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

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Rock Gods Reborn: The Ikons of Rock Take Command Of The Strat Hotel Showroom August 25th!

 August is heating up in Las Vegas, and definitely on the Strip! 

The Night the Strip Surrendered: 

Inside the Unprecedented Residency That Hijacked Las Vegas!

Las Vegas has seen its share of spectacle — neon kingdoms rising overnight, headliners blasting through billion‑watt sound systems, and residencies that turn casinos into temples of nostalgia. But nothing — nothing — can prepare the Strip for the shockwave that will hit on August 25th, when a battalion of rock legends decides to plant their flag and launch an unprecedented residency that feels less like a concert series and more like a hostile takeover by the gods of amplified chaos!

The Ikons Of Rock!

Click on Pictures to Enlarge
( Photography By: Aries Cogbill )

This isn’t a lineup. It’s a supernova wearing leather, eyeliner, and a grin sharp enough to cut through the desert heat. Every night, the stage becomes a battlefield where the spirits of Cher, Joan Jett, Alice Cooper, Tom Petty, Blondie, Rob Zombie, Heart, Pat Benatar, Ozzy, David Lee Roth, and other stars of rock collide in a neon‑lit thunderstorm of attitude and anthems. It’s the kind of residency that doesn’t just shake the Strip — it rearranges the skyline!

Imagine a show with this lineup of super-talented see-alike, sound-alike, tribute artists, world-class entertainers on one stage together!

The curtain doesn’t rise so much as explode. Just imagine the spirit of Cher strutting out as a glam‑armored general commanding her troops with diamond‑drenched authority. Her voice slices through the room like a laser beam, turning the Strat showroom into her own personal empire.

Joan Jett stomps in, guitar slung low, riffs sharp enough to make the casino lights flicker in fear. She doesn’t ask for permission — she takes it!

Alice Cooper drags his twisted carnival of nightmares across the stage. Every show becomes a theatrical fever dream; a beautiful collision of horror and rock that makes the crowd scream for more.

The energy shifts when Tom Petty rolls in, cool and steady, grounding the chaos with songs that feel like they’ve lived in your bones since childhood. It’s the calm in the storm — but only for a moment.

Because Blondie arrives next, shimmering like chrome under the Vegas glow, delivering new‑wave swagger that electrifies the room. And then Rob Zombie detonates industrial shockwaves that make the floorboards tremble, turning the residency into a monster‑movie rock opera.

Just when the crowd thinks they’ve survived the blast, Heart unleashes vocals that hit like lightning bolts, shaking the rafters. Pat Benatar fires off high‑voltage screams that scorch the edges of the night. Ozzy lurches into the spotlight like a wild wizard of the apocalypse, summoning every demon of rock history with a grin that says he’s still the Prince of Darkness.

And then — because Vegas loves chaos — David Lee Roth swings in from somewhere above the stage, grinning like he owns the night and probably does. He doesn’t just perform. He ignites the room!

This is what you get, or a story much like this, when you take in the Ikons Of Rock!

{My Take}

What this residency means for Las Vegas is a cultural earthquake — the kind of nightly shockwave only world‑class see‑alike, sound‑alike music artists can unleash. It isn’t just entertainment; it’s a pilgrimage for anyone who ever blasted an anthem through a car stereo with the windows down. The Strat Showroom morphs into a permanent rock carnival, a living museum of amplified legends where elite tribute performers prowl the stage like they own the neon kingdom, channeling the ghosts and gods of rock with uncanny precision. Fans don’t wait for tours anymore — the Ikons come to them, night after night, turning the Strat showroom into a global magnet for travelers chasing the glow of a rumor‑turned‑supernova. With every show, the performers — and the Strat — carve their names deeper into Vegas mythology. This residency doesn’t just entertain; it rewrites the rules of what Vegas can be! It’s a long‑term occupation by leather‑clad glam warriors, a takeover so loud, so reckless, so gloriously alive that the entire Strip feels like it’s vibrating under your feet!

The Ikons of Rock begins its residency at The STRAT Hotel on August 25th, showtime 7 PM, Tuesday through Sunday — dark on Mondays. Cast members may vary. Tickets available at: https://gotickets.com/ikons-of-rock

Gary England

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Two Music Legends One Stage: Treasure Island Hotel Casino Breeze Bar Presents The Show Of The Season!

 March 27th, 2026

TI Breeze Bar

Friday night inside the Treasure Island Hotel Casino, Breeze Bar felt like a private showcase from two world‑class rock veterans who know how to own a room. Paul Shortino and Mitch Perry didn’t just perform — they transformed the Breeze Bar into a warm, intimate, full‑throttle musical experience that reminded everyone why live music matters so much to the Las Vegas music scene!

The Breeze Bar itself set the tone: soft amber lighting, a close‑up stage, and that unmistakable hum of locals and tourists mixing together, drinks in hand, ready for something real. It’s the kind of venue where you can feel the music in your chest and see every expression on the performers’ faces — a perfect match for a duo of two rock star legends!

The duo set the tone immediately with Eric Clapton’s “Change the World,” a warm, soulful opener that showcased Paul Shortino’s signature vocal grit, rich, powerful, and unmistakably Shortino! Mitch Perry’s guitar work and his skill on the keys were fluid and expressive, the kind of playing that grabs your attention and keeps it!

From there, they drifted into Blind Faith’s “Can’t Find My Way Home,” a song that practically begs for emotional depth. Paul Shortino delivered it with a lived‑in authenticity, while Mitch Perry’s delicate touch on guitar and keys wrapped the room in a soft haze.

Then came the tunes that made the night special: Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind,” delivered with smoky, late‑night swagger, and a heartfelt, pin‑drop‑quiet take on the Eagles’ “Desperado.” You could feel the entire bar leaning in.

But the magic of this show is the range. These two didn’t stick to one lane — they drove through the entire American songbook with confidence and fire. Marvin Gaye. Quiet Riot. The Allman Brothers. Foreigner. Edgar Winter. Tom Petty. The Doors. Chicago. The Doobie Brothers. Jackson Browne. David Clayton‑Thomas, and more. Every song felt like a tribute to the original artists. Reshaped with the duo's own swagger and chemistry, which makes the Shortino-Perry duo so special.

Paul Shortino, out front with that unmistakable voice — gritty, warm, powerful — proved once again why he’s one of rock’s most respected vocalists. His guitar work added texture, but his presence. That’s what filled the room.

Mitch Perry was a one‑man orchestra, switching between guitar, keys, and backup vocals with effortless mastery. His playing was emotional and razor‑sharp — the kind of musicianship that makes other musicians stop mid‑conversation just to watch.

The night closed with a moment of pure joy: Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.” A perfect, heartfelt sendoff that left the Breeze Bar glowing and wanting for more!

"Two world‑class musicians. One intimate stage. A show that felt personal, powerful, and absolutely unforgettable" ~Gary England~ World Entertainment Network

"Paul Shortino and Mitch Perry deliver a rare blend of power, soul, and pure class, turning the Breeze Bar into the most intimate rock room in Las Vegas" ~Gary England~ National News Media

Good News!

They’re back at the Treasure Island Breeze Bar tonight and again on May 1st and 2nd, from 7–10 PM. 

Go see this show. It’s the kind of magic that only two world‑class rock legends can deliver!

Gary England

Paul Shortino

Mitch Perry

Treasure Island Hotel Casino

TI Breeze Bar

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Late December Marks The Final Encore For A Las Vegas Icon!

 For over a decade, Raiding The Rock Vault has electrified fans with the greatest setlist on the Las Vegas Strip. Classic Rock Anthems Performed by the rock legends who lived it, breathed it, and helped define an era. From its debut in 2013, the show has become a must‑see pilgrimage for music lovers worldwide, earning its reputation as the longest‑running rock residency in Vegas history and a cornerstone of the city’s entertainment identity.

Now, after thousands of standing ovations, over 1,800 performances, countless guitar solos, and more memories than any vault could hold, the time has come for the show's final celebrations.

December 23rd, 25th, 27th, and the final curtain call, December 30th!

Thanks for the memories!

GE

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Forever Young: Rock Legends On Why The Stage Keeps Calling Them

 This past Saturday, David Lee Roth performed at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Las Vegas. There were a handful of posts on Facebook from my friends who attended the show, with many mixed comments from people who attended. Some good, and some not too good. After reading these posts, I decided that it's time to address age and the musicians who entertain well into their golden age of retirement. 

Plenty of musicians, especially in rock and pop, are still performing well into their retirement years, and like David Lee Roth, they all have their reasons for staying on stage. 

Here are some key examples and what they’ve said about why they keep on entertaining.

Mick Jagger & Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones)
Still touring in their 80s, they often say performing keeps them alive and energized. Jagger has said that the adrenaline rush of being in front of thousands of fans is irreplaceable. Richards jokes that he’ll stop “when the music stops” and that rock ’n’ roll is his way of life.

Paul McCartney
At 82, he continues to tour stadiums worldwide. McCartney has explained that he feels a duty to give fans the songs they grew up with, and performing keeps him young. He’s said he still gets the same thrill walking onstage as he did with The Beatles.

Bruce Springsteen
Even after health setbacks, Springsteen calls his concerts a “sacrament” and sees live performance as a bond between him and the audience. He says the road feels like home and gives him purpose.

Aerosmith (Steven Tyler & Joe Perry)
On their farewell tours, they’ve made it clear that performing keeps them grounded and that fans’ energy is addictive. Tyler often says music is “medicine” for him.

Willie Nelson
Still touring into his 90s, Nelson has said plainly: “I just love the music.” He sees performing as both joy and therapy, a way to stay connected with life itself.

Bob Dylan
Dylan is still on the road constantly in his 80s, calling it the Never-Ending Tour. He has said the routine of playing keeps him sharp, and he’s not interested in slowing down as long as people want to hear him.

And as for the X lead singer for Van Halen, David Lee Roth (70) hasn’t given one single reason, but over the years, he’s revealed several motivations for why he continues to entertain, even into his seventies. Roth has often said the stage is where he feels most alive. Performing gives him the kind of rush and purpose that he doesn’t find elsewhere. Being a showman isn’t just a job; it’s who he is. He’s said in interviews that he’s “built for this,” and that the role of frontman, storyteller, and provocateur is part of his DNA. His mind is wired to create and entertain, and live shows give him an outlet that’s both physical and artistic. He’s said that music is not a business you retire from, it’s a lifestyle. For Roth, it isn’t about money so much as staying true to what he was “put here to do.” And finally, even decades after Van Halen’s heyday, he thrives on the energy of the audience. He’s acknowledged that the loyalty of his fans and their ongoing demand to see him makes it hard to walk away.

{My Take}

For David Lee Roth and the countless others who tune their guitars, or step behind the mic well past their so-called retirement age, the stage isn’t just a workplace, it’s oxygen to them. Like their peers, Roth seems to know that the roar of the crowd doesn’t just validate a career; it keeps the pulse alive. Musicians may slow down, change their approach, or take fewer gigs, but few can truly walk away. The music has always been more than sound; it’s their life force.

As for my "Life Force", it's in my writing.

GE - Gary England

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The Fab Las Vegas Packs The Coverall Lounge Inside Arizona Charlie's Decatur Saturday Night

 Have you ever smiled so much that it hurt? That was the case for me and a packed Coverall lounge inside Arizona Charlie's Decatur Saturday night. The Fab Las Vegas took the packed lounge back to the Beatles era on a Magical Musical Mystery Tour! Over 90 minutes of the most memorable Beatles tunes, and The Fab does them all so well! 

{My Take - Full Review}

What a fantastic night! From the very first song, The Fab Las Vegas captured the spirit and energy of The Beatles with remarkable accuracy and enthusiasm. The vocals were spot-on—rich, powerful, and effortlessly channeling the tone we all know and love, while the guitar work hit every iconic riff with precision and flair.

The rhythm section kept everything locked in tight, driving each song forward with pulse-pounding momentum. Even the little touches—the stage banter, the outfits, and the classic between-song transitions—made you feel like you were at an actual arena show watching the Beatles perform rather than at a local venue in Las Vegas.

Highlights included a blistering run through of the Beatles' signature anthems, soulful ballads that had the entire crowd swaying, and packing the dance floor from the 1st song till their closing number. Solo's that showcased jaw-dropping technical skill without ever losing the song’s heart. Audience engagement was top-notch too: sing-alongs, call-and-response moments, and plenty of smiles from the stage ensured every person in the room felt involved.

Production values matched the musical quality—crystal-clear sound, vibrant lighting, and spotlights to add drama without overshadowing the performance.

If you’re a longtime Beatles fan looking to relive classic hits or a newcomer curious about what made the Beatles original band legendary, The Fab Las Vegas delivers an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss them the next time they're in town; you’ll walk away humming the tunes that the Beatles made famous and already planning to catch The Fab at their next show in town!

They make John, Paul, George, and Ringo Proud!

GE

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Elvis Presley Life And Legacy To Be Celebrated This Summer In Las Vegas

Las Vegas will be hosting several exciting Elvis-themed events this summer celebrating the legacy of the King of Rock and Roll. 

Elvis Presley

Elvis Tribute Artist - Victor Trevino Jr.

The King Comes Home – Elvis Tribute Show

Date: May 7, 2025, at 7:30 PM
Location: Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino
This special tribute show, "The King Comes Home," offers a musical journey through Elvis Presley's iconic hits, from his early recordings to his legendary Las Vegas performances. ​

Vegas Elvis Fest

Dates: May 29 – June 1, 2025
Location: Alexis Park Hotel and Resort.
The Vegas Elvis Fest is the only officially licensed Elvis festival in Las Vegas. It features four shows and three preliminary rounds of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, bringing together the best tribute artists in the world.

Las Vegas Summer Tribute Festival & Images of the King Contest

Dates: July 9–13, 2025
Location: Westgate Las Vegas International Theater
This five-day festival features multiple concerts and the prestigious "Images of the King" World Championship Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. The contest includes preliminary rounds, semi-finals, and a grand finale, showcasing top tribute artists from around the globe. Attendees can also enjoy VIP experiences like backstage tours of Elvis’ former dressing rooms.

For tickets and more information on these events, you can visit the official websites:

• Las Vegas Summer Tribute Festival

• The King Comes Home – AXS Tickets

• Vegas Elvis Fest

If you're planning to attend any of these events, it's advisable to book your tickets and accommodations early, as they are expected to sell out quickly.

"As Las Vegas once again becomes the home of the King this summer, fans from around the world will gather to celebrate the life, music, and magic of Elvis Presley. From thrilling tribute performances to prestigious contests, the 2025 Elvis events promise unforgettable moments for both longtime devotees and new generations. Don’t miss your chance to experience the spirit of Elvis in the city where legends never fade — Viva Las Vegas!"

Thank Ya Very Much!

GE

Are There Different Levels Of Rock Stardom In The Music Business?

 I know that sometimes I use the term "Rock Star" out of context. Even loosely on occasion. I believe I use the word Rock Star as a show of respect to musicians that work their butt's off in the biz, then show their talents on and off of the stage. 

After a few phone conversations and a ton of research. Here is what I learned about calling a musician a Rock Star.

So, are there different levels of being called a Rock Star?

 Absolutely! Rock stardom isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing—it comes in different levels, depending on factors like fame, influence, longevity, and cultural impact. Here are some general tiers of rock stardom:

Local & Regional Heroes

These are musicians or bands that have a strong following in a particular city or region.

They might pack local clubs and festivals but aren’t well-known outside their area.

Example: A killer Van Halen tribute band that dominates the local scene!

Cult Legends

Bands or artists with a small but extremely devoted following.

They may not have mainstream success but are highly respected within their genre.

Example: Frank Zappa, King Crimson, or underground metal bands like Sleep.

Mid-Level Rock Stars

These musicians had some hits and strong fan bases but never reached full-blown superstardom.

They often had a few successful albums but didn’t dominate an era.

Example: Tesla, Night Ranger, or even Extreme. (I tend to differ on these examples)

Arena Rock Stars

Bands and artists who regularly sell out large venues and have multiple well-known songs.

They may not be household names for everyone but are huge in rock circles.

Example: Def Leppard, Journey, or even newer bands like Alter Bridge.

Iconic Rock Gods

The legends who changed the game and have a massive, enduring impact.

These are the bands that sell out stadiums worldwide and have songs everyone knows.

Example: Van Halen, Guns N’ Roses, Metallica.

The Immortals

The absolute top-tier, once-in-a-lifetime rock gods.

Their influence goes beyond just music—they define entire generations.

Example: Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and yes, Eddie Van Halen himself!

What level do you think is the most interesting? Or which level do you think a tribute band can reach?

Comments Welcomed

GE