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Showing posts with label musicians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label musicians. Show all posts

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 13, 2026

Raiding The Rock Vault Returns To The Las Vegas Strip For Two Nights Of Pure Rock Thunder!

  Raiding The Rock Vault returns to the Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas Strip for two special nights of legendary Rock n' Roll on Thursday, October 15th and Saturday, November 28th.


More than a concert, this is a full-throttle ride through the soundtrack of generations. Raiding The Rock Vault cranks up the amps and takes audiences on a powerhouse journey through the history of rock 'n' roll, delivering the timeless songs that changed music forever.

Get ready for an explosive setlist featuring iconic hits from The Rolling Stones, The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Free, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Queen, Boston, Kansas, Aerosmith, Van Halen, AC/DC, Pat Benatar, Foreigner, Heart, Journey, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, and many more. Every riff, every chorus, and every anthem is performed with the energy and authenticity that made these songs legendary.

The stage will be packed with rock royalty and road-tested veterans, including:

馃帳 Andrew Freeman (Last in Line, Great White, The Offspring, Lynch Mob)
馃帳 Jizzy Pearl (Love/Hate, Ratt, L.A. Guns)
馃帳 Keith St. John (Montrose, Burning Rain)
馃幐 Steve Hott (Ratt)
馃 Blas Elias (Slaughter, Trans-Siberian Orchestra)
馃幐 Mitch Perry (Michael Schenker Group, Edgar Winter, Cher)
馃幐 Sean Koos (Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, The Outfield)
馃幓 Georgia Napolitano (Trans-Siberian Orchestra)
馃幑 Michael T. Ross (Lita Ford, Missing Persons, Aldo Nova)
馃幐 Rowan Robertson (Dio)

**Artist lineup subject to change.

Together, these acclaimed musicians bring decades of rock history to one stage, performing the songs that filled arenas, ruled the airwaves, and became the soundtrack of our lives.

馃搷 Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas Strip
馃毆 Doors Open: 7:00 PM
馃幐 Showtime: 8:00 PM

Two nights. One stage. A lifetime of rock classics.

If you ever cranked up Zeppelin, sang along with Journey, raised your fist to AC/DC, or wore out a Queen album, this is your show. Whether you're reliving the glory days or introducing the next generation to real rock 'n' roll, prepare for a high-voltage night packed with unforgettable performances.

Real Rock. Real Rockstars!

馃師 Tickets (Both Dates):
www.RaidingTheRockVault.com/tickets

馃師 Thursday, October 15 Event Page

馃師 Saturday, November 28 Event Page

{My Take}

As a longtime rock journalist, I can't help but think the stars are lining up. Ever since Raiding The Rock Vault said goodbye to Las Vegas last December, there's been a void in the city's live rock scene. Now that the Hard Rock Hotel is making its return next year, what better show to fly the flag for real rock 'n' roll music than RTRV? If you ask me, it's a no-brainer! Just sayin'! 馃馃幐

See you at the show,

Gary England 馃馃幐馃敟

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




Sunday, September 6, 2026

Queensr每che Hit Las Vegas Saturday Night Inside The Cannery Casino Hotel With A Meteor Barrage Of Non-Stop Hits That Left The Club Glowing in the Afterburn!

 Saturday, September 5th, 2026

Queensryche 

Cannery Casino Hotel "The Club"



Queensr每che’s evolution from their early 1980s metal beginnings to the present day reads like a masterclass in artistic growth! 
They rose quickly with a sound that blended heavy-metal precision, power‑metal fire, and the atmospheric ambition that would make them pioneers of progressive metal. Through the decades, the band kept pushing boundaries, refining their craft, and expanding their musical reach. 
Then came June 2012 — a turning point that felt less like a shake‑up and more like a rebirth. Todd La Torre stepped in and immediately reignited the band’s signature energy, bringing a fresh spark that lit up both studio and stage. 
Joined by founding forces Michael Wilton and Eddie Jackson, the return of guitarist Mike Stone, and the dynamic drumming of Casey Grillo, 
Queensr每che stands today as a revitalized, battle‑ready band, one that honors its legacy while hitting the modern era with renewed strength and unmistakable purpose!

Saturday night, Queensr每che stormed The Club stage inside the Cannery Casino Hotel and took no hostages, firing off a set of over 90 minutes that hit the room like a precision‑guided missile! 

Queensr每che hit the Cannery like a detonation, blasting through swirling lights, rolling smoke, and arena‑grade sound. It was a totally awesome experience!

The band erupted like a sonic boom, sending metal shrapnel across the crowd as they launched straight into "Queen of the Reich". They kept the adrenaline spiking with "Operation Mindcrime", "Walk In The Shadows", "Speak", "I Don't Believe In Love", "Best I Can", and "Warning". Before Todd threw the switch and blasted the house lights back on, he leaned into this easy, laid‑back moment with the crowd, a full showroom of diehards packed tight into The Club. He wasn’t “addressing an audience”; he was talking with old friends, thanking everyone for showing up and hitting the night with the kind of energy only Las Vegas fans bring. It felt like one of those catch‑ups you fall into with people you haven’t seen in a while — warm, familiar, and real.

Those few minutes felt like the calm before the next detonation — a rare, quiet pocket in the night where the band caught their breath and the room held still. It wasn’t long, just enough time for Queensr每che to reset, reload, and let the adrenaline settle for half a heartbeat.

And when they kicked back in, it was obvious that breather didn’t slow them down; it supercharged them. Their internal metal meter wasn’t just back in the green; it was pegged past 100%, redlining like a machine built to run hotter than physics should allow!

Queensr每che came out swinging like a trained MMA fighter with a score to settle, blasting into the set with "Neue Regel", "Behind the Walls"," Take Hold of the Flame", and "Silent Lucidity". By then, The Club wasn’t just packed — it was alive, every voice locked in, every fan singing every word like they were right up there onstage with the band.

Then came the next barrage: "Jet City Woman", "Screaming in Digital", and "Anarchy X" — each one hitting with the force of a flaming meteor slamming straight into the Las Vegas Strip.

Another quick breather followed, just long enough for Todd to introduce the band and share a moment with the fans packed into the Club. Then Queensr每che fired off the final salvo: "Revolution Calling", "Empire", and the night‑ending knockout punch, "Eyes of a Stranger".

As for my review grade?

Queensr每che closed out the night like a band dead‑set on proving why they’re still one of the most lethal forces in metal. Every member was firing at peak power — razor‑sharp guitars slicing through the room, bass lines rumbling like underground Vegas thunder, drums hitting with the precision of a seasoned prizefighter, and Todd’s vocals soaring, snarling, and commanding every inch of The Club. The lighting rig blasted the stage in waves of neon fire, smoke curled around the band like a living creature, and the sound system punched with arena‑level force that felt impossible for a club room to contain.

It wasn’t just a concert — it was a full‑scale metal storm, a night where every song landed like a meteor strike and every moment reminded you why Queensr每che still owns any stage they step onto.

I walked in as a classic rock writer… I walked out a full-blown metalhead.

Gary England

Brought to you by Boyd Gaming








Tuesday, September 1, 2026

The Local Las Vegas Music Scene Is Tired: It's Time To Wake It Up!

 

Just so you won't think that this old rock writer has gone mental, this blog came from 9 calls, 7 text messages, and a handful of Facebook Messenger conversations from both musicians and fans from this weekend alone. 

So, I felt like it was time to address what was said to my local readers.

For years, my phone buzzed with positive vibes from musicians and fans. I’d walk into a music venue or club and get hit with that familiar surge: “Hey man, big show coming up!” “Got something new dropping!” It felt like the whole city was tuned to the same frequency — loud, proud, hopeful, electric!

But somewhere along the line, the tone shifted. The buzz faded. Conversations got heavier. Where musicians once talked about momentum, now they talk about burnout. Moving away from Vegas!

Where fans once hyped upcoming shows, now they vent about drama, fatigue, or the scene feeling “different.” And the strangest part? Nobody’s saying it out loud. From what I see, people are carrying this shift quietly, keeping it tucked behind their stage smiles and social posts — 

But they trust me (The Old man in the business) enough to let the truth slip through in side comments, phone texts, and through conversation just between me and you, ok!

So, I called my poker‑playing psychologist friend — the guy who can read a human being the way most musicians read a setlist — and asked him what the hell was happening. He told me the scene isn’t dying; the people in it are tired. Emotional fatigue, validation withdrawal, saturation, burnout contagion — a perfect storm of pressure hitting everyone at once. And tired artists talk differently. They feel differently. They react differently. The vibe changes long before anyone admits it.

In other words, Vegas didn’t lose its music. It just lost a little of its spark — and everyone’s waiting for someone to flip the switch back on.

So, I asked my poker‑playing doc friend: how can our local music scene get its spark back, and how can the switch get turned back on?

Here’s what my $150‑an‑hour, lay‑on‑his‑couch, poker-playing psychologist friend told me.

He didn’t blink, didn’t flinch, didn’t soften the edges. He broke it down like he was reading the Vegas music scene the same way he reads a table full of players on tilt — straight odds, no emotion, just the truth musicians don’t want to say out loud.

{My Doc Friend's Take}

The fix isn’t complicated, but it does require intention: musicians need to reconnect instead of isolate, celebrate each other’s wins instead of compare, rebuild trust with venues, make fans feel valued, and bring back the fun that made everyone fall in love with playing in the first place. Vegas didn’t lose its music — it just needs a jolt of unity, gratitude, creativity, and community to light the room again.

If the scene wants its old fire back, it has to choose to turn the switch on together!

No more jealousy, no more haters, no more talking behind other people's backs!

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

Monday, August 10, 2026

What Are Your Thoughts About Your Local Music Scene?

 I was asked to write a positive article about the "Local Las Vegas Music Scene." 

Remember, I said a positive article... So here goes...



The “Local Music Scene” isn’t some cute little club or a polite gathering of folks who happen to like guitars and music.

No — it’s the living, breathing undercurrent of a city’s soul. It’s the late‑night storytellers, the stage‑burners, the die‑hard fans, the bartenders who’ve heard every band’s first demo, the venues that keep the lights on for one more set, and the media misfits who amplify the whole circus. Not the mainstream media!

When we talk about the Local Music Scene, we’re talking about the ecosystem — the grid — the electric network of people who keep the music alive before it hits the big casinos, the big labels, or the big money. It’s the proving ground. The launchpad. The place where legends get their first scar.

Is it just a bunch of people who like music? Hell no. It’s a tribe. A culture. A shared obsession. It’s the folks who show up on a Tuesday night when the band’s still figuring out their sound. It’s the musicians who haul gear in 110‑degree Vegas heat because the gig matters. It’s the fans who know every lyric before the band records them.

It’s the writers, photographers, podcasters, and bloggers who show up daily. Those people who shine a spotlight on the ones still clawing their way up, not about the musicians and bands who have already made their way up to Rock-Stardom, they already receive plenty of press!

Being part of the Local Music Scene isn’t about a membership card — it’s about showing up. Supporting. Creating. Sharing. Caring enough to keep the amps warm and the stages busy. If you contribute to the pulse — in any way — you’re in the scene.

You think?

Leave your comments below.

Gary England


Tuesday, August 4, 2026

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

#NationalNewsMedia #WorldEntertainmentNetwork #USAT #LasVegasReviewJournal #LasVegasSun #LasVegasWeekly #MusicEntertainmentSports #GaryEngland #JoanJett #AliceCooper #TomPetty #Blondie #RobZombie #Heart #PatBenatar #DavidLeeRoth

The STRAT Facebook

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Ikons Of Rock Tickets

Ikons Of Rock Facebook

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Ikons Of Rock YouTube

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Ikons Of Rock Dot Com

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

Saturday, August 1, 2026

The Dynamic Duo Of Acoustic Music: Last Night With Paul Shortino & Mitch Perry Inside Treasure Island Breeze Bar

Friday nights in Las Vegas are all about musicians who own the room, and that’s exactly what the "Dynamic Duo of Acoustic Music" Paul Shortino and Mitch Perry did last night the moment they stepped onstage.

Click On The Pictures To Enlarge The Photos


Paul Shortino doesn’t just sing — he commands the stage like a general leading a rock‑and‑roll battalion. That voice of his is pure Vegas grit: warm, smoky, and built from a lifetime of rock stages, metal anthems, world tours, and late‑night gigs where only the toughest musicians survive. When Shortino leans into a lyric, it’s not just sound — it’s history. You hear the miles he’s logged from Hollywood, all around the world, to the neon glow of Las Vegas, every note carrying the weight of decades spent living inside the music. He doesn’t perform songs; he performs stories, and every one of them hits with the force of someone who’s been there, done it, and still loves every second on that stage.

Mitch Perry is the kind of musician who makes an entire room pause without ever asking for attention — you’re mid‑sip, mid‑conversation, mid‑Vegas‑moment, and suddenly locked in on his hands because the way he plays is its own kind of hypnosis. His guitar work is fluid and cinematic, almost liquid in the air, those soft drifting lines gliding through the Breeze Bar with effortless grace. Then he moves to the keys and the whole room shifts, laying down lush, velvet layers that wrap around the crowd and turn the space into its own little universe where time slows down, and the music becomes the atmosphere. Mitch Perry doesn’t play at you; he plays around you, building a warm, immersive, impossibly smooth sonic environment you can settle into, relax inside, and just let the night happen — the unmistakable vibe of a master at work.

Together, they’re not just a duo — they’re two rock star legends shaping the night with precision, soul, and that easy confidence you only get from a lifetime onstage. Last night, their slow‑and‑easy sets weren’t mellow by accident; they were crafted, intentional, and perfect for a Strip Friday night, where the neon hum outside Treasure Island meets the warm glow of the Breeze Bar inside!

Last night played out like a famous Las Vegas buffet of classic rock greatness, with Paul Shortino and Mitch Perry serving up course after course of the richest cuisine! They rolled through Bad Company, The Bee Gees, The Temptations, sliding into Blood, Sweat & Tears' “God Bless the Child” and Rod Stewart’s “Forever Young.” Then came the soul‑soaked Etta James, the arena‑heart Journey, a taste of Zeppelin, Marvin Gaye, Grace Slick, and of course a little acoustic nod to Quiet Riot — Paul Shortino’s old stomping grounds. Three straight hours of acoustic classics delivered the way only the Dynamic Duo of Paul Shortino and Mitch Perry can perform them! They wrapped it all with their signature closer, “Wonderful World,” leaving the Breeze Bar glowing and everyone inside, and out on the adjoining casino floor, feeling like they’d just witnessed something really special. And they did! What a show!

They have my vote for Best Of Las Vegas!

Paul & Mitch are rolling right back into Treasure Island’s Breeze Bar tonight, keeping that acoustic magic flowing for another Vegas night! They’ll return later this month on the 21st and 22nd, then hit the Breeze Bar again on September 11th — a special 9‑11 show they’re already gearing up for — followed by another night on September 12th. Mark those dates on your music calendar and get ready to ride the groove with Paul Shortino and Mitch Perry. 

See you there!

Gary England







Thursday, July 30, 2026

The Vegas Weekend Music Clock: When Fans Decide Where To Go For Their Music Pleasure

 Everything in life runs on timing — especially in the music world.

Right place, right time, right vibe!



Today’s blog focuses on that crucial moment when music fans finally choose their weekend destination. And on the other side of the stage lights, when should bands and musicians promote their shows to catch fans right as they’re making those decisions? Timing shapes both sides of the music experience.

{Info today comes from organizations, research groups, and industry analysts who study fan‑behavior timing, promo windows, and optimal announcement cycles for concerts and music events}

The Full Vegas Music Promo Timing Breakdown

Vegas doesn’t run on clocks — it runs on impulse, adrenaline, and whatever vibe hits hardest in the moment. But underneath all that neon chaos, there is a rhythm to how fans decide where they’re going on weekend nights. Bands who understand that rhythm pack rooms. Bands who don’t end up playing to empty chairs and bored bartenders. Here’s the full breakdown of how promo timing really works in Las Vegas — the city where decisions are made fast, late, and loud.

One Month Out — The Spark

A month before the gig is where you plant the seed. Fans aren’t choosing yet, but they’re absorbing. This is the moment to drop the first announcement — the “Hey, we’re coming” post. It’s not meant to convert anyone. It’s meant to get the show on their radar so when the real decision window hits, your name is already floating in their head. In Vegas, this early spark matters because the city is drowning in entertainment noise. You need that first flare just to be seen.

Two Weeks Out — The Warm‑Up

Two weeks out is when fans start shaping their weekend plans. They’re not committing, but they’re thinking. This is the moment to remind them you exist. A solid promo push here keeps your gig in the mix as they scroll through endless options — casinos, bars, lounges, tribute acts, cover bands, original bands, DJs, and every neon‑lit distraction on the Strip. This window is all about staying visible.

One Week Out — The Real Fight Begins

One week before the show is where the promo battle actually starts. Fans are choosing between venues, friends, moods, and money. This is the week where your posts matter the most. A strong, high‑energy promo blast here can tilt the scales in your favor. In Vegas, this is the moment when locals start locking in their Friday or Saturday night plans — and if you’re not in their feed, you’re not in their night.

48–72 Hours Before — The Vegas Decision Window

This is the big one. Thursday night through Saturday afternoon is when Vegas locals make their final call. Tourists do it even faster. This window is pure electricity — the moment when a single promo post can swing the entire night. A killer video clip, a sharp flyer, a hype‑driven announcement, a reminder from the venue — this is where you win or lose the crowd. If you’re quiet during this window, you’re invisible.

Day Of — The Impulse Crowd

Vegas is built on impulse. People decide what to do while they’re already out. They decide while they’re eating dinner. They decide while they’re walking past a bar. They decide while scrolling Instagram at 7 PM. A day‑of promo blast can add 10–30% more bodies to the room — sometimes more. This is the lightning strike. The last‑minute surge. The “screw it, let’s go” moment that Vegas thrives on.

The Vegas Rule: Timing Isn’t Everything — It’s the Whole Game

In most cities, promo timing is a strategy. In Vegas, it’s survival. The entertainment competition here is brutal, constant, and loud. Bands who understand the timing windows — month‑out spark, two‑week warm‑up, one‑week push, 48‑hour decision window, day‑of blast — are the ones who fill rooms, build followings, and turn gigs into events. Everyone else gets swallowed by the neon.

{My Take}

Las Vegas rewards the bands who understand its rhythm — fast decisions, late commitments, and last‑minute surges that can turn a quiet room into a full‑blown party! Nail the timing, and you’re not just promoting a gig; you’re steering the city's energy. Miss it, and the neon moves on without you. In this town, timing isn’t just part of the hustle — it’s the whole show!

It's Thursday; time for me to decide where I'm going this weekend!

Gary England


Saturday, July 25, 2026

Right Time Right Place And Work Your Butt Off: The Road To Discovery In The Music Industry

 


Classic rock and country don’t just lead the tribute & cover‑band world — they rule it like outlaw kings. The crowds crave it, Vegas management eats it up, and every weekend this town turns into a neon‑lit proving ground for musicians who are one lucky break away from the big stage. These players aren’t hobbyists; they’re what I call “Right Time, Right Place” musicians — the kind of artists who, when the right set of eyes and ears lock onto them, they disappear overnight and reappear on a tour bus headed straight for rock stardom! After conversations with some movers & shakers in the music industry, and a few heavy-duty rockers in the biz. Here is what they said.

Vegas doesn’t hand out fame — it tests you, breaks you in, and then dares you to rise above the neon noise. The musicians who make the leap from local legend to rising star are the ones who treat every stage like a launchpad and every crowd like a scouting session. This city is a pressure cooker for talent, and the decision‑makers — the producers, bookers, A&R hunters, festival curators — are always scanning for the next spark loud enough to shake the industry. The fast track isn’t about luck alone; it’s about showing up everywhere, sounding unmistakably like yourself, keeping your digital footprint razor‑sharp, and flooding the world with your music until the right ears finally lock in. Vegas rewards the bold, the relentless, and the artists who play like the spotlight is already theirs!

Local musicians who want to get seen by the power players of the music industry have to attack the Vegas grind like it’s a nightly audition for the rest of their lives. That means playing relentlessly — every bar, lounge, festival, jam night, anywhere a stage and a power outlet exist — because the more you show up, the more chances you create for the right set of eyes to land on you. It means carving out a signature sound that punches through the noise and makes people remember you after one song, not ten. It means keeping your social media sharp and professional, dropping high‑quality recordings that prove you’re the real deal, and getting your music on Spotify and every major platform so industry scouts can find you even when they’re not in the room. It means networking with intent, showing up at showcases and songwriter nights where gatekeepers actually gather, collaborating with other artists to expand your reach, and building a loyal local following that packs rooms and forces people to pay attention. In Vegas, the musicians who rise are the ones who stay loud, stay visible, and stay ready — because the moment opportunity walks through the door, you don’t get a second chance to hit that first note.

{My Take}

At the end of the day, breaking out of the local circuit isn’t magic — it’s momentum. The musicians who rise are the ones who grind harder, play louder, stay visible, and treat every night like the universe might be watching. Rock stardom has always been a cocktail of sweat, timing, and a little cosmic luck — but the legends remind us that luck only shows up for the ones who never stop swinging. As Tom Petty said, “You have to work hard. You have to give it everything.” And Billy Idol nailed it even cleaner: “Luck comes from working your ass off.” Keep pushing, keep playing, keep showing up — because in Vegas, the break comes fast, and the ones who earn it are the ones who never stop chasing the spark.

Gary England




Thursday, July 23, 2026

The Psychology Behind the Performance: As A Rock Writer How I Look At The Show!

 My friends tell me that I look at life (And music) a little differently than others do. 

This might just be why!

In my early years, I spent more time studying psychology than English or writing, and it’s paid off every night I’m in a room full of musicians. I don’t just listen to a performance — I read it. I watch who steps forward, who hangs back, who commands the room, and who disappears into the shadows. The music industry is a living map of personality types. The Type A firestarters are easy to spot; they take the lead onstage, run the show offstage, and treat every fan interaction like part of the mission. The Type B cool‑rollers drift through the scene with a relaxed grin, keeping the vibe loose and the jams flowing. The Type C quiet operators stay focused, organized, and emotionally tucked in — the ones who make sure the gear works, the harmonies lock, and the chaos stays controlled. And then there are the Type D pressure‑carriers who feel every high and low like a shockwave, often working twice as hard because they care twice as much.

After decades of watching bands from dive bars to big stages, I’ve learned this: the music isn’t just in the notes — it’s in the personalities. Who leads, who follows, who connects, who hides, who mingles with fans, who vanishes backstage. Psychology taught me that every show is more than a performance. It’s a human puzzle, and once you know how to read the pieces, you can see the whole industry for what it really is.

To all my musician peeps: Which type are you?

Ever think about how you look at life and things? It's a big part of who you are!

Gary England

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

2026 Las Vegas Guitar Trade Show: Who The Fans Want To See On Saturday Night November 7th

 


Las Vegas — Turn It Up!

Got a killer idea? This one’s a home run.

Who do YOU want ripping solos and melting faces on Saturday night, November 7, at the 2026 Las Vegas Guitar Trade Show?

Throw your dream pick in the comments or hit up the Las Vegas Guitar Trade Show on Facebook — and tag the artist so they know Sin City is dialing their number.

Las Vegas Guitar Trade Show Facebook Event Page

{My Take}

The 2026 Las Vegas Guitar Trade Show is built for the fans — the diehards who keep this town loud, electric, and unapologetically alive.

So, toss your favorites into the mix, tag the legends you want on that stage, and let’s craft a Saturday night lineup that rattles the Silverton Hotel Casino from the floorboards to the rafters.

Vegas is primed. The amps are humming. Time to crank it, Las Vegas.

Gary England

#LVGTS2026 #LasVegasGuitarTradeShow #VegasMusicScene #LiveMusicVegas #GuitarShow


Monday, July 20, 2026

The Rock‑Writer’s Survival Guide: High‑Voltage Promo Tactics For Bands Musicians & Events

 As a rock writer, I don’t just crank out stories about bands, musicians, and the wild circus of events they ignite — I track what happens after those pieces hit the stage. I watch who shares them, who ignores them, who weaponizes them, and who still doesn’t realize they’re holding free dynamite in their hands.

Because here’s the truth: every band, every guitarist, every drummer with a dream knows they should be using media to fuel their rise… but a whole lot of them still don’t have a clue how to squeeze the juice out of it.

So, here's my official built for bands, musicians, and event managers who want to squeeze every last drop of juice out of the media spotlight you’re getting. Here’s your Backstage Cheat Sheet — fast, simple, high‑voltage moves that turn media coverage into momentum!

 Every article, photo, shoutout, and video clip is free fuel. Your job is to burn it hot!

Hit the Ground Running

When a piece of media drops, don’t wait. Post it. Share it. Tag it. Momentum dies fast — you keep it alive.

Stretch the Spotlight

One post isn’t enough. Break the coverage into pieces:

  • A quote today

  • A photo tomorrow

  • A clip next week You’re not promoting once — you’re promoting in waves.

Tag Like a Pro

Writers, photographers, venues, promoters — tag them all. Tagging expands your reach and builds relationships. Relationships get you booked.

Build a Promo Rhythm

Consistency beats chaos. A simple cadence keeps fans engaged and algorithms awake:

  • Early week: Announcements

  • Midweek: Behind‑the‑scenes

  • Weekend: Live footage Repeat until famous.

Engage Loudly

Reply to comments. Thank people who share your stuff. Spotlight fans who post your merch or photos. Engagement is free — and it builds a tribe.

Use Media as Leverage

Send your coverage to:

  • Booking agents

  • Festival organizers

  • Radio hosts

  • Podcasters

  • Sponsors Media proves you’re worth their time.

Make Your Links Easy

One link. One hub. Music, videos, merch, tour dates — all in one place. If fans have to hunt, they bail.

Promote Like a Business

Clean graphics. Consistent logo. Professional photos. Your brand should look as good as your band sounds.

Collaborate Loudly

Cross‑promote with other bands. Share each other’s posts. Play shows together. Collabs multiply your reach without multiplying your workload.

{My Take}

Simply Said: This spotlight I’m throwing your way is free — but what you do with it determines whether it becomes a spark or a wildfire! 

Media: Use it, or you may just lose it!

Gary England


Thursday, July 16, 2026

Riding The Highs Surviving The Lows: The Music Biz Rollercoaster How Not To Fall Off

 Life’s a wild ride, man — every path you take is lined with peaks that make you feel ten feet tall and valleys that punch you right in the gut. I play poker on the side, and if you want a masterclass in emotional whiplash, sit at a table for a few hours. One minute you’re a legend, the next you’re wondering why the universe hates you.



And the music industry? Oh, brother… that’s a whole different beast.

It’s loud, it’s chaotic, it’s beautiful, and it can chew you up like a broken guitar string. I’ve watched killer musicians — real-deal talent, the kind that makes your spine tingle — get knocked so far off their game that they either walked away for a breather or bailed out completely. That’s the kind of heartbreak you don’t forget.

So, what’s the secret to surviving the storm without losing your soul? After digging through a few hours of research, swapping stories with one of my closest friends — a local psychologist who’s seen the backstage bruises up close — and mixing in a little of my own life mileage, here’s what I’ve learned.

Stay grounded — When the spotlight hits, it feels like you’re floating. When it shuts off, you can crash hard. The pros who survive know how to keep their boots on the ground even when their heads are in the clouds. It’s the difference between riding the wave and getting dragged by it.

Build your tribe — Every great musician has a backstage army: bandmates, friends, mentors, the bartender who’s seen it all. You need people who remind you who you are when the industry tries to tell you otherwise. Lone wolves burn out. Crews endure.

Protect your mental game — This business will mess with your head if you let it. My psychologist buddy said it straight: musicians are emotional athletes. You’ve got to train your mind like you train your chops — rest, boundaries, perspective, and knowing when to step back before you snap a string.

Remember why you started — When the grind gets ugly, go back to the spark. The first riff that made your chest vibrate. The first crowd that screamed your name. The first time you realized music wasn’t a hobby — it was oxygen. That memory is your compass when the industry tries to spin you around.

Adapt without selling your soul — The biz changes faster than a Vegas slot machine. Trends flip. Venues close. Algorithms rewrite the rules overnight. The survivors evolve — but they never let the machine rewrite their identity. Bend don’t break!

Play the long game — Overnight success is a myth sold to rookies. Real careers are built brick by brick, gig by gig, heartbreak by heartbreak. The ones who make it aren’t always the most talented — they’re the ones who refuse to quit when the road gets dark.

Celebrate the small wins — A killer rehearsal. A new fan. A song idea that hits you at 2 AM. These are the sparks that keep the fire alive. Stack enough of them, and suddenly you’re unstoppable!

{My Take}

(This post is dedicated to two awesome musicians (friends of mine) who have experienced the highs and lows of the biz! I love you both. And wish you all the luck in the world in your return to music, because the music biz needs ya, and so do I)!

When you strip away the noise, the egos, the late‑night doubts, and the industry chaos, it all comes down to this: music is a long, loud, beautiful fight worth showing up for. The storm will come — it always does — but if you’ve got your tribe, your purpose, and your fire intact, you’ll walk out stronger than you walked in. Keep your head up, keep your heart plugged in, and keep playing like the world needs your sound, because it does! I do too!

Gary England