Behind-The-Scenes With Paul Shortino & Mitch Perry: Live This Morning On Fox 5 Las Vegas More Fox 5 TV Show

 

What a monster way to blast open the week — rolling into Fox 5 Las Vegas and their ultra‑cool More Fox 5 show like you’re rolling up for a sunrise soundcheck on the Strip, amps humming, caffeine kicking, whole city stretching awake. Paul and Mitch were already locked in the Green Room, posted up like two rock assassins waiting for the cue to storm the stage. And that waiting area out front? Not just pretty — it was stage‑lit stunning, the kind of place where even the furniture looks like it’s been rehearsing for its big moment. 

Only a few minutes in and the vibe was already electric — Nicole Reynolds, one of the standout stars of More Fox 5, swooped in like a total pro, guiding the Nevada beauty pageant girls — and me — straight back to the Green Room to get staged for our moment on the show. It felt like being escorted to the wings of a rock arena right before the lights hit and the crowd roars!

The clock hits 10 and boom — Show Time. The energy flips like someone just cranked the master volume. The girls, Paul, Mitch, and I get a fast‑track tour through the station, cruising down the halls toward the More Fox 5 studio like a mini parade of backstage mischief. With only minutes to spare, we’re suddenly live. The pageant girls take the first spotlight, stepping in for their interview with Alyssa Deitsch, kicking off the segment like total pros.

Paul and Mitch slid over to the adjoining stage setup for their run‑through with Jason Feinberg, getting into that pre‑interview groove like two veterans tuning up before a big riff. Ten minutes later — quick station break, lights reset, energy rising — they were back in the spotlight with Jason, firing off a smooth, sharp interview that landed perfectly. The whole thing played out like a tight live set: no wasted motion, no missed beats, just pros doing what pros do!

After the lights dropped and the studio slipped into that post‑show hush, these three rock stars stepped right back onto the stage for one last round of shots — striking poses like the encore wasn’t over yet, and the cameras were begging for more!

After everyone crushed their part and the studio lights melted into that warm neon afterglow, one last moment rose up like a jackpot bell on Fremont — a big fan stepping in with a single request for a photo with these two legends, the kind of Vegas‑style encore you never say no to!

For Paul Shortino, Mitch Perry, and me, we’re blasting out big love and thunderous thanks to Fox 5 Las Vegas, More Fox 5, the killer camera crew, the powerhouse management team, and of course Jason Feinberg, Nicole Reynolds, and Alyssa Deitsch for delivering a full‑tilt, high‑voltage Vegas experience. 

You all straight‑up ROCK!!

Gary England

Click on the link below to watch their Interview.

*Be sure to turn the volume up on your video player.

Rock Legends Paul Shortino & Mitch Perry play Treasure Island

Rustic Lounge Open Mic Night: The Jam That Shook Henderson, Nevada July 9th!

 Thursday night hit like a surprise guitar lick, the kind that snaps your head around and reminds you you’re still living and still plugged into the voltage of this wild Las Vegas (And Henderson) music scene!

Click On The Pic to Enlarge

I rolled into the Rustic Lounge in Henderson, Nevada around 6:45 Thursday night, thinking I’d just catch a casual Thursday night jam. Instead, this old rock writer got schooled. The place was buzzing with players, not weekend warriors, not bar‑band autopilots, but real awesome musicians, the kind who show up with fire in their eyes and riffs in their back pockets! The room was stacked with killers, musicians who don’t just play, they burn down the stage. And the setlist? Forget the usual Vegas bar‑band rotation. These rockers were firing off rarely‑heard gems like “What I Like About You”, “Old Time Rock n’ Roll”, and “Ride Sally Ride” — the kind of tunes that make your heart kick like a Harley at a green light!

Then came the genre‑hopping madness, Vegas and Henderson locals showing the packed bar just what they got! Besides the host of Classic Rock favorites. There were R&B burners that slid across the room like neon smoke. Blues cuts dripping with grit, Country stompers that rattled the floorboards, and Metal blasts that punched the ceiling tiles loose!

Every player — guys, gals, veterans, newcomers — stepped onto that stage for one reason: to feel the music and have a good time doing it. No ego. No posing. Just pure, sweaty, joyful noise!

Thursday night, the Rustic Lounge stage turned into a revolving door of Vegas‑powered firepower!

Special guests? More like a mini rock summit.

Local rock legend Les Warner stormed the stage with that unmistakable thunder he’s carried since his days with The Cult — crisp, loud, and locked‑in like a speeding freight train on grease-soaked rails! Right behind him came Rowan Robertson, the guitar prodigy who joined Dio at 17 and still plays like he’s got lightning wired straight into his fingertips and running through his veins!

Satin Steel out of Arizona took the stage- a crew that doesn’t just play rock; they swing it like a sledgehammer. Their riffs hit the room like a wind-blown desert storm blowing in from the east!

Local rocker Dave Bentz didn’t just take the stage — he commanded it, ripping through guitar lines out front like a man born with a fretboard in his hands. With Dezi Lou, Vegas’ own high‑voltage music promoter, running point beside him, the two kept the entire night tight, on time, and rolling like a runaway rock‑star steam engine. And while the music thundered, Carmen Haynes Warner kept the drinks flowing, fueling the crowd and keeping the Rustic Lounge buzzing at full tilt!

The night finally eased off the throttle, but the energy never dipped — the Rustic Lounge felt like it was still humming, still vibrating from every riff, crash, and howl that tore through it. If Thursday proved anything, it’s that the Vegas (And Henderson) music scene is crazy alive, loud, and absolutely unstoppable! And for all those who showed up, played hard, and kept the whole machine running, consider this your salute — you’re the ones who keep the rock‑and‑roll heartbeat pounding in this town! For that, you're all Rock Stars in my book!

My Take, On a personal note.

Last night hit me right in the soul. Uplifting to see, electrifying to hear, and impossible not to feel. That’s what local music is supposed to be — raw energy, real people, and a room full of musicians locked into pure camaraderie!

The vibe was flawless. The music was alive. The whole night at the Rustic Lounge Jam wasn’t just good… it was the blueprint for what a Vegas (Or Henderson) jam night should be! Five stars? Not even close. Let’s call it TEN STARS and still feel like we’re underselling it.

Last night RAWKED!! HARD!!

I'll Be Back!

~Gary England~

Rustic Lounge

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Blue String Theory Reunited: A Homecoming Show For Family Friends And Fans Inside The Santa Fe Station Chrome Showroom Saturday Night

 Saturday Night, May 30th, 2026

Click on band pic to enlarge

Last night I rolled into my second home—Santa Fe Station—not for cards, not for the slots, but for something far better: the long‑awaited return of one of my all‑time favorite local bands, Blue String Theory, and the return of my brother and longtime friend, Brian Pollack.

This night meant something really special. To the family & fans, to the band, and especially to Brian!

After being sidelined for roughly three very long months with a medical issue, he finally got the green light to hit the stage again. And trust me, the Chrome Showroom felt different—charged, buzzing, ready.

At exactly nine o’clock, the band stepped out first, instruments up, crowd roaring. The music kicked in… and then here he came. Not strolling, not easing in, but running full speed toward the front of the stage like a racehorse exploding out of the gate. That smile on his face said everything. The fans had missed him—and he had missed them just as much.

And the band? Lonnie, James, Kevin, and Scott were ready for Brian's return! You could feel it in the way they played. Tight. Loud. Joyful. Like the missing piece of the puzzle had finally snapped back into place.

For two hours they tore through Classic Rock favorites, sprinkled in some new material, and turned the whole night into a celebration—a homecoming disguised as a concert.

When the final notes faded and the lights dipped, nobody rushed for the exits. Fans stayed, waiting to hug Brian, welcome him back, grab selfies, group shots, and soak up a moment we’d all been waiting on.

Brian, the fans missed you. I missed you. Welcome home, my friend!

Love you my brother!

Gary England

From Five Bucks To Five Hundred Dollars: What It Means To See Your Favorite Band Way Back When And Today!

 Concert Ticket Prices. Are they worth it today? $$$$

There’s a special kind of fan who carries a band with them across decades—the ones who were there in the 80s or 90s when tickets were cheap, the venues were small, and the band was still hungry. These fans didn’t just attend concerts; they witnessed the beginning of a story. And now, years later, they’re seeing that same band again—only this time the tickets cost hundreds of dollars, the production is massive, and the band is a global brand instead of a local secret.

So, which show meant more? The early, rough‑around‑the‑edges nights—or the modern, high‑production spectacle?

The truth is more complicated than nostalgia alone.

The Early Years: Sweat, Grit, and the Thrill of Discovery

Fans who caught their favorite bands in the 80s or 90s often describe those shows with a kind of reverence. Tickets were cheap—sometimes five or ten bucks. You didn’t need a payment plan or a presale code. You just showed up.

The venues were small enough that you could feel the bass in your chest and the sweat from the stage. The band was still proving themselves every night. They played like their future depended on it—because it did.

There was no elaborate lighting rig, no pyro, no synchronized video walls. Just raw sound, imperfect mixes, and a crowd that felt like a tribe. Fans weren’t just watching a show; they were part of the band’s climb.

For many, those early concerts weren’t just better—they were formative.

The Modern Era: Precision, Power, and Stadium‑Sized Spectacle

Fast‑forward to today, and the experience is completely different.

The band is older, wiser, and far more polished. The sound is cleaner. The production is enormous. Every note is supported by a team of engineers, lighting designers, and video directors. The show is a machine—tight, impressive, and built to deliver the same impact to 20,000 people at once.

But the price tag reflects that evolution. What once cost a few dollars now costs a few hundred. Fans who once saw the band in a club now see them from the upper deck of an arena.

And yet, there’s something undeniably powerful about witnessing a band you’ve loved for decades command a massive stage. It’s a reminder of how far they—and you—have come.

Which Show Was Better? Fans Give Two Very Different Answers

Ask long‑time fans which era they preferred, and you’ll hear two dominant themes:

1. “The early shows were magic.”

Fans often say the intimacy, the unpredictability, and the sense of discovery made those early concerts unforgettable. You weren’t just watching music—you were watching potential.

2. “The new shows are breathtaking.”

Others say the modern tours feel like a reward. The band survived. The fans survived. And now everyone gets to celebrate with a production that simply wasn’t possible decades ago.

Most fans don’t choose one over the other. They describe the two eras as different chapters of the same story—one defined by grit, the other by grandeur.

The Real Difference: What You Brought With You

The biggest change isn’t the ticket price or the production. It’s the fan.

Back then, you were younger, wilder, and maybe a little reckless. You didn’t care about parking fees or seat assignments. You just wanted to be close to the music.

Now, you bring decades of life with you—memories, losses, victories, and a deeper appreciation for the band’s longevity. When they play the old songs, you don’t just hear them. You feel the years attached to them.

That’s something no lighting rig can replicate.

{My Take}

The early shows were raw, intimate, and unforgettable. The modern shows are powerful, polished, and emotionally rich.

Which one was better? Most fans say the same thing: both mattered, but for different reasons.

One show introduced you to the band. The other reminded you of why you never let them go.

In the end, whether you cherished the raw electricity of those early club nights or the sweeping power of today’s arena‑sized productions, the real joy comes from realizing you’ve been on the ride the whole time. You’ve grown up with this band, watched them evolve, and carried their music through every chapter of your own life. The ticket prices may have changed, the stages may be bigger, and the sound may be cleaner, but the connection—that unmistakable spark that first pulled you in—still hits just as hard. And that’s what keeps fans coming back, decade after decade, ready to feel it all over again!

GE

Haunted Harmonies: Strange Ways That Rock Stars Celebrate Halloween

 Halloween isn’t just a holiday for candy and costumes in the world of rock 'n' roll; it’s a full-blown spectacle. For some of music’s most iconic figures, October 31st is a sacred night of transformation, rebellion, and outrageous creativity. From blood-soaked stages to surreal costume choices, here are some of the strangest and most unforgettable ways famous rock stars have celebrated Halloween over the years.

Alice Cooper doesn’t just celebrate Halloween; he embodies it. Known for his horror-themed stage shows year-round, Alice Cooper amps it up on Halloween with props like guillotines, electric chairs, and fake blood. In past years, he’s hosted charity haunted houses and even performed in full Frankenstein regalia. For Alice Cooper, Halloween is less a holiday and more a lifestyle.

Marilyn Manson has turned Halloween into a twisted art form. His parties are infamous for their grotesque glamour, think Victorian vampires, latex demons, and surrealist horror. He’s been known to perform in corpse paint while guests arrive dressed as decaying royalty or haunted dolls. One year, he reportedly handed out autographed bones as party favors.

Kiss has always blurred the line between rock concert and costume party, but Halloween takes it to another level. The band has hosted Halloween shows where fans are encouraged to dress as their favorite Kiss member, creating surreal scenes of hundreds of Gene Simmons clones in one venue. Their Halloween merch drops are legendary, including pumpkin-shaped vinyls and glow-in-the-dark face paint kits

Rob Zombie, the rocker turned horror director, celebrates Halloween by merging his two worlds. He’s thrown parties themed around his films like House of 1000 Corpses, complete with immersive sets and actors playing deranged characters. His Halloween concerts often feature vintage horror clips, pyrotechnics, and Zombie himself emerging from a coffin to open the show

Ozzy Osbourne’s (RIP) Halloween antics were as unpredictable as his career. He was known to dress as a bat (of course), host séances, and once reportedly tried to summon spirits in a haunted castle. In one particularly strange celebration, he dressed as a zombie prince and handed out candy shaped like severed fingers to trick-or-treaters.

{My Take}

Halloween gives rock stars a chance to lean into their alter egos, blur the lines between performance and persona, and revel in the theatricality that defines the genre. Whether it’s a blood-soaked stage or a haunted mansion party, these celebrations are more than just spooky fun; they’re a reflection of rock’s rebellious spirit.

So next time you’re planning your own Halloween bash, take a cue from the legends: go big, go weird, and go ghoulie gruesome!

Happy Spooky Halloween!

GE 

Why Some Local Musicians And Bands Get Noticed And Why Some Never Get Their Fair Share Of The Bright Lights Of Las Vegas

 Pretty much every day since moving to Las Vegas in May of 1999, when I first wake up, I check social media to see what's going on around Las Vegas in the music and entertainment industry. Then I proceed to my Associated Press and United Press International news feeds to see what is happening around the world that might concern Las Vegas. Then I write my blogs and ghost articles and send them off to press.

The media plays a significant role in determining who gets noticed and who doesn't around the world. So do many other factors. Las Vegas is overflowing with musical talent. Many musicians and bands seem to stay in the spotlight consistently, while other musicians and bands hardly ever get mentioned. I'm here today to explain why.

Yesterday I asked my Facebook friends the question: Who are some of the most gifted musicians in Las Vegas that have not received the accolades they deserve?   

In one day, 24 hours, the post received over 125 comments, and was seen on Facebook by over 2,800 people, mentioning musicians and bands who they believed deserved more of the spotlight that Vegas has to offer. All the names that were mentioned have incredible talent! So, why aren't they mentioned more when it comes to the local music scene? As a lifelong journalist, I'm here to shine some light on why I believe this is happening.

Las Vegas is a city teeming with musical talent, from polished tribute acts and lounge legends to gritty rockers and boundary-pushing originals. Yet, anyone watching the scene closely knows that not all talented musicians get the same spotlight. Some names seem to pop up in the media again and again, while others, despite immense skill, fly under the radar. So why does this happen?

One major factor is visibility and branding. Bands that maintain an active social media presence, regularly update their content, and engage with fans tend to draw more attention from bloggers, journalists, and promoters. Media outlets are more likely to cover artists who already have an audience or know how to market themselves.

Another big reason is relationships and connections. Musicians who take time to network, whether with venue managers, local influencers, or media professionals, often find themselves in the right place at the right time. These connections don’t guarantee talent, but they do open doors for interviews, reviews, and mentions.

Timing and trends also play a role. If a certain genre becomes hot, like country, funk, or ‘80s rock tributes, bands within that style are more likely to be featured. Others, even with equal or greater musicianship, may be overlooked simply because their sound doesn’t match the current wave.

Finally, some musicians treat their craft as a full-time pursuit, investing in press kits, hiring publicists, or staging high-quality shows. Others may play purely for passion and word-of-mouth, which can limit their exposure even if their music is top tier!

In the end, talent is essential, but in a city like Las Vegas, presentation, persistence, and promotion can make the difference between background noise and front-page news!

Ultimately, it's not just about who plays the best; it's about who gets seen, heard, and talked about. In Las Vegas, the spotlight isn't always fair, but those who learn how to chase it often find themselves right in the center of the bright lights of the Las Vegas music scene!

Comments welcomed!

GE - Gary England

So You've been Asked To Be A Last-Minute Lead Singer Fill-In For A Band That You've Never Played With !

 So, you're a new vocalist in the music industry, and you've been asked to be a last-minute fill-in for the lead singer of a band that you've never performed with? That’s a high-pressure task, but a totally doable gig if you stay calm and focused. 

Here are some suggestions for how to handle the job like a pro!

Get the Essentials ASAP

Setlist: Even a rough version helps. Prioritize the most likely songs.

Recordings: Ask for any live videos, rehearsal recordings, or even a phone video from a recent show.

Lyrics/Charts: Grab song lyrics if available.

Prioritize the Set

Triage the songs: Focus first on the songs you must lead vocally (especially openers, closers, and crowd favorites).

Familiar tunes? Knock those out first — even if your version is a bit different, confidence sells it.

Don’t sweat perfection: If you’re not 100% on every word, own the vibe. Energy > accuracy in a pinch.

Communicate With the Band

Meet before the set (or during setup): Ask for any “watch-me” cues or unusual arrangements.

Use Onstage Crutches (if needed)

Lyric sheets/iPad: Totally acceptable in emergencies — just don’t live in them. Glance and go.

Monitors: Make sure you can hear yourself. Confidence takes a hit if you can’t.

Own the Stage

Be bold, even if you’re winging a verse. People want a show — give it to them.

Smile, move, and keep the crowd engaged. Your presence can smooth over any lyrical fuzz.

Keep It Cool

If something goes off the rails? Laugh it off. The band will appreciate your calm and flexibility.

{My Take}

Remember: You're helping them out on very short notice. If there are a few mistakes, so be it!

It is what it is! Do the show and go on. It's worth the experience!

GE

Traits That Separate Working Musicians From Larger Than Life Rock Stars

 The word "Rockstar - Rock Star" is thrown around quite a bit in the music industry. 

{In My Opinion As A 50 Plus Year Music Journalist}

Not all musicians qualify to be deemed as Rock Stars.

To me, Rock Stars have a unique combination of traits that make them stand out. 

Whether it's their stage presence, confidence, or their sheer talent. 

Two Of The Very Best World-Renowned Best Guitarists On Planet Earth - Bad-A$$ Rock Stars
Mitch Perry & Rowan Robertson 

----------

After talking to fans, venue management, and with the musicians themselves. Here are some key traits that they mentioned when describing what a Rock Star means to them.

 Bigger Than Life Charisma & Stage Presence

A Rock Star commands attention the moment that they step on stage. Their energy and confidence make performances unforgettable.

Passion & Dedication

Rock Stars live and breathe music, putting in hours of practice and performance. Their love for their craft keeps them going, even when the industry is tough.

Confidence & Swagger

Rock Stars exude confidence, whether on stage or in interviews. They carry themselves with an attitude that makes them larger than life.

Creativity & Originality

Rock Stars push boundaries, creating unique music and performances. Their style, sound, and persona set them apart from the rest of the musicians.

Rebellious Spirit

Rock Stars challenge norms, break rules, and carve their own paths. Rock stars are known for their nonconformist attitudes.

Hard Work & Perseverance

Rock Stars spend years honing their craft, facing rejection and setbacks. They push through struggles to achieve their dreams.

Showmanship & Entertainment Value

Rock Stars know how to work a crowd, keeping fans engaged and excited. Their performances go beyond just playing music—they create an experience.

Emotional Depth & Vulnerability

Rock Stars pour their emotions into their music, connecting deeply with fans. They express raw, real feelings through their lyrics and performances.

Strong Branding & Image

Whether it’s fashion, hair, or attitude, rock stars cultivate an iconic look. Their image becomes as legendary as their music.

Influence & Leadership

Rock Stars inspire fans, musicians, and even entire generations. Their words and actions can shape culture and trends for many years.

{My Take}

"A rock star is a charismatic, boundary-pushing musician who captivates audiences with their talent, confidence, and larger-than-life presence."

 Yes, Rock Stars are pretty special people. 

~GE~

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