammed the door shut on their 50‑minute assault with Lay It Down — all wrapped inside a setlist that would make the original Ratt boys grin from ear to ear. Pure Sunset Strip energy, no filter, no brakes, pure metal mayhem!

Dirty Ratt - Tribute To LA's (Hollywood) Legendary Metal Band, RATT band members:

Dirty Ratt doesn’t just have a lineup — they roll in like a street gang of Sunset Strip survivors ready to torch the stage.

Out front, leading the charge, is Tate Thibodeaux — a vocalist who doesn’t sing so much as command the room. He steps up to the mic like a front‑line general, firing off vocals that grab the whole room by the collar and make everyone pay attention! Can you say, Stephen Pearcy!?

On guitar and backing vocals, Alan Woretschek brings the grit, the grind, and the kind of tone that could sandblast chrome! He's a six‑string street fighter whose riffs hit like they’ve been sharpened on a back‑alley brick wall! He's a Kung Fu Fighter on guitar!

Holding down the low end with a snarl, Keith Trombino fires off bass lines and backing vocals like he’s wiring the whole place for detonation. When he digs in, that bass doesn’t just rumble, it hits like a steel‑toed boot to the chest, the kind of seismic thump that makes the walls sweat and the crowd brace for impact like a comet falling to earth on impact!

Sharing six‑string duties, Chris Miggiani slices through the mix with riffs sharp enough to draw blood. the kind of guitarist whose tone doesn’t just cut, it carves, leaving scorch marks on every note and song he plays!

And on the shins — the heartbeat, the engine, the artillery — Gus Camargo drives the whole machine like he’s trying to crack the earth’s crust. Hammering the skins with such volcanic force that every strike feels like it’s daring the room to withstand just one more blast!

{My Take On Dirty Ratt}

"Dirty Ratt rolls in like a fully armed street battalion. Together, they’re not just a band — they’re a five‑man wrecking crew, built for volume, danger, and pure, unapologetic metal badassery! Bring this band back to Sin City" ~Gary England~

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The next blast of the night came locked, loaded, and extremely dangerous — another heavy‑metal wrecking crew, born in Hollywood but reborn in Sin City. The tribute torch now burns in Las Vegas, carried proudly by Red Hot, the full‑throttle Mötley Crüe Experience that hits like a jet‑engine scream in a casino showroom!

Out front on lead vocals, Rob Hussey channels the Crüe snarl with enough swagger to rattle the chandeliers in the high-limit room! When he steps up to the mic, he unleashes that wild‑eyed, leather‑soaked front‑man energy that makes the whole room feel like it’s teetering on the edge of a full‑blown Sunset Strip riot in CA!

On guitar, Laurent Cassiano fires off riffs like he’s trying to summon the ghost of the Sunset Strip. the kind of molten, high‑octane guitar fury that feels ripped straight out of a midnight back‑alley gig on the ’84 Crüe tour. Every note he hits comes loaded with danger, swagger, and that unmistakable Hollywood sleaze that turns a simple riff into a full‑blown sonic punch to the jaw!

Holding down the low-end, Larry Cassiano brings that dirty, grinding bass thump that makes the floorboards vibrate below your feet! The kind of low‑frequency assault that doesn’t just shake the room, it rearranges your internal organs and dares the crowd to keep standing through the impact!

And behind the kit, Ryan Gillan drives the whole machine with a drummer’s fury — tight, loud, and built for maximum destruction! Every strike he lands feels like a controlled explosion, the kind of precision chaos that turns a simple beat into a battlefield and makes the whole room pulse like it’s strapped to a live detonator ready to explode!

{My Take On Red Hot}

Red Hot – The Mötley Crüe Experience doesn’t just bring danger — they weaponize it. This Sin City beast hits the stage like a pack of outlaws with nothing to lose, with Rob Hussey snarling like he’s fronting a riot, the Cassiano brothers — Larry and Laurent — ripping strings like they’re trying to resurrect every neon‑soaked ghost on the Sunset Strip, and Ryan Gillan pounding the kit with the precision of a man who knows exactly where to place the next explosion. This isn’t a tribute — it’s a high‑voltage, leather‑clad threat, the kind of show that feels like it could blow the doors off the venue if someone breathes wrong!

"Red Hot makes Tommy Lee look like an angel in leather, turning every show into a high‑voltage, pyro‑free riot that feels one wrong breath away from blowing the roof off the room"

~Gary England~

{My Rock journalist slash fan review of last night}

Last night at the Copa Room inside the Tuscany Suites, Dirty Ratt and Red Hot – The Mötley Crüe Experience didn’t just play a show — they tag‑teamed a full‑scale metal takeover. Dirty Ratt came in swinging like a five‑man street battalion, and Red Hot followed with that Crüe‑level danger that makes the chandeliers in the high-limit room nervous. Two killer bands, two different flavors of chaos, and together they proved Vegas still knows how to throw a night that leaves your ears ringing and your soul grinning!

The Tuscany Suites Copa Room deserves its own standing ovation — bar staff moving like rock‑and‑roll ninjas, sound and lighting dialed in like a world‑class arena, and management running the whole operation like pros who know they’re hosting something special. It’s one bada$$ room built for rock stars, a place where bands don’t just perform — they explode in the moment!

What a five‑star night… hell, let’s be honest — give both metal bands and the venue ten stars. Nights like this make me want to be a bad boy too!

Gary England

#NationalNewsMedia #WorldwideEntertainmentNetwork #LasVegasReviewJournal #MusicEntertainmentSports #garyenglanddotcom

Red Hot Motley Crue Experience

Dirty Ratt

Copa Room

Tuscany Suites Casino

Sunday June 28th 6 To 9PM: The Parking Lot One Year Resurrection of Count’s Vamp’d Bar & Grill LV

 

As if you needed the reminder, the signal’s already in the sky. This Sunday, June 28th, from 6–9 PM, the Vamp’d faithful are rising like a pack of leather‑clad phoenixes — the kind that don’t ask permission, don’t apologize, and sure as hell don’t fade quietly into the Vegas night. The whole Vamp’d family is rolling back to the old haunt — not inside, yeah, we know, but out in that legendary parking lot where half the greatest stories were born, broken, and bragged about. It’s the perfect battleground to reconnect, trade war stories, and pump a little oxygen back into the place that raised us, wrecked us, and rocked us harder than any joint in this neon‑soaked city.

And speaking of war stories, I’ve got a vault full of them — all good, all loud, all stamped with the Vamp’d seal of chaos. You’d think picking a favorite would be impossible, but it’s not. One rises above the rest like a spotlight cutting through the smoke.

A few years back, my wife and I hit the Cannery Hotel Casino to see Great White, one of our all‑time favorites. We had no clue we were about to witness history. Great White unleashed their new frontman, Brett Carlisle, and the dude hit that stage like a lion that had been waiting his whole life to roar. He tore the roof off the Cannery Showroom and owned every inch of that stacked house. I did what I do — dropped a 5‑star write‑up that went viral overnight and lit up the rock world with over 25,000 views.

Fast‑forward to the next year. Great White at the Westgate. Killer night. After the show, our crew headed straight to Count’s Vamp’d to finish the night the only way rock people know how. I slid into my sweet spot — right by the green room, next to VIP — and boom. Look who’s here. Brett Carlisle himself, soaking up the Vamp’d vibe like he’d been born into it. He recognized me from the write‑up and the photos, and next thing you know, we’re backstage with me giving Brett a personal guided tour of the historic Vamp’d green room. Quick impromptu interview. Pure rock magic. Brett’s one cool cat! — genuine, sharp, and built for the stage.

The interview went worldwide, and my wife Dorrie got her picture with Brett, a moment stamped forever in our (Dorrie & I) personal Vamp’d history!

Tomorrow night, when the Vamp’d family rolls in, what's your favorite memory? The loud ones, the wild ones, the ones that still make your heart thump like a kick drum solo! You've heard mine, what's yours?

See you Sunday night. (June 28th from 6-9pm)

Out front of the bar. For what I predict will be one kick-a$$ party!

Gary England

Return to the Temple One Year Later: A Count's Vamp’d Family Gathering To Remember June 28th 2026

 

This Sunday, June 28th, marks one full year since COUNT’S VAMP’D went dark — the night the amps cooled, the neon dimmed, and an entire era of Vegas rock ’n’ roll swagger slammed its final shot on the bar. #vampdvegas

Read what I experienced that night. "The Night That Count's Lights Went Dim"

This Sunday, June 28th, from 6–9 PM, the Vamp’d faithful are rising like a pack of leather‑clad phoenixes. Everyone that is in the Vamp'd family are invited to gather at the old haunt — not inside, sadly, but out front in the parking lot where half the best stories started anyway. Time to reconnect, swap war stories, and breathe life back into the place that raised us, wrecked us, and rocked us harder than anywhere else in this city.

If you grabbed one of those final‑night Vamp’d shirts — or if you’ve got any Vamp’d gear in your closet — throw it on like armor.

Jen Lynn is shooting a video for a song she wrote, so the cameras will be rolling, and the vibe will be pure hometown rock‑family reunion.

Bring a chair. Bring an appetite. Donny DeCecco is rolling in with the YoDog food truck, stacked with the kind of grub that keeps rockers upright and smiling. Show Donny some love — he’s feeding the tribe!

If you’re coming, hit up Cathy Alberts or Valeri Rose. This hang is open to anyone who ever called Count's Vamp’d home!

RSVP on the thread on Cathy's or on Val's Facebook page, so Donny will know just how much food to prepare.

{My Take}

June 28th isn’t just a meetup in a parking lot — it’s a celebration of the greatest rock club this city ever birthed, the one that raised us, wrecked us, saved us, and stitched us together under its red lights and roaring amps. We gather not out of sadness, but out of pride — because Count’s Vamp’d wasn’t just a venue; it was a living, breathing beast, and every one of us was part of its pulse. On June 28th, we'll be standing shoulder to shoulder, loud and unbroken, honoring the best rock club there ever was, the best rock club there is, and the best rock club there will ever be!

We celebrate Count’s Vamp’d — forever our home, forever in our memories, and forever in our hearts!

You are truly missed!!

Gary England

From Flyers To Firepower: How Music Fans Decide Who Rocks Their Night

 

Last Thursday, I tossed a little grenade onto Facebook.  A simple post asking my crew which bands were tearing up Vegas that coming Friday and Saturday night. And man, the thing blew up. Fans piled in with comments, band flyers started flying like confetti, and the whole thread turned into a digital mosh pit of opinions, hype, and late‑night energy.

One flyer in particular hit me like a power chord. A fan dropped it in the comments, and next thing I knew, I was out the door and, in the room, watching that band rip through their set. You can read my blog about Retrosonic here. They kicked major booty that Saturday night! That’s the Vegas scene for you, one spark and suddenly you’re standing in front of a stage with your eyebrows getting singed off!

But the comment that really stuck the landing came from Charles McKinnon — one of the sharpest, most dialed‑in Las Vegas music fans I know. Charles dropped this gem:

“I never know until I research.”

And that line has been rattling around in my head ever since.

Which brings me to today’s blog. In a city overflowing with talent, neon, noise, and more bands than slot machines, how the heck do fans decide which local band they’re rolling the dice on for a night of music?

That’s the question. That’s the hunt. That’s the heartbeat of this scene.

Unless they’re already one of the bands you ride or die for in the Vegas scene. 

How do fans pick which band they’re throwing their night at? In Vegas, it’s never as simple as “Who’s playing?” It’s a cocktail of instinct, chaos, word‑of‑mouth, and pure rock‑and‑roll roulette. There's a cool website that I use to see which bands are hitting the weekend spotlights: The Las Vegas Local Live Music Guide. But I still have to decide which band will be getting my attention for the night.

Some fans chase the vibe; they want: a band that hits like a shot of whiskey and doesn’t let up. Others scroll through flyers like they’re flipping through vinyl, waiting for the one that jumps off the screen and grabs them by the collar.

A lot of people, more than you’d think, rely on the tribe effect. If their friends are going, they’re going. If a trusted fan drops a flyer, that’s gospel. If Charles McKinnon says he has to “research,” you better believe half the scene is suddenly researching too.

And then there’s the wild card: Sometimes a fan just wants to roll the dice, walk into a bar cold, and let the universe decide which band melts their face off.

In a city built on chance, that might be the most Vegas answer of all !

{My Take}

At the end of the night, no matter which band you throw your chips on, the Las Vegas music scene flat‑out ROCKS!! This city is loaded with talent, dripping with attitude, and packing enough stage firepower to blow the walls off any venue in town!

In my book, there’s no wrong pick! Every band out here can rock your lights out on any given night. Vegas doesn’t deal in “bad choices.” It deals in volume, sweat, grit, and pure electric energy.

So, pick a band, grab a drink, hit the floor, and let the amps do the talking!

Gary England

Retrosonic’s Time‑Machine Throwdown Saturday Night Inside The Tuscany Suites Casino Copa Room: Rock Is Here To Stay!

 1st, Happy Father's Day!

Saturday, June 20th, 2026

Last night didn’t just hit—it revived something in me I haven’t felt in decades of doing this gig.

After 27 years covering the Vegas scene and another 30 grinding in Dallas, I’ve seen more bands than most people meet in a lifetime. But every once in a while, a night comes along that reminds you exactly why you fell in love with rock ’n’ roll in the first place.

Retrosonic did that. They didn’t just play—they ignited the Copa Room inside the Tuscany Suites & Casino and turned it into a living, breathing celebration to the gods of classic rock!

The whole night screamed one message loud enough to rattle the neon signs down on the Las Vegas strip: Rock Is Here To Stay!

Last night was the perfect storm—fans of every age packed in shoulder‑to‑shoulder, local rock stars scattered through the crowd, pho‑togs firing away, journalists scribbling like mad, everyone chasing that one electric moment when you realize rock isn’t nostalgia… It’s forever!

And that’s because of bands like Retrosonic. And venues like the Copa Room, one of the last true Vegas stages, where the amps still roar and the walls still sweat Rock Music!

About the band— Retrosonic is pure, unfiltered Rock ’n’ Roll. No gimmicks. No shortcuts. Just six killer musicians who know exactly how to honor the soundtrack of four generations.

A tribute to the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, delivered with the kind of fire that makes you forget you’re watching a modern band and not stepping straight into a time machine!

Retrosonic didn’t just play a show—they detonated a three‑hour time‑warp through the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, ripping through decades like they owned every riff ever written. Tom Petty. Stevie Nicks. Robert Palmer. Skynyrd. Kiss. Thin Lizzy. Devo. Blondie. And then they slammed the night shut with Twisted Sister’s “We’re Not Gonna Take It.” Pure, unapologetic rock carnage!

And Retrosonic’s core lineup? A full‑throttle machine built for maximum impact!

Kelly Goodwin on lead vocals—easy on the eyes, lethal on the mic! Need I say more?

Keith Robert War ripping lead guitar like it’s a full‑contact sport! He's the modern-day Karate Kid in the music industry!

Mike Hall grinding out rhythm guitar with grit and swagger! He makes himself heard in every selection!

David St. John anchoring the low end on bass. Quiet in nature, but don't let that fool ya, he's a BaDDA$$ Bass playing machine!

Justin Mather painting the room in rock n' roll colors with his keys! (Keyboards)

And Vinnie Castaldo pounding the drums like he’s trying to wake the entire Las Vegas Strip.

And just when the Copa Room was already shaking and baking last night. Retrosonic unleashed their VERY SPECIAL GUESTS! Not “special” like a polite intro—But VERY SPECIAL GUESTS, like in "Vegas royalty" came crashing the stage.

Miss Abby Ortiz — AKA Victoria Voxxx — strutting in with that star‑power presence that makes the whole room lean forward and take notice!

Michael Maysonet — Big BaDD drum slayer, Vegas legend, world famous artist, sitting in for a few songs turning the drum kit into molten lava!

Mark Huff — stepping up to the mic like the rock‑and‑roll gunslinger he is!

And Bree Elizabeth —The voice of The Far Worst Band and a Vegas Firestarter in her own right—brought a whole new voltage to the stage!

When these four hit the stage, you don’t ask questions—you just buckle up tight for the ride!

They’ve got the look. They’ve got the chops. They’ve got the swagger. And most importantly, they’ve got the soul of rock running through every note they perform!

The Copa Room was packed—standing room only, shoulder‑to‑shoulder, buzzing like a live wire. And when half the Vegas rock scene shows up on their night off? That’s not a coincidence. That’s a signal that Something special was happening on that stage—and everyone in the room knew it! Local rock stars last night (That I saw in the darkness of the room) included members from Count's 77, Cyanide, The Far Worst (The entire band), Mary Kryah, and VOXXX.

And a big shoutout to my friend Keith Celentano. One of the top Rock photographers in the world! It was an honor to stand and shoot pictures with you last night!

{My Take}

What an absolutely electric night—one of those Vegas moments that hits you right in the chest and reminds you why this city still bleeds rock ’n’ roll.

With bands like Retrosonic tearing up the stage and venues like the Copa Room carrying the torch for real live music, there’s no doubt about it:

Rock ’n’ roll isn’t just alive in Las Vegas—it's thriving, snarling, and refusing to fade out!

A night like that doesn’t whisper its message. It shouts it from the neon rooftops: Rock is here to stay!

Gary England

#NationalNewsMedia #WorldwideEntertainmentNetwork #USAT #MusicEntertainmentSports #GaryEnglandDotCom

Retrosonic on Facebook

Retrosonic on Instagram

Amped In Sin City: A Fans Guide To A Kick‑A$$ Saturday Night In The Las Vegas Local Music Scene!

 Everybody’s grinding through the week just to taste that Saturday‑night freedom, and guess what—tonight’s the night the city plugs itself straight into the amp and blows the doors off.

To all my die‑hard, stage‑storming, rock‑’n‑roll lifers, here’s my no‑BS spotlight on where to plant your boots for some full‑throttle, kick‑A$$ entertainment tonight. Vegas is lit, the Strip is humming, and the only thing missing is you!

So, get it into gear, and check these awesome bands out tonight!

Tell them that Gary, that old Rock Writer, sent ya.....

Click to view the event link

Blue String Theory

Click to view the event link

Click to view the event link

Excalibur Hotel Tiki Bar 

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Just in case I missed a band or two, or three. 

Check out this awesome music page below on Facebook.

Click here to view the page

So, before you vanish into the neon haze, do yourself a favor: dive headfirst into our local music scene. Vegas isn’t just the Strip; it’s a living, screaming, guitar‑soaked underworld of bands, bars, and back‑alley stages that hit harder than any headliner on a marquee. Get out there and support the homegrown noise that keeps this city’s pulse kicking in high gear!

Gary England

A Five‑Star Afternoon And Night With Family Food Fun & Laughs At Dave & Buster’s Downtown Summerlin NV

I write articles and blogs about music, entertainment & sports. What better than to write about an awesome restaurant & hangout that has all three! Plus, some of the best-tasting stadium food out there!

Dave & Buster’s in Downtown Summerlin is one of those places that just makes you smile the second you walk in. Bright lights, great energy, and the kind of atmosphere where families, friends, and birthday crews (Like ours) all blend together for a night of pure fun. The Mrs. and I started things off with the flatbread pizza, and wow—this pizza pie was a total winner. Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor from the first bite to the last. Meanwhile, our birthday girl and her grandma shared a plate of boneless honey BBQ wings with fries, and both of them gave it the big thumbs‑up. When two generations agree on the same dish, you know it’s good.

After dinner, we headed straight for the games, and that’s where the night really took off. Skee‑ball, basketball hoops, racing games, themed adventures—you name it, they’ve got it. There’s more than enough to keep everyone busy, from the littlest players to the grown‑ups who still love a good arcade challenge. The vibe was fun, the décor cool, and our server, Dee, made the whole experience even better with his super-fast service and great menu knowledge.

The food, staff, the games, and the entertainment fun factor: Five stars all the way!

Dave & Buster’s, you made our night, can’t wait to come back for round two!

You Blew Me Away!

Gary England

Dave & Buster's Facebook

Dave & Buster's Official Website

#NationalNewsMedia #WorldwideEntertainmentNetwork #USAT #LasVegasReviewJournal #LasVegasSun #LasVegasWeekly

The Talent That Forgot Its Own Light: For The Artists Who Almost Walked Away!

 In the past few years, I’ve watched a handful of promising musicians hit the scene like lions, loud, fearless, ready to take over the world, only to slip out the back door of the industry without a sound. After talking with these insanely talented people, it wasn’t their skill that was missing. It was the way they saw their skill… and maybe the way they saw themselves.

This morning I woke up early after dreaming about one of them, and it hit me: sometimes the spark doesn’t die, the person holding it just forgets how bright it really is!

So here goes. You — yes, you — are the inspiration for my blog today.

Do you know you can be your own biggest headliner or your own worst heckler? This town doesn’t wait for anyone, you either step into the spotlight or you let the noise swallow you whole! Telling yourself you’ll never make it is like pulling your own plug mid‑set. That’s not humility, that’s sabotage.

But when you start talking to yourself like a Vegas headliner warming up backstage, confident, electric, unstoppable, everything changes. Your attitude becomes your amplifier. Your belief becomes your backstage pass. Suddenly, those big goals don’t look so impossible; they look like the next marquee with your name blazing across it.

So, the real move now is simple: how loud are you willing to turn yourself up?

After a few conversations with friends in the profession (Psychologists) and some very interesting research, I compiled a list of dos and don'ts to help you achieve your goals as a professional in the music world.

The DOs — How to promote yourself AND stay mentally bulletproof.

• Own your story — Your background, your grind, your scars, your wins. That’s your brand. People follow authenticity, not perfection.

• Show your work — Rehearsals, training clips, behind‑the‑scenes moments. Let people see the climb, not just the highlight reel.

• Stay consistent — Post regularly, train regularly, show up regularly. Consistency beats raw talent when talent goes quiet.

• Build real connections — Coaches, producers, promoters, photographers, fans. Shake hands, send messages, and show gratitude.

• Celebrate small wins — Every milestone matters. Momentum is built one victory at a time.

• Protect your mindset — Affirmations, routines, rest, boundaries. Confidence is a skill, not an accident.

• Stay coachable — Feedback is fuel. The greats stay students forever.

• Collaborate strategically — Work with people who elevate your craft and expand your reach.

• Act like a pro now — Be early, be prepared, be respectful. Word travels fast in every industry.

• Visualize the big stage — Musicians use mental rehearsal. If you can see it, you can chase it.

• The DON’Ts — What derails your rise faster than a bad set or a bad night onstage.

  • Don’t compare yourself — Comparison kills confidence. Focus on your lane, your pace, your growth.

  • Don’t fake success — People can smell manufactured hype. Authenticity builds trust; fakery destroys it.

  • Don’t trash talk competitors — It makes you look insecure, not confident. Let your performance do the talking.

  • Don’t disappear — Silence kills momentum. Even a small update keeps your audience connected.

  • Don’t chase validation — Likes aren’t proof of talent. Your work ethic is.

  • Don’t let negativity rent space — Self‑doubt is normal, but don’t let it run the show.

  • Don’t burn bridges — The industry is smaller than you think. Everyone talks.

  • Don’t ignore your health — Physical and mental burnout kills more careers than lack of talent.

• 
  

• Don’t rely on luck — Hustle, strategy, and consistency beat “hoping to get discovered.”

• Don’t forget the long game — Fame is a moment. Legacy is a lifetime.

• {My Take}

• So, if you’re reading this, whether you’re on the rise, on the ropes, or somewhere in between, let this be your reminder. Talent doesn’t vanish. Dreams don’t expire. Sometimes, all that fades is the way you look at yourself. And if no one else has told you lately, hear it from me: you’re still in the fight, you’re still worth the noise, and your story isn’t done. Not by a long shot! I'm here to help you get your story out to the world!

• Gary England

Old Vegas Lives In Metal Coins Not Tickets: Where The Real Coins Still Fall In Las Vegas

 I’m chasing a little old‑Las‑Vegas nostalgia here, back when hitting a slot jackpot meant something. Not just flashing LEDs and some digital jingle, but real action: lights exploding, bells screaming, and a waterfall of cold, hard coins crashing into that metal tray like you’d just woken up the whole casino floor.

So, here’s what I want to know: which casinos in Las Vegas, if any, still have the classic machines? The ones that take a dollar bill, spin with some soul, and pay you off in actual American coins instead of a sad little paper ticket.

If there’s still a place in this town where you can hear that beautiful metallic cha-ching instead of a printer spitting out a receipt, point me in that direction!

If you’re hunting for those old‑school, coin‑dropping beauties, your best bets these days are the El Cortez, the California, and the Main Street Station downtown, the last of the true holdouts that still keep a few vintage machines alive.

The Fremont has been known to keep a couple of vintage machines alive, and The Plaza has occasionally rotated in older coin‑pay units for nostalgia seekers. But outside of downtown, the Strip is a graveyard; every major resort has gone full ticket‑in, ticket‑out. If you want the real clatter of coins hitting a metal tray, downtown is your last stand!

{My Take}

Back in the old Vegas days, those coin‑paying slots felt almost alive. The lights didn’t just blink, they welcomed you. The bells didn’t just ring, they celebrated you. And when those coins came pouring down into the metal tray, it wasn’t just a payout; it was a moment you could feel in your chest. A little burst of magic you could scoop up with both hands. Those machines gave you more than winnings; they gave you memories that still echo long after the casinos changed and the city grew up around them!

I miss those days!

Gary England

Jealousy In The Music & Entertainment Industries: Why Some People Attack Instead Of Improving Themselves

 I was recently tapped by a major magazine to weigh in on how people in the music and entertainment media get treated. 

My quote was "Being a nice guy in this business is like putting a target on your back for backstabbers to use you as a target for their frustrations."

And that line doesn’t just apply to one corner of the scene. It hits home for musicians, writers, bloggers, podcasters, photographers, videographers, and anyone who steps into the spotlight or even stands near it. If you’re part of the machine that brings music and entertainment to the public, you’ve felt the sting!

So, what fuels all the smack‑talking, ego‑sniping, and behind‑the‑scenes sabotage that seems to run through the industry like a bad bass hum? It’s a cocktail of insecurity, competition, clout‑chasing, and the simple fact that visibility, any visibility, makes you a target for other people’s unresolved frustrations.

It means this: some people get jealous when they see someone else doing well, so instead of working on their own success, they try to drag that person down.  Your success reminds them of what they’re not doing!

I know, it seems like this subject is brought up often. Yes, it is. So, when these poor people quit talking behind other people's backs and backstabbing others, I'll quit writing about it! 

Gary England

The Power Of One Shot Under The Spotlight: How Greatness Reveals Itself!

Chances to step into the spotlight don’t come around often, and for some, they never come at all. So, when a musician, entertainer, or athlete finally finds themselves in the right place at the right time, there’s only one move: show up at your absolute best. Nail the audition. Crush the tryout. Deliver the moment that people can remember!

Just look at Anika Nilles and her debut performance with Rush earlier this year at the Juno Awards, a pressure-cooker situation where the whole world was watching, and she absolutely killed it! That’s what it looks like when preparation meets opportunity, and the universe says, it's "Your turn, go get it.”

Anika's not alone. History is full of musicians, artists, and athletes who got one shot at the big stage and made it count. Here are more killer “right place, right time, don’t-blow-this” spotlight moments across music, entertainment, and sports. These are the people who stepped into the heat and walked out legends!

Dave Grohl stepped into Nirvana at 21 and instantly redefined the band’s sound.

Bruno Mars turned a single SNL performance into his launchpad for global superstardom.

Kurt Warner went from stocking grocery shelves to Super Bowl MVP the moment he finally got his chance in professional football.

Lady Gaga transformed a last‑minute VMA performance slot into a career-defining shockwave.

Queen at Live Aid 1985. One 20‑minute set that turned them from musicians into immortal rock stars.

Tom Brady stepping in for an injured Drew Bledsoe and never giving the job back! Seven rings later, the rest is history.

Prince performed the Super Bowl halftime show in the rain and somehow made it look intentional.

Simone Biles At the 2016 Olympics, the moment she became the greatest gymnast of all time.

Metallica opening for Ozzy in 1986, the tour that turned them from underground thrash kings into mainstream monsters!

The pattern is clear. Greatness doesn’t wait for perfect timing; it erupts the moment preparation meets opportunity. These moments remind us that the spotlight doesn’t create greatness — it reveals it.

{My Take}

In every generation, a few performers rise not because the world handed them an easy path, but because when the spotlight finally swung their way, they were ready. They stepped up, locked in, and delivered the kind of moment that rewrites careers and cements legacies. From Anika Nilles’ explosive debut with Rush to the countless artists and athletes who turned a single opportunity into a lifetime of momentum, the message is the same: when your moment comes, you don’t just show up — you show out. And in the end, that’s what separates the memorable from the legendary, the ones who seize their moment and never let it go!

Gary England

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From Souvenir To Collectible: The Collector’s Guide To Old Casino Chips

 

Old casino chips can be anything from nostalgic souvenirs to highly collectible pieces worth hundreds, or even thousands of dollars. Their value depends on rarity, condition, and the history behind the casino they came from. If you’ve got a handful of old chips and you’re wondering what they might be worth, here’s a simple guide to help you figure it out.

What Makes Old Casino Chips Valuable

• Rarity — Chips from closed casinos or limited runs are often the most valuable.

• Condition — Mint or near‑mint chips can be worth several times more than worn examples.

• Design — Picture inlays, unique molds, and colorful edge spots attract collectors.

• History — Chips from iconic Las Vegas casinos like the Sands, Dunes, or Stardust often command premium prices.

How Much Old Casino Chips Might Be Worth

Values vary widely:

• Common chips from active casinos: Usually worth face value.

• Chips from closed casinos: Often $10–$200, depending on rarity.

• Rare, historic, or mint‑condition chips: Can reach hundreds or thousands of dollars.

If you want the most accurate estimate, you’ll need a reliable reference source.

The Best Website to Research Chip Values

CasinoChipValues.com — The #1 Resource for Collectors

If you want to know exactly what your chips are worth, Casino Chip Values is the gold standard. It offers:

• Free value estimates

• Historical sales data

• Rarity ratings

• Photos and comparisons

• A massive database of chips from all over the world

For collectors, this is the most trusted and complete resource available.

The Best Website to Sell Old Casino Chips

eBay — The Largest Marketplace With the Most Buyers

If your goal is to get the highest payout, eBay is the best place to sell. It offers:

• A huge audience of collectors

• Transparent pricing through completed listings

• Fast sales for mid‑range and high‑demand chips

For rare or high‑value chips, you can also consider:

• Chip collectors’ forums

• Facebook chip‑collecting groups

• Auction houses for extremely rare pieces

But for most sellers, eBay remains the most effective and profitable option.

Getting Your Chips Ready to Sell

• Identify the chip — Casino, denomination, mold, and era.

• Photograph both sides clearly.

• Note any wear or fading.

• Compare your chip to recent sales on CasinoChipValues and eBay.

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{My Take}

Old casino chips are more than gaming souvenirs; they’re pieces of Las Vegas history. Whether your chips are worth a few dollars or a few hundred, the combination of rarity, condition, and collector demand determines their true value. With the right research and the right marketplace, you can turn forgotten chips into real money while preserving a little slice of Las Vegas Casino history.

In a city built on chance, these old chips are the rare moments where the past pays out. Treat ’em right, sell ’em smart, and you might just score one last jackpot from a casino that’s been dust for decades!

Gary England

Primm’s Second Chance: Can Terrible’s Make Primm Nevada Great Again?

Is Terrible’s really going to save Primm, Nevada? All signs point to yes — and not just with talk, but with a full‑scale plan to modernize, renovate, and revive the long‑fading border town. After years of closures, stalled operations, and declining tourism, Terrible’s has stepped in as the new operator of Primm’s hotel‑casinos and related properties, partnering directly with the Primm family to stop the July 4 shutdown and rebuild the town’s entertainment identity.

Terrible’s and the Primm family say their first mission is simple: keep the lights on. That means stabilizing operations at Primm Valley Casino Resort, Oasis Apartments, The Lotto Store, and other properties that were days away from closure. With Affinity Gaming out and new licensing underway, Terrible’s is working with the Nevada Gaming Control Board to ensure continuity for employees, residents, and travelers. More than 300 jobs are expected to be saved as part of this transition.

But the bigger picture is where the real revival begins. Terrible’s plans include renovating aging properties, upgrading traveler amenities, expanding food and beverage offerings, and reimagining Primm as a true destination rather than just a pit stop on I‑15. Both families emphasize that Primm’s best days aren’t behind it — they’re betting on new investment, refreshed attractions, and a long‑term strategy to bring back tourism, truck traffic, and weekend entertainment.

In short, Terrible’s isn’t just trying to save Primm — they’re trying to rebuild its identity. If they follow through on the renovations, marketing, and modernization they’re promising, Primm could once again become the lively mini‑Vegas gateway it used to be.

{My Take}

In the end, Terrible’s isn’t just inheriting Primm, they’re betting big on its comeback. If they follow through with the renovations, the refreshed attractions, and the promise to bring real energy back to the state line, Primm could finally shake off its ghost‑town reputation and step back into the spotlight. For the first time in a long time, there’s a real sense that something is happening out there in the desert, and this time, it might actually stick! 

The times that I've visited Primm, I loved it! Good food, good entertainment, loose slots, great gaming, fun for all! 

 Looking forward to seeing if Terrible's can "Make Primm Nevada Great Again"!

Gary England

Video Poker Or Slots: Our Anniversary Showdown At The Santa Fe Station Casino Las Vegas!

 

Last night, my wife and I celebrated our wedding anniversary the only way two Las Vegans know how: dinner at one of our favorite spots, then straight to a casino (Santa Fe Station) to donate a little money back to the local economy. She settled into her beloved video poker, and I made a beeline for my old flame, Dragon Link. I hit a sweet $$$$ bonus almost immediately, which meant I spent the rest of the night doing what every married man eventually learns to do: watch my wife play while pretending I’m not itching to chase another bonus!

But here’s the question players always ask: which machine is better for walking away a winner, video poker or slots? Which one delivers more fun, more control, more adrenaline? And are we really just choosing based on our personalities? The strategist versus the dreamer. The math‑mind versus the “let’s see what happens” gambler. The player who wants to grind out an edge versus the one who wants fireworks and a chance at a monster jackpot.

Vegas wants you to believe it’s all random. Players know better. They (we) want answers!

Video Poker: The Thinker’s Game

Video poker is the machine for players who like to feel in the driver’s seat. It rewards patience, discipline, and a little bit of math‑nerd swagger. You make decisions every hand—hold this, dump that, chase the draw, lock in the sure thing. The pay tables are right there in your face, and if you know what you’re looking at, you can actually spot the good machines from the bad ones. That’s why so many grinders swear by it: the volatility is lower, the bankroll lasts longer, and the wins, while not always explosive, come with a sense of earned satisfaction. It’s the closest thing to “skill” you’ll find on a casino floor without sitting at a blackjack table.

Slots: The Pure Entertainment Machine

Slots, on the other hand, are the neon‑lit roller coaster of the casino world. No decisions, no strategy, no math, just pure anticipation and adrenaline. You’re not playing the machine so much as you’re riding it. The bonuses, the sound effects, the mini‑games, the chance at a life‑changing jackpot… It’s all engineered for maximum dopamine. Slots are for the dreamers, the escapists, the players who want to be surprised. They’re also for the folks who don’t want to think, they want to feel. And when a slot hits, it hits with fireworks!

{My Take}

So Why Do I Play What I Play?

Me? I’m a Dragon Link guy. I like the spectacle, the bonus rounds, the hold‑and‑spin drama, the feeling that the next orb might be the one that lights up the whole screen. I know the math isn’t in my favor. I know video poker is the smarter long‑term play. But gambling isn’t always about being smart—it’s about being alive in the moment.

My wife plays video poker because she likes control. I play slots because I like chaos. And honestly, that’s the beauty of a casino floor: every machine matches a personality, even mine!

In the end, both games can treat you right or break your heart. The trick is knowing who you are when you sit down! Video Poker or Slots?

What an awesome way to celebrate!

Gary England