Once upon a time, the live-rock scene in Vegas was something not to be messed with. We had dozens of outstanding local bands like King Cartel, 12-Volt Sex, Inside Scarlet, Mama Zeus and Watson Family. At the scene's epicenter was the Boston. I can't tell you how many drunken nights I spent rocking out there. But the rock scene eventually fizzled and the Boston sank into memory.
Last year, the Boston reopened at a new location on Maryland Parkway and Flamingo Road. The new owners promised a return of the glory days. But it didn't happen. I assume that either the bands weren't there or the management couldn't get it together.
Now, again under new management, the same promise has been made. Friday, the Boston, along with Scary Perry Productions and Two Ring Music, presented One Scary Evening. It was wall-to-wall rocking action.
The lineup included LA acts Rodney and Elegant Bastards, plus local acts Last Rites, Fasodd and Bankok Shok. Bankok Shok?! These guys have been rocking Vegas since I was kid! Also on the bill were Powerslave, a tribute to Iron Maiden, and ThundHerStruck—an all-girl tribute to AC/DC. (How can a girl as fine as Dyna Shirasaki sound simultaneously so much like Bon Scott and Brian Johnson?)
I loved this latest Boston; I just hope it lasts. With the recent international success of the Vegas-bred Killers, perhaps interest in Vegas rock will grow. I hope this inspires new local bands, too. Regardless, the Boston can be a key factor in the regrowth of live rock in Vegas.
I made a trip to the Hard Rock's gorgeous Body English for the swanky launch of the resort's new official magazine, HRH. As far as magazine launch parties, it was pretty standard. Open bar, sample magazines and gift bags. There was some great music from DJ AM, and did I mention the open bar? Drunken musings aside, the magazine kicks ass.
Every major resort has its own "official" magazine, usually nothing more than brochures for the resort. But HRH is different: a great story on Bowie, an interview with new Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo, an article on artist Chris "Coop" Cooper (the devil-girl guy), and some great music reviews from occasional Weekly contributor Lonn Friend. With the successful debut of Body English, the looniness of Beacher's Madhouse, the genius of Rehab, and now this, it's been a banner year at the Hard Rock.
You can catch the rocking sounds of DJ AM, one of the best residents in town, each and every Sunday at Body English.
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