Jim Allen was understated when talking about how Hard Rock Las Vegas will be different from the Mirage.
“We have great respect for Steve and Elaine Wynn, but what we’re planning is nothing like the Mirage,” Hard Rock International’s chairman said hours before the hotel closed on Wednesday. “A guitar-shaped building, about 700 feet tall and lined with suites, would be quite a legendary presence on the Las Vegas skyline.”
It’s no surprise that Hard Rock chose the guitar shape for its Las Vegas tower, as the company also uses the design for its Seminole Hard Rock in Florida.
But I wanted some other instruments that were specific to the Strip, like a giant snare drum, a stand-up bass, a Hammond B3, or maybe a tambourine, or maybe a keyboard or a cowbell.
Guitarists and music fans may be wondering what type of guitar inspired this tower. Was it a Gibson? Fender? Or some other brand? The Seminole Hard Rock tower resembles Les Paul’s Gibson, but has not been identified as such.
Allen said the instrument is “universal.”
“We want to be respectful of our friends at Gibson and Fender,” the veteran executive said. “We have very good relationships with both companies, and because it’s generic, we’re not infringing on their patents.”
Like Hard Rock Cafes and hotels around the world, the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas was filled with famous rock memorabilia: stage costumes worn by Prince, Mick Jagger and Britney Spears, a key to the city given to Elvis, Nikki Sixx’s bike and several guitars arranged in order were displayed under glass around the casino.
Allen says there are plans to bring some of the production back to Las Vegas, but the city’s next Hard Rock will likely broaden its cultural appeal even further.
“There will definitely be memorabilia, but certainly, Hard Rock today is a lot different than it was back in the day,” Allen said. “We’re not covering the walls with memorabilia. We’re doing museum-quality history, and we’re trying to educate people, and it’s from all walks of life, all music, all cultures, and it’s certainly not just based on rock ‘n’ roll.”
With a guitar that provides equal opportunity, you can play any genre of music.
Mirage’s Respect
Allen traveled almost all the way off the Strip to admire the Mirage on its final day.
“Today is not about the Hard Rock, it’s about the legacy of the Mirage,” the executive said. In an official statement, he said Seminole tribal members did not attend the final day out of respect for the hotel’s employees. “This is a building that changed gambling on a global scale. We are excited to move on to the next chapter, the next step, but we are sad to see a great resort close its doors.”
First visit, last message
Allen was an executive at the Trump Taj Mahal, now the Hard Rock Atlantic City, when he first visited the Mirage.
“I came here in the late 1990s, and the Taj Mahal had just opened in April 1990,” Allen said. “We came here to see this legendary building that had just been built and the atmosphere. It was just beautiful.”
Allen told the former Mirage employees, “We’re very grateful for their efforts and look forward to the future when we start hiring again. We expect to hire between 5,000 and 6,000 people, and we hope they’ll be interested in joining Hard Rock.”
These employees are remarkable. I’ve been to several last-minute nights and events over the past few years and can say that many of these resorts (Frontier and Desert Inn come to mind) are just about rubbish. However, the Mirage staff went above and beyond to keep the property in excellent condition. By the end, the historic resort was regal, sparkling and immaculate.
NYE, EDM, and Spheres
Anyma’s reign as Sphere’s first one-night headliner lasted for three days.
“The End of Genesys” Afterlife event featuring EDM stars has been extended from Dec. 29 to 31 for a total of three shows. The additional dates were announced Wednesday. Tickets go on sale Tuesday at 9 a.m. Pacific time at after.life/spherelasvegas. The show is a partnership between Live Nation Las Vegas and Sphere. The New Year’s Eve show was announced Monday.
Anyma is the solo project of DJ and producer Matteo Milleri, one half of the Italian music production and EDM duo Tale of Us. Milleri is also co-founder of Afterlife Records, and the NYE show will mark his Las Vegas debut.
Enima is known for her albums Genesys and Genesys II, as well as her highly inventive live performances. The artist is known for fusing music, technology and art. According to a release announcing the production, Afterlife promises to be “a multi-dimensional platform for innovative artists and visually sensational installations.”
Cool Hang Alert
“We’re looking forward to another packed, fun night!” says Lisa Gay. The incredible Las Vegas vocalist will perform “Living Room Live” at the Dispensary Lounge on Thursday, July 25th from 8pm to 11pm. Musical Director and Keyboardist Demetrios Pappas, Bassist Brahm Shelley, Guitarist Dave Hart and Drummer Peppe Merola are the stars of the show. It’s a show that has it all. There is no admission fee, but a two-drink minimum is required. Visit thedispensarylounge.com for more information. And as always, be sure to try a cheeseburger.
John Katsilometes’ column appears daily in Section A. His “PodKats!” podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on X and @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.