If home is where the heart is, then The Heiz’s home is Las Vegas. The Japanese rock band played at Vegas’ own Double Down Saloon eight times in 2009 and just wrapped up a mini-tour with two shows there last weekend.

The Heiz, (pronounced “haze”) might be the Double Down’s pride and joy. Just ask any of the bartenders (who were all wearing “The Heiz” shirts) or the bouncer at the door. In 2009, guitarist/singer Shaku Keiji asked bar owner P Moss if more gigs could be booked at the local spot. Moss obliged, and the band has since garnered a cult-status following. “We want to come to Las Vegas as [often] as we can,” Keiji says. “Las Vegas people really rock ’n’ roll.”

The set was scattered with covers ("I Wanna Be Sedated", "Hound Dog", "Johnny B. Goode") and songs like "Don’t Let Me Down" easily drew comparisons to The Beatles.

Most of the time The Heiz are far off in Japan, but for a few shows throughout the year, Las Vegas is undoubtedly their home away from home.