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Showing posts with label bands. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bands. Show all posts

Friday, October 23, 2026

A Double Dose Of Andrew Freeman This Weekend: Def Leppard To Preaching The Gospel of Rock n' Roll

{My Spotlight Today}


Last In Line. Great White. The Offspring. DIO Rules, Lynch Mob. Raiding The Rock Vault. That's just part of the musical trail blazed by Andrew Freeman. Whether he's commanding the stage, laying down tracks in the studio, lending his voice to major projects, or collecting honors as a Rock Godz Hall of Famer, Freeman brings the kind of talent and versatility that few can match. Singer, songwriter, producer, voice-over pro, and all-around rock 'n' roll powerhouse, he's the real deal. 
Simply put, what a ridiculously talented dude!




I know this has been one heck of an introduction, but Andrew Freeman has earned every word of it. 
Just last week, I watched him bring the house down in Raiding The Rock Vault. 

Tonight, he's swapping arenas of classic rock history for full-throttle Def Leppard firepower as he takes the stage with Pyromania Def Leppard Tribute Band at the Tuscany Suites' Copa Room.

This Sunday, October 25, Andrew Freeman will once again step behind the microphone to preach the gospel of rock 'n' roll at 3 p.m. in the Tuscany Suites Copa Room. 

For local rock fans, it doesn't get much better than this. In a city where most performers are lucky to connect with audiences in one great show, Freeman gives fans the rare opportunity to experience multiple sides of his musical personality on local stages. One night he's channeling the arena-rock energy of Def Leppard; another he's delivering the message of Rock n' Roll, saves the soul!

That's the beauty of following Andrew Freeman in Las Vegas. You're not just seeing the same performance repeated night after night. You're watching a world-class vocalist, songwriter, producer, and performer reinvent himself from stage to stage, while bringing the same passion, power, and authenticity every time he steps into the spotlight. For fans, it's like getting an all-access pass to one of rock's hardest-working and most versatile frontmen, right here in their own backyard. 🤘🎤🔥

Andrew, You RAWK!

Gary England

Thursday, October 22, 2026

Where To Look For Vegas After Dark: Where the Local Music Scene Comes Alive!

 It's almost the weekend again, and you know what that means: time to find out what's crackin' on the Las Vegas music scene. With a 7 a.m. deadline feeding National and Worldwide media outlets, I don't have the luxury of spending hours chasing down every band's social media page. Luckily, three Facebook resources do all the heavy lifting: Christina Vitagliano's Las Vegas Local Live Music Guide.

(Note: Tuesday Deadline for submissions - new weekend calendars come out on Thursday)



Facebook Page


Beverly Feldman's Vegas Rock Scene.

Facebook Page


And the ever-reliable Facebook Events page. 

If you're looking to discover who's playing, where the action is, and how to map out your weekend without the hassle, these are the go-to sources that make navigating the Vegas' vibrant local music scene quick, easy, and rock 'n' roll simple! 

Gary England

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

BYOB Children Of The Korn & Smashing Alice: Vegas Crowd Magnets That Pack The House!

 Today, I'm digging through fan mail, blog comments, and Facebook messages, and one comment jumped off the screen louder than a Marshall stack cranked to 11. It came from Craig, a die-hard music fan, a BaDD-A$$ drummer in our local music scene, and one cool dude. Craig fired off this observation about my blog post yesterday: Read it < Here >

"If you're really plugged in to the so-called scene, you would have heard from the people that own the Tuscany that BYOB and Children Of The Korn and Smashing Alice pack that room more than anyone, every single time."

First things first. The blog I wrote yesterday was based strictly on the stats from that particular week, not an all-time scoreboard. And yes, I know all three bands Craig mentioned. More importantly, all three have proven time and time again that they can put bodies through the front door and keep crowds coming back for more. So, let's shine the spotlight where it belongs.

Band Page


BYOB has become one of those bands that Vegas rock fans circle on the calendar the moment a show is announced. Bringing the power, energy, and attitude of System Of A Down to the stage, they don't just perform songs, they launch an all-out assault on your senses. The band's loyal following is no accident. They've earned every fan one thunderous performance at a time, packing venues with people who know exactly what they're getting: a high-octane night of controlled chaos and heavy-hitting rock.

Band Page


Then there's Children Of The Korn, a tribute that captures the raw intensity, groove, and aggression that made Korn one of the biggest names in nu-metal history. From the moment they hit the stage, the crowd is locked in. Heads start banging, fists go in the air, and the energy level skyrockets. Their shows aren't just concerts; they're gatherings for an entire tribe of fans who refuse to let the spirit of nu-metal fade away.

Band Page



And let's not forget Smashing Alice, a band that continues to build a reputation for delivering hard rock with conviction, attitude, and authenticity. Their performances connect with audiences because they're fueled by a genuine love of the music and a determination to leave everything on the stage. Every time they roll into a venue, they bring a crowd that's ready to rock, and they never leave disappointed!

The bottom line? Las Vegas is loaded with great bands, but these three have earned their place in the conversation. They've built loyal fan bases, consistently draw strong crowds, and remind us why the local rock scene is alive and kicking. So the next time BYOB, Children Of The Korn, or Smashing Alice lands on a local bill, quit scrolling, grab your friends, head to the venue, buy a ticket, and support live music. These 3 bands are bringing the noise!

Check out their links below their Band Pics, mark your calendars, and get yourself to a show. There's nothing like experiencing these bands live, where the lights are blazing, the amps are roaring, and the energy hits you right in the chest. Support the local scene, support live music, and discover why BYOB, Children Of The Korn, and Smashing Alice continue to pack rooms and keep Vegas rock fans coming back for more. Trust me, this is one concert recommendation you don't want to scroll past. 🤘🔥🎸

Gary England

Monday, October 19, 2026

The Next Wave Of Vegas Rock: Who's Hot Right Now?

 I'm up early (5am) as usual, checking on the Las Vegas music scene. 

What National News Media Entertainment Stats Show 

(Monday, October 19, 2026)

These bands are currently out front of the local LV music scene, being featured in venue spotlights and promotional campaigns highlighting Vegas-based talent. As seen across the US. Setting on top this past week in the LV Local Music scene:

As someone who's spent decades covering the Vegas scene, I'd keep an eye on Count's 77, Heroine Honey, Chasing Light, and The Bones. These bands seem to be catching that sweet spot where local musicians are getting both venue support and social media traction! 

On the harder side of Vegas rock, the Tuscany's Copa Room and Hard Rock Cafe have become ground zero for discovering who's drawing crowds and building real momentum among Las Vegas Music Venues. 

Raiding The Rock Vault came roaring back to Las Vegas this past week, with what I called a welcome-back-home party for Real Rock, Real Rockstars back to our local music community! Their next show hits next month on Saturday, November 28th at the Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas Strip. 
I say that Las Vegas needs this show back home to be a complete Rock 'n' Roll city!

That's it for what bands, shows, and venues are stirring up the entertainment scene in LV! Keep up the good work and keep on RAWK'N!

Gary England


Thursday, October 15, 2026

This Weekend's Las Vegas Rock Radar: Three Shows You Don't Want to Miss!

 As part of my new gig, I occasionally pass along local weekend travel tips to newspapers and magazines, and for airlines travel brochures, spotlighting the bands and shows lighting up Las Vegas. Here are the artists and performances that made my list for this weekend. 🎸⚡

Click for info & Tickets

Tonight (October 15), Raiding The Rock Vault storms back onto the stage at the Hard Rock Cafe on the Las Vegas Strip, delivering exactly what its longtime fans have come to expect: Real Rock, Real Rockstars. This isn't your average tribute show. It's a powerhouse celebration of rock 'n' roll history, performed by musicians who have lived it, played it, and helped write it. Packed with classic anthems, blazing guitars, and enough energy to shake the walls, Raiding The Rock Vault brings together veteran performers with credits that read like a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame playlist. If you're looking for one show that captures the spirit, sound, and swagger of rock's greatest era, this is where your weekend should begin. 🤘🎸🔥


Click for event information


It looks like the Copa Room inside Tuscany Suites gets the weekend nod. Friday night, City of Evil returns to the stage for a full-throttle tribute to Avenged Sevenfold, delivering two complete sets packed with the band's biggest fan favorites. Adding to the fun, the night doubles as a pre-Halloween bash, giving concertgoers the perfect excuse to break out their spooky, wild, or downright outrageous costumes. Best of all, admission is free and the event is open to all ages, making it a great choice for both die-hard Avenged Sevenfold fans and anyone looking for a high-energy night of live music. If you're searching for heavy riffs, pounding drums, and a room full of fellow rock fans, the Copa Room is the place to be Friday night. 🤘🎸👻🔥

Wild Child Wasp Tribute

Click for event information



Closing out Saturday night, High Priest brings its signature brand of sonic brutality back to the Tuscany, and they're not coming alone! 
Joining the assault is Wild Child Wasp Tribute, adding another dose of raw power to an evening built for fans who like their music loud, heavy, and unapologetic. Expect crushing riffs, thunderous drums, screaming guitars, and enough headbanging energy to rattle every table in the room. This is the kind of show that reminds you why live rock and metal continue to thrive in Las Vegas. If you're looking for a gentle evening, keep walking. But if you want to end your Saturday night with a full-scale rock-and-roll beatdown, High Priest and Wild Wasp have your marching orders. What a brutal way to close out the weekend.

{My Take}

From legendary rock anthems on the Strip to Avenged Sevenfold favorites and a Saturday night metal assault at the Tuscany, this weekend proves once again that Las Vegas is far more than casinos and neon lights. For music fans, it's a city with a new soundtrack every night. 
Get out, support live music, and make a few memories before Monday comes calling. 

I know I am! ðŸ¤˜ðŸŽ¸ðŸ”¥

Gary England




Monday, September 14, 2026

Las Vegas Braces For A Full‑Scale Rock Invasion: Sally Steele's Vegas Rocks Magazine Music Awards Hits The Orleans Hotel Casino This Coming Sunday September 20th!

 

If Las Vegas ever needed a few tips on how to throw a party, I’d be first in line to hand over the playbook soaked in neon, sweat, and pure rock‑and‑roll high‑octane energy!


This Sunday, September 20th (Doors:5pm Show:6pm), the Orleans Hotel & Casino explodes with Sally Steele’s 8th Vegas Rocks! Magazine Music Awards, a full‑throttle celebration built to rattle the Las Vegas Strip all the way up to Red Rock Canyon!

If you’re chasing down the party of the year, this beast isn’t just warming up — it’s kicking, screaming, and blasting down the runway with enough high‑octane attitude to shake the Las Vegas Strip loose from its bolts!


You already know this party event of the year is primed to blow the roof off the Orleans Casino, when rock legends like Steve Vai, Billy Sheehan, TRACII GUNS, Michael Anthony, Gilby Clarke, Armored Saint, DJ Ashba, Chris Kael, Mitch Malloy, Eddie Trunk, Bruce Kulick, George Pajon, Marton Motnik, Franky Perez, Zowie Bowie, Lizzy Borden, Heroine Honey (Las Vegas), and Pure Sport roll into town, the party doesn’t just come alive; it sends a shockwave ripping across the city, the kind that makes every neon bulb stand at attention. This lineup isn’t a guest list; it’s a full‑blown who’s‑who of rock royalty hitting Las Vegas like the Strip on New Year’s Eve night — loud, electric, and absolutely relentless!

If you’re anywhere near Las Vegas this Sunday, September 20th, lock in your night at The Orleans Hotel & Casino. Sally Steele’s Vegas Rocks! Magazine Music Awards is ready to ignite the city with a powerhouse lineup of rock legends, rising stars, and pure Sin City energy. Tickets are still available on Ticketmaster — grab yours now, because this celebration is moving fast and you’ll want to be inside when the lights hit, the crowd surges, and the whole room comes alive!

Take it from this Rock Writer, Sally Steele sure does know how to throw a party!

Gary England


For Tickets

Sally Steele's Vegas Rocks! Magazine Music Awards

Sally Steele

Vegas Rocks! Magazine

The Orleans Hotel Casino

Boyd Gaming




Friday, September 4, 2026

Classic Rock Friday Explosive Metal Saturday: Las Vegas At Full Volume This Weekend!

 This weekend on garyengland.com, the city is getting a two‑night sonic beating delivered by two of the most respected bands working today, each in a venue built to amplify their signature chaos.





Tonight: Friday at 9 PM, inside the Chrome Showroom at the Santa Fe Station, Yellow Brick Road takes over. One of the longest‑running, most beloved rock institutions locally in Las Vegas. They don’t just play classic rock; they resurrect it with arena‑grade precision, soaring vocals, and guitar work sharp enough to slice through the neon haze. The Chrome Showroom’s tight acoustics and chrome‑trimmed glow turn their set into a time‑warp back to the golden age of stadium rock, where every chorus feels like a victory lap, and every riff hits like a memory you forgot you missed!



Then tomorrow night, Saturday at 8 PM, the entire vibe detonates as Queensrÿche storms into the Club Showroom inside the Cannery Casino Hotel in North Las Vegas. This is a progressive metal royalty band that built its legacy on technical firepower, operatic intensity, and dark, cinematic storytelling. Their live show is a full‑scale metal assault, engineered with surgical precision and delivered with the kind of force that makes the walls vibrate. The Club Showroom is the perfect battleground for their sound: close, loud, and designed to let every kick drum thump and every guitar line slice straight through the crowd.

Classic Rock Friday. Explosive Metal Saturday. 

One legendary local band grinding its legacy into the Local Las Vegas music scene, one show at a time, and one band whose legacy is welded into the very genre they helped create! 

* For tickets to Queensrÿche, head to Ticketmaster: ticketmaster.com.

Gary England

Direct Link for Tickets

Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Where Are All The Fans: The Harsh Truth About Local Show Marketing!

 Warning: Major Rock Writer Rant Coming Up!

I’ve been shouting this forever — blasting it like a guitar solo straight into the neon sky. Way too many killer shows and music events still slip through the cracks when it comes to AD & promotion.

Fans stay in the dark, the buzz never builds, and the whole thing ends up feeling like a badass concert or music event that nobody got invited to!

And it drives me nuts. I spent 15 years in Dallas learning the ropes from the best promoters in the business — back when you didn’t have the internet to shout from. Now we’re in the digital age, where reaching fans is easier than ever, yet I still see awesome bands and high‑energy events getting shortchanged. Light crowds, no buzz, half‑filled rooms — it shouldn’t be happening.

Then, a few days later after these happenings, fans jump on social media, rapping about how they didn’t even know the band or event was going on. That’s the kind of thing that fries my circuits!

So why aren’t these killer shows getting the ad and marketing love they deserve? Simple: too many bands don’t have a dedicated promo person, so the job gets buried under rehearsals, day gigs, and everyday chaos. Venues often assume the artists will handle the hype, so they barely push the event. A lot of bands think one or two social media posts are enough — but in today’s crowded feeds, a single flyer drop, or two, disappears in seconds. Some don’t budget even twenty bucks for targeted ads or a trained media professional, which can make a huge difference! Promotion often starts way too late, like trying to shout into a hurricane three days before showtime. The messaging isn’t fan‑friendly — no excitement, no personality, just generic “Come see us Friday” posts that don’t move the needle. Too many rely on word of mouth, which is great but not a real strategy. And at the end of the day, nobody is owning the hype — every successful event needs someone whose whole mission is to make noise! 

Face it — if your band or music event can’t even pack a room for a free show, something’s seriously off in the wiring. I see gigs all the time that could be standing‑room only with just a little smart effort in the right places. Instead of a wall‑to‑wall crowd, you get that awkward moment where everyone’s asking the same sad question: Where are all the fans?

And here’s the part nobody wants to say out loud: venues are in the business of making money — food, drinks, bodies in the room. If fans don’t show up and the seats stay empty, how long do you think these venues will keep promoting local bands and local music? At some point, the math stops working, and live music gets replaced by the cold reality of DJs and piped‑in music.

Not trying to pat myself on the back — been there, done that, survived the grind. Besides being a writer and journalist, I’ve put in my years on the ad and marketing side of the music biz. I’ve seen how the machine works from the inside out!

 And there’s a whole lot from my ghostwriter era that I still don’t talk about — the kind of behind‑the‑curtain stuff that teaches you exactly how this industry really moves.

{My Take}

For the price of a couple of adult beverages, I can jump in and help. I’ve got the chops. I can write your ad and marketing posts from the moment you announce the show all the way up to the day you hit the stage. I’ll help you fill the seats, move the tickets, and spark the buzz your upcoming shows and events deserve — the kind of hype that gets fans talking and keeps the room packed. I’m currently booking projects for the rest of the year, so when you’re ready to rumble, hit me up on Facebook Messenger at facebook.com/garyenglandlv

Can you hear me now?

Gary England

Friday, August 21, 2026

Rustic Lounge Roll‑Call: The Bands & The Musicians Who Lit Up The Stage!

 




Last night, I rolled into the Rustic Lounge in Henderson for their every‑other‑Thursday night Jam‑Fest — and man, these nights always hit different. I live for these jam sessions. The room turns into a playground for raw Vegas and Henderson talent, with musicians stepping up to show off what they’ve got, test‑drive fresh riffs, tighten the loose bolts, and just flat‑out do the thing they love. It’s some of the best homegrown firepower in the valley, all plugged in and unleashed!



From the second I hit the door, I knew the night was about to explode. The place was packed wall‑to‑wall with fans, die‑hard music lovers, and a whole crew of local musicians I already recognized — the kind of crowd that tells you that the Rustic Lounge is about to throw down something special!

My mission for the night wasn’t just to soak up the music — it was to snag some intel on a few standout bands and local talent I can blast out to the world. I’m always looking to give these Vegas and Henderson artists a little extra push in the right direction, shine a light on their grind, and help their names travel farther than the room they’re playing in. And let’s just say… my blog has some suits in the music biz around the world watching and listening to what I say!

The whole night was off the charts from the jump. Every band, every music maker, every artist who hit that stage was locked in and bringing it loud — no misses, no warm‑ups, just straight firepower all night long!


The first band to grab my attention was Satin Steel out of Arizona. After their set, I sat down with them and went straight into my “you guys need to move to Vegas” spiel — because your sound and look would crush it here. Word, is they love Zona and its music scene, but they’re seriously vibing with the Vegas crowd, and they’re all about the Rustic Lounge. Let’s just say, if you’re a venue booker or a music promoter in Vegas, you might want to check out Satin Steel’s YouTube channel. They’ve got Vegas written all over them!



The next artist to hit the stage was a showstopper — a young powerhouse with the look of Cleopatra, with the voice of Ann Wilson from Heart, and the fearless, electric stage charisma of a Miley Cyrus.
 I first saw her over a year ago when she was just breaking into the music scene, and in that short time she’s transformed into a full‑throttle rock star dominating the local circuit. Helena Harris, you’ve officially grabbed this rock-journalist's attention. Wow. < Chasing Light >





My third spotlight dropped right onto Paul Anthony Systemec and his beautiful wife, Jen Lynn. Before they hit the stage, Paul told me, “Me and Jen are just doing a simple acoustic set tonight.” Well… Paul, Jen — that “simple acoustic set” sounded like a full arena‑touring band rolling through the Rustic Lounge. Big, bold, and absolutely awesome. Paul mentioned his band is getting things back in motion after a short hiatus from the biz, and from what I saw and heard last night, you’re more than ready to storm the stage again! Bring it on!

{My Take}




What an absolutely awesome night of music, friends, and full‑throttle talent at the Rustic Lounge. 
Huge thanks to Carmen and Les Warner for the invite — you two know how to pack a room with firepower. 



And a special shoutout to Dave Bentz and Dezi Lou for keeping the whole show running smooth as glass. 
To Satin Steel, Helena Harris, Paul and Jen, and every single band and musician who lit up that stage last night —

  You All RAWK!

Gary England



Thursday, August 20, 2026

Where The Las Vegas Local Music Scene Gets Its Crown: The Neon Rocker Awards 2026


Wouldn't it be cool if: there were awards for the best of the best in our Local Las Vegas Music Scene?

The bands that blow the roof off every stage, the musicians who bleed rhythm and sweat passion, the venues that echo with every riff and roar, the lighting and sound techs who make the magic happen, the clubs and small bars where legends are born, and the casinos and hotels where our music shakes the scene!

And yeah — even a shout‑out to my peeps in the media, the ones who keep the stories alive and the spotlight burning. Every piece of this scene deserves a crown, a nod, a neon‑lit salute!

So here it is — my figurative award for each and every soul that makes up our awesome music scene. Including all of our wild and crazy fans — the heartbeat, the noise, the reason the amps stay hot!

This award is for all of you! The Neon Rocker Awards — where Vegas sound meets Vegas rock n' roll soul !

Gary England


Wednesday, August 19, 2026

The Vegas Pulse Of Live Music: When Local Music Fans Really Decide To Show Up

 



After numerous phone calls, texts, and hard research, one thing blasted through the neon: nobody in this city is releasing public reports about when Vegas locals decide to hit a live music show after seeing something on social media — and maybe they should! Casinos, clubs, and promoters track every click and spike behind the scenes, and the social platforms know the timing down to the second, but none of them share it. The data exists, humming like an amp before the first chord, but it stays locked away.

That’s why I take it on as my Vegas‑born responsibility to dig up this guarded information and pass it straight to the people who actually live the scene. If the big guys won’t share the timing, I will — based on what I see every day on garyengland.com and across my social pages.

Here’s the rhythm. When a local band announces a gig a month or two out, the only ones who jump early are the die‑hard rockers. They smash the buy tickets button instantly because they’re lifers — they don’t need hype or reminders. Everyone else? They’re waiting for the right moment. A month out, the casual fans start poking around, checking dates, and my posts begin pulling more hits. Tickets move, but slowly. Vegas locals choose their nights like they choose their jackpots — when the vibe feels right.

Then comes the final week. The weekend warriors wake up, the “maybe” crowd leans in, and my posts start lighting up. The real surge hits in the 48‑hour window — shares spike, tags fly, and people decide if this is their night out under the neon. And the biggest blast of all is the day‑of explosion. Vegas locals are famous for it. They wake up, scroll, see a band they love, and boom — decision made. No planning, just pure Vegas instinct.

That’s the cycle: early die‑hards, slow‑burn casuals, final‑week rumble, 48‑hour surge, and the day‑of blast that turns an ordinary night into a full‑tilt rock‑and‑roll memory. If the official stats stay buried, I’ll keep tracking the pulse myself and giving the real story to the fans who actually live in this city.

MY TAKE

A huge worldwide touring band and a local Vegas favorite are two completely different worlds. Touring bands promote up to a year in advance because they’re filling stadiums and mega‑venues that hold 30,000 to 70,000 people or more, and die‑hard fans buy early because they refuse to get shut out.

But the local scene runs on Vegas time — fast, flexible, and fueled by the moment. Locals don’t need a year’s notice. They decide when the energy hits, when the vibe clicks, when the neon calls their name. Two different beasts. Two different rhythms. Two different games!

Gary England

Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Blaze Of Las Vegas Glory - Vote Loud Vote Proud Vote Daily For The Best Of Las Vegas!

 

To me, after a lifetime circling the amps, cameras, stages, and media trenches, I’ve learned a few truths carved in stone. 

One: if you’re in the arts — musician, photographer, writer, whatever your weapon — you’re blessed beyond measure. 

Two: every shot, riff, lyric, and frame is just your soul kicking the door open. 

And three: no matter how tough you talk, you judge yourself by the echoes — the fans, the crowd, the noise — because their reaction becomes the mirror you can’t escape.

This brings me to today’s blog — the neon‑lit pinnacle of Vegas glory. The ultimate reward for excellence in this wild desert circus. Think the Oscars, the Grammys, the Golden Globes, the Billboard Awards — all smashed together, shaken hard, and poured into one legendary trophy. 

That’s the Best of Las Vegas awards, the annual crown jewel where the city decides who truly owns the spotlight!

So, if you’re fresh to Sin City, or tuning into my blog from some far‑off corner of the planet, you’re probably wondering: what’s the deal with these Best of Las Vegas awards? What’s everyone buzzing about? What makes this thing such a big, neon‑soaked badge of honor in the desert?

It’s the question every newcomer eventually asks — and the answer hits like a spotlight blast!

What are the "Best of Las Vegas Awards"

The Best of Las Vegas is the city’s annual neon‑crowned roll call of greatness — a fan‑driven spotlight blast where YOU get to decide who really keeps this town alive. It’s the moment when locals, diehards, and desert dreamers point straight at the businesses, pros, and personalities who make Las Vegas tick, grind, shine, and deliver day after day.

And here’s where the Best of Las Vegas Awards really kick the doors open and start to rock’ n’ roll —

It’s also where our local music scene gets its praise, its honor, and its hard‑earned kudos for a job done right.

This is the arena where the bands who sweat under the lights, the singers who shred the mic, the guitar slingers who melt faces, the killer venues that hand their stages over to the fans, the shows, the tribute acts, and the behind‑the‑scenes crews who keep the whole beast roaring finally get their moment in the neon sun.

It’s Vegas stepping forward, tipping its hat, and saying:

We see you. We hear you. And WOW — you’re tearing this town up in all the right ways!

Here’s where YOU — the heartbeat of our Las Vegas music scene — jump into the spotlight. Slide over to www.votebolv.com, smash that Entertainment tab, and dive into the categories where our scene is stacked, loaded, and ready to dominate.

Lounge Acts, Tribute Shows, Concert Venues — the whole neon buffet is there for you. Thirty‑five sub‑categories, each one a stage waiting for your vote, your voice, your fire.

This is where the city hears you. This is where the music community shows up. This is where Vegas gets loud!

Cast your daily vote (yep, you can vote each day) before the September 10th midnight deadline, then keep your eyes locked on December 6th when the winners drop on the Best of Las Vegas website and inside the Las Vegas Review‑Journal’s Winners Magazine. This is the moment the city lights up, the spotlights swing wide, and the champions of our scene get their victory roar.

Gary England

Best Of Las Vegas

Vote Best Of Las Vegas

Best Of Las Vegas Rules

Las Vegas Review Journal


Saturday, August 8, 2026

Today's Vegas Rock Confidential: His Story Reads Like A Rock Documentary - Getting To Know Les Warner

Welcome to Vegas Rock Confidential, my series where I sit down with some of the most compelling rock‑star musicians from yesterday, today, and tomorrow!

In each conversation, I dive into their past, explore where they are now, and get a glimpse into what the future holds for these legends who continue to keep the beat alive in the neon glow of Las Vegas!



Today's Vegas Rock Confidential - Getting to know Les Warner, whose story reads like a rock documentary!

From London clubs to global tours, to The Cult’s explosive rise, to performances with Montrose and sessions with Peter Green. Today he’s settled in Las Vegas, where he remains one of the city’s busiest musicians, a studio warrior and live‑show sparkplug. I got to sit down with Les to talk about his past, what drives him today in the local Las Vegas Music Scene. And what the future may hold!

How did Les get introduced to the music world?

Growing up in London, the spark hit Les early thanks to the boys who lived upstairs—they were musicians, always rehearsing, always making noise, and that energy pulled Les straight toward the drums. His dad helped seal the deal every Sunday when he’d come home with a cardboard box filled with 45‑rpm records and candy. Between the upstairs jams and that weekly treasure chest of music, it didn’t take long before Les knew this wasn’t just a childhood fascination. Music was going to be his life!

The Early Years.

Back in the early ’70s, the London pub circuit was a nonstop parade of R&B and blues bands, all hammering out shuffles that could shake the floorboards loose. Les hooked up with Johnny Marrs and The Seven Sun, and those gigs were where his groove was born. Night after night of blues and shuffle playing hot-wired that feel into Les, which is still the foundation of how he plays today!

Under The Spotlights.

Les Warner didn’t join The Cult so much as he crashed into their world like a drum‑fueled lightning bolt. London clubs were his proving ground—sweaty rooms, loud amps, and nights where the only thing that mattered was whether the band could still stand after the encore! That raw, street‑hardened energy caught The Cult’s attention in the mid‑’80s, and suddenly Warner was behind the kit for a band about to explode into global fame!

On Electric, he didn’t just keep time—he defined it! His drumming was the steel spine of that music work: sharp, muscular, and unapologetically loud. Those thunderous grooves helped turn Electric into one of rock’s most iconic sonic pivots, and Warner’s fingerprints are all over its swagger!

Les Warner’s success isn’t some mystery; it’s the product of a relentless, full‑throttle drive to be the best musician in the room, every room, every night!

Les has carried that same rock‑and‑roll fire through every chapter of his career. Back in the mid‑’80s—around 1986—he flew into Dublin and dove straight into the studio with The Waterboys, hammering out those unmistakable drum tracks that only he could deliver. Decades later, those long‑lost tapes resurfaced, and the band used Warner’s original sessions in their recent Waterboys release, proving that his rhythm still hits just as hard today!

Back To My Story...



Les Warner's New Gig Home.

Eventually, Les traded London fog for Las Vegas neon, settling into a city that never sleeps and never stops making music. Las Vegas fit him perfectly! Endless stages, endless bands, endless chances to plug in and play. Today he’s busier than ever: studio work, laying drum tracks for artists across the map, and even throwing down bass when the moment calls for it. His professional recording studio in LV has become a go‑to spot for bands who want that unmistakable Les Warner punch!

And if you want to see the man in full rock‑and‑roll flight, you’re in luck!

Event Information & Tickets


 Later this month on Friday, August 28th at 9:30pm, Les hits the Orleans Showroom, banging skins for Petty And The Heartshakers, 

{My Take}

And through it all, Les Warner keeps doing what he’s always done—hit harder, play louder, and chase the next great moment. His story isn’t a nostalgia act; it’s a living, breathing rock‑and‑roll engine that refuses to idle. Whether he’s behind the kit, laying down bass, or shaping tracks in his Las Vegas studio, Les is still proving that passion doesn’t fade—it just finds bigger stages and brighter lights. Catch him while he’s in town, because the beat never stops for a drummer who was born to keep the world in rhythm!

Gary England


For info, booking, or to tap into Les’s many musical talents, hit him up at http://Leswarner.com.

Phone (USA) 702.639-7715

Skype: lez.warner1

Les Warner on Facebook

Les Warner on Instagram

Les Warner YouTube Channel

Les Warner Session Drummer 




Friday, August 7, 2026

Las Vegas Bands With Original Tracks: This Is Your Moment To Be Seen And Heard!

Calling All Vegas Bands Ready to Blast Their Original Music Into the Spotlight!

This post is for you!

Facebook Event Page

Frenzy Fest 2026 is roaring into the Palms Casino Resort on Saturday, August 24, 2026, blasting off at 6 PM and running deep into the Vegas night. Twenty original‑music Vegas bands will be tearing across KAOS, Palms Pool, and Greene St. Kitchen, each firing off tight, high‑voltage 20‑minute sets. No covers, no recycled hits, no safety blankets—this is a pure‑blood showcase of hometown creativity, the kind of sonic chaos that reminds you Vegas isn’t just a city of residencies; it’s a city of musicians!

The festival doubles as a rally for Positively Arts, fueling young creators who are chasing their own voice. And here’s the part every band needs to hear: when I last checked, band applications are STILL OPEN. If you’re an original‑music act with something real to say, Frenzy Fest is practically daring you to step up. This is the night where new bands get seen, heard, and remembered. You can hit FrenzyFestLV.com to apply, get details, and lock in your shot at one of the three stages.

Fans get in free—just register, toss in a suggested donation if you can, and prepare for a marathon of homegrown Vegas sound. For bands, this is the moment. Want your original music in front of a real crowd, real ears, and real Vegas energy? This is the place. Good luck; this is your shot. Step up, plug in, and make the night explode. This is your stage. Own it—and let your set crack the sky wide open!

Big Thanks to Beyer Entertainment and to the Palms Casino Resort for this Awesome Event!

Gary England

Monday, August 3, 2026

Double Exposure: How Amateur Writers Or Photographers Get Noticed In The Music Scene!

 Thinking Out Loud.

I define "Amateur" as someone who takes pictures or writes and doesn't get paid for their work.

After 58 years in the media grind — with 27 of those years spent right here in the Entertainment Capital of the World — I get hit up often with the same question from hungry newcomers trying to claw their way into the music side of the biz: How do you make your mark as a photographer or a writer in this scene? 



From the smoky bars to the neon‑lit stages, from backstage chaos to front‑row fire, I’ve watched generations of shooters and scribes rise, fall, and rise again. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned in all these decades of noise, sweat, and spotlight, it’s that breaking through isn’t magic — it’s momentum, attitude, and the guts to keep showing up until the scene can’t ignore your name anymore.

In the roaring chaos of the local music scene — where neon bleeds into guitar feedback, and every stage feels like it’s one spark away from catching fire — the amateur photographers and hungry music journalists are the unsung heroes grinding for their shot at discovery. You see them everywhere: crouched at the edge of the stage with a beat‑up camera or tucked in the corner of a bar scribbling notes while a band tears through a set like they’re trying to outrun gravity. These are the dreamers who show up night after night, shooting until their shutter finger aches, writing until the words blur, chasing the kind of moments that can crack open a career. And in a business that rewards the relentless, they know the truth — you don’t wait for permission, you don’t wait for the spotlight, you don’t wait for someone to tap you on the shoulder and tell you you’re ready. You carve out your style, you tag every band and venue, you publish fast, you shake hands with promoters, you document the scene like it’s your personal mission from the rock gods themselves. Because in this world, where everything moves fast and the breaks come without warning, the next flash — or your next words — could be the one that changes everything!

What's my best advice to the new kids (Photogs & Writers) on the block?

Just be yourself. But be different while doing it!

Gary England

Sunday, July 26, 2026

Las Vegas Tuscany Suites Casino Copa Room: Two Bands One Night Total Vegas Destruction!

 


Part two of my Saturday night (July 25th) music adventure is coming in hot. If you missed the first blast, catch part 1 here and get yourself up to speed. After soaking in two original‑music BadA$$ bands at the Artist Showcase Night at Sixx Gun Music, the night shifted gears and slammed straight into the Tuscany Suites Casino Copa Room — home turf for two bands every Sin City rocker knows by heart. Saints of Las Vegas and Children of the Grave (Black Sabbath tribute) hit the stage like thunder, two fully established forces of Vegas badassery that don’t need introductions, explanations, or hype. They just show up, plug in, and level the room!

As soon as The Saints of Las Vegas hit the stage, the whole room detonated. Chaos didn’t creep in — it erupted. Amps roared wide‑open, fans surged toward the stage like a Mojave dust storm ripping through town, and the Copa Room flipped from calm to full‑tilt rock mayhem in seconds. The Saints didn’t just start their set… they unleashed it, turning the night into the kind of wild, neon‑lit frenzy only Vegas bands know how to deliver. 

They blasted the night wide open with a killer run of crowd‑pleasers — Boys of Summer, Tragedy, Man in the Box, Life In The Fast Lane, She's Got Legs, ZZ Top, How Soon Is Now, Toys in the Attic, and Ace of Spades, just to name a few. It was a rapid‑fire barrage of hits, each one landing harder than the last, turning the room into a full‑tilt rock cyclone that only Vegas bands can conjure!

The Saints are straight‑up legendary in Las Vegas — a hometown rock institution that’s been lighting up stages and blowing out amps for years. And when they hit the Copa Room, the lineup was stacked with Sin City heavy hitters, each one bringing their own brand of grit, charm, and rock‑and‑roll fire.

John Ryan Robertson — Vocals

John Ryan Robertson is the spark plug out front, firing up every crowd with rock‑star charm and razor‑sharp charisma. His comedic grit and stage swagger keep the show moving like a runaway freight train. He’s the kind of frontman who owns the room the second he steps into the lights.

Brent Muscat — Lead Guitar

Brent Muscat brings world‑tour pedigree straight from his Faster Pussycat days, delivering riffs that hit with veteran precision. His tone is unmistakable, his solos slice through the room, and his presence screams pure rock lineage. When Muscat plugs in, the night shifts into high gear.

Michael “Doc” Ellis — Guitar

Doc Ellis is a guitar hero with desert‑forged grit and a blues‑heavy attack that commands attention. His playing is raw, powerful, and dripping with veteran swagger. He’s the quiet assassin onstage — until he unleashes a riff that stops the room cold.

Keith Trombino — Bass

Keith Trombino holds down the low end with thick, punchy bass lines that shake the floorboards. He plays with a heavy, no‑nonsense grit that gives the Saints their backbone. When Keith locks in, the whole band hits harder.

Pat Caruso — Drums

Pat Caruso drives the Saints with clean, powerful, dead‑on drumming that keeps every song tight. He’s the rhythmic anchor, the heartbeat behind the chaos. Pat’s precision gives the band its unstoppable momentum.

Put these five Vegas warriors on one stage and you don’t just get a show — you get a full‑scale Sin City detonation, the kind of rock explosion that proves The Saints of Las Vegas aren’t just legendary… they’re unstoppable. When these guys lock in, the whole room feels it — the lights seem brighter, the amps seem louder, and the crowd surges like the Strip on a Saturday night. It’s that rare, combustible chemistry where every player hits with maximum force, feeding off the neon, the noise, and the madness of Vegas itself.

This isn’t just a band firing on all cylinders — it’s a rock machine built from pedigree, grit, and decades of stage warfare. When The Saints unleash, the city doesn’t just listen… it bows.

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Next up came the dark‑side detonator — Children Of The Grave, the Ozzy‑chanting, Sabbath‑soaked wrecking crew that storms the stage like they were summoned straight from the underworld. This band doesn’t cover Black Sabbath… they resurrect it. The moment they hit the lights, the room shifts, the air thickens, and every fan feels that familiar jolt — the one that says you’re about to get blasted with the kind of heavy, doom‑laden power that made Sabbath immortal.

Children Of The Grave plays with a ferocity that would make Ozzy grin!

Their guitar madman grinds with that unmistakable Sabbath weight — thick, dirty, and heavy enough to shake the walls — while the bass rolls through the room like a full‑force Vegas quake under the Strip. The drums don’t just keep time; they hit with bunker‑busting intensity, every strike landing like a shockwave. And the vocals? Pure dark‑theater electricity, soaring and snarling with that eerie, iconic Sabbath vibe that grabs the crowd by the spine. Children Of The Grave doesn’t imitate; they duplicate!

This crew is the real deal — a Vegas powerhouse that doesn’t just honor Black Sabbath’s legacy; they ignite it. Every crushing riff, every rumbling low‑end blast, every spine‑rattling chorus feels like a resurrection of the godfathers of heavy metal. When Children Of The Grave storms the stage, Sin City gets a loud, undeniable reminder that Sabbath’s shadow still rules the night!

Last night, Children Of The Grave tore into the room with an unmistakable, heavy‑metal battle cry — opening with Paranoid, War Pigs, Wicked World, Mr. Crowley, Children Of The Grave, and Crazy Train, among other dark‑side classics. Each song hit like a chapter out of heavy‑metal scripture, the kind of tracks that didn’t just shape rock history — they rewired it.

Paranoid is the anthem that launched a thousand metal bands, a raw, frantic blast that defined the early sound of heavy music. War Pigs remains one of the most powerful anti‑war epics ever written, its grinding riffs and battlefield‑march rhythm still shaking audiences decades later. Wicked World dives into Sabbath’s blues‑rooted darkness, a reminder of how the band fused grit and doom into something entirely new.

When they dropped Mr. Crowley, the room lit up — Ozzy’s solo-era masterpiece, dripping with mystique and Randy Rhoads’ legendary guitar wizardry. Children Of The Grave itself is pure Sabbath rebellion, a pounding, apocalyptic warning wrapped in one of the heaviest riffs of its era. And Crazy Train? That’s the eternal Ozzy rallying cry — a high‑voltage shockwave that helped define modern metal and still electrifies crowds every time it hits.

Children Of The Grave didn’t just play these songs — they unleashed them, reminding Vegas why these tracks still stand as pillars of heavy‑metal history!

Who are these musicians who bring the music back from the grave?

Mike Yoder — Vocals

Mike Yoder channels Ozzy with a precision that borders on supernatural. He’s got that eerie vibrato, that wild‑eyed stage presence, and that unmistakable Sabbath snarl that grabs the crowd by the throat. When he steps to the mic, it doesn’t feel like a tribute — it feels like Ozzy himself just walked out of the shadows.

Max Rico — Lead Guitar

Max Rico brings the Tony Iommi fire with riffs that grind like steel and solos that slice through the room with doom‑laden authority. His tone is thick, heavy, and dripping with that classic Sabbath menace. Max doesn’t imitate Iommi — he summons him, delivering guitar work that feels forged in the same molten pit!

Keith Trombino — Bass

Keith Trombino flips into full dark‑mode here, blasting bass lines that rumble like a Vegas quake under the Strip. His low end is monstrous — thick, punishing, and locked in with the exact weight Sabbath demands. When Keith digs in, the whole room shakes like the gates of hell just cracked open!

Bryan Lorenzo — Drums

Bryan Lorenzo drives the band with bunker‑busting force, pounding out Sabbath’s iconic rhythms with deadly accuracy. His drumming hits like artillery — thunderous, relentless, and perfectly synced to the band’s dark‑side energy. Bryan doesn’t just keep time; he sets the battlefield!

Put these four together and Children Of The Grave becomes a full‑scale heavy‑metal resurrection — a dark, roaring, Vegas‑born tribute that doesn’t just honor Black Sabbath… it makes them proud. When Mike Yoder, Max Rico, Keith Trombino, and Bryan Lorenzo lock in, the whole room feels that seismic shift — the kind of energy that turns a tribute set into a ritual. The riffs get heavier, the air gets darker, and the crowd gets pulled straight into that Sabbath vortex where every note feels carved from the underworld.

This lineup doesn’t just recreate the classics — they weaponize them. They bring the weight, the menace, and the raw electricity that defined the birth of heavy metal, delivering it with a modern Vegas ferocity that hits harder than ever. Children Of The Grave is the kind of band that reminds Sin City why Sabbath’s legacy still towers over the genre like a monolith of doom!

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Once again, the Tuscany Suites Casino Copa Room proved why it’s one of the most beloved battlegrounds in the Las Vegas music scene. Management didn’t just book bands — they brought in the exact heavy hitters the fans crave, the kind of acts that turn a Saturday night into a full‑tilt rock riot. This venue is a gem: killer lights, chest‑thumping sound, and a bar staff that works with the speed and swagger of seasoned rock pros.

Fans love the Tuscany. Musicians love the Tuscany. And this rock writer — me — absolutely does too. It’s one of the few rooms in Vegas where every show feels like a celebration of the city’s loud, loyal, neon‑soaked music culture. The Local Las Vegas Music Scene!

Gary England

The Saints Of Las Vegas

Children Of The Grave

Tuscany Suites Casino