Las Vegas/Aerosmith....

[Yessongs]

So we hit Las Vegas for 5 nights, Southwest Airlines/Hotel Package deal and stayed at “The Mirage” Temperatures the entire stay were between 90 and 93 degrees, warm, but certainly comfortable by the pool and especially at night in the 70’s.

Got a “King Room” that was very nice on the 8th floor. Hit 3 shows that included Aerosmith at the Park MGM Hotel/Casino.

Fantasy…Well that one was for me, a topless girl show with dancers, comedians, singers, sexy role play etc. Played at “Luxor” and was good, not a tattoo in sight and the girls well……they were quite nice, not a bad one in the group, all natural. No pictures allowed. Wifey looks over at me and says “Oiii, they let the girls come out like this and show their breast’?  I said “I had no idea they would do this” LOL! She is kind of “naive” to some things here still. 

Cirque Du Soleil, Michael Jackson “One”…. Another great Cirque show, this was not Michael Jackson impersonators at all. These were all the Cirque guys/gals doing some phenomenal gymnastics/acrobatics to his music and they did not disappoint…well worth the money playing at “Mandalay Bay” They were coming down from the ceiling/rafters, they were flying all over the place, the dancing was incredible by these performers, the message they portrayed for his music was second to none. No pictures allowed. 

So we hit all the hotels in the area for buffet dinners at night at Bellagio, Cosmopolitan, Park MGM, Wynn and of course after a few nights, we had to try the local Thai food restaurant where wifey “dusted” about 5 different types of dishes. She did give me the “Tilapia” and the “Pineapple Fried Rice” which was good. Walked around a lot during the day on the strip, hit different food places during the walk, hit the pool at Mirage everyday for an hour or so. 

Got to give it up to Las Vegas, the vibe there is still good, streets on the strip are impeccably clean and the night life is still fun after all of these years. Had a great time, eat, drink and gamble.  The Fountains at night at Bellagio and the Volcanoes at Mirage still fun to watch. 

 

 

Went to see Aerosmith at Park MGM Las Vegas.  They have been doing a residency there since 2019. Nice hotel/casino and no smoking anywhere at either location.  The Dolby Theater, 5,200 seats and not a bad seat there. Sat in Sec 305, Row B and it was perfect.

Aerosmith is now the ONLY band in music history that have been together for 50 years with all of the original band members still playing with the band. Yep Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton and Joey Kramer still going strong. Sadly, Joey Kramer was not there for this round of shows, as his wife died July 22nd and he is just taking some time off.

There is a reason why these guys are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Steven Tyler is in The Songwriters Hall of Fame…..simply put, these guys are still great, no mistake about it. Can’t believe last time I saw them was in 1982. 

Their stage presence and delivery is spot on, the lights, staging, sound and performance is second to none.

8:00pm show time, no opening band, they have these huge screens that play 30 minutes worth of interviews, footage of the band from back many years ago, interviews with every band member etc.etc. until 8:15pm they come on. 

The screens ascend high into the air to reveal the stage and out they come from behind the drummer. There was no doubt Aerosmith was in the house, with that opening Drum Rhythm and Joe Perry’s Riff leading the way for the opener “Back In The Saddle Again” I knew it was going to be a good night. Buffet dinner before the show and wifey had a few drinks….and she was already pumping her fist in the air……as was I and everyone else around us. Good lord, some of the women there were dressed to the “9”s” 

Steven Tyler was certainly up for the task as the “Screaming Demon” was on his game, even at 74 years old.  Having had a few months off now, and starting up this 15 show residency “The Bad Boys From Boston” are certainly performing at a high level. They played all of the great music from the past 50 years or so and no one was complaining. 

 Continuing the night saw the following play list ...“Same Old Song and Dance”  “Rag Doll”  “Crying”  “Love in an Elevator”  They reached way back to 1975 for “Toys in the Attic”  where these well….toys descended far from the rafters down to stage level. 

They just tore it up with “Living on The Edge” (my personal favorite) They also played “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” from the movie “Armageddon” where it won both a Grammy and an Academy Award for Best Song. “Sweet Emotion” was next up and then closed the night with a blistering version of “Dude Looks Like a Lady” 

10 minute wait for the encore where Steven Tyler comes out with a cape on and a Baby Grand Piano rises from under the stage and they launch into “Dream On”  that was just outstanding. But….Joe Perry was not to be out done and his opening “Riff” leads them into “Walk This Way” to close the show where this “Cat Walk” descends from the rafters on to the stage where Tyler and Perry literally walk out high above the stage into the audience and right above us screaming “Walk This Way……. Talk This Way”!! 

Well done to Aerosmith for being relevant and still playing well in 2022. Life is good! 

 

[jcolorado]

Very well done. Thanks.

[boydeste]

Living the dream Mike. 

Thanks for sharing the pics.

[Sangsom]

Nice, was supposed to be there next month but I blew my Achilles playing tennis the other day, in doubt now, will find out what they say at the hospital tomorrow ☹️

[Aqualung]

Wow!... 

Mike, brilliant narrative / review and top notch photos to go with it. 

Never had the chance to see Tyler and the boys. Great band for sure. 

Tfp. 

[Mr. Smooth]

I had no idea about Aerosmith being the only band in rock and roll history to have been together 50 years with all the original members still intact! Despite all the drugs and alcohol abuse back in the 70's and 80's, and I'm sure since then, quite an achievement to still be alive, never mind still relevant in the music world. I imagine Tyler can still hit the high notes in "Dream On"?

Fantastic pics, and once again, you and the Mrs make a very elegant couple. Glad you enjoyed the visit.

I'll be having a look around Las Vegas soon enough for a potential residency of another kind and see what sort of an impression I get.

Of course, mine won't be along the Strip.

[Freee!!]

7 minutes ago, Mr. Smooth said:

I had no idea about Aerosmith being the only band in rock and roll history to have been together 50 years with all the original members still intact!

Golden Earring made it to sixty years with the two founding members and made it to a bit more than 50 years with a core group of four. Unfortunately, one of them was diagnosed with ALS so they decided to stop in 2021.

[roomark]

Looks like you had a brilliant time.

Top notch pictures too.

Living the life.

Good on you mate .

Keep on keeping on.

[Glasseye]

Great report Yes !

 

Was wifey able to give you a little hand action at the show ?

 

I remember back in I'd guess the early 2000's Aeorsmith came to play at the Assembly Hall (UI campus). I had just gotten in from the traffic detail and if I remember during a break in the show. The place was packed, but at that particular moment unusually quiet. All the lights were off inside the Hall and onstage. The only thing that was lit were two side curtains on opposite sides at the front of the stage (the Aeorsmith logo on both were light).

 

Suddenly a very loud crash and the two side curtains fell to the floor. At that same moment "Back in the Saddle" began cranking as loud as you could imagine (but not painfully). The sound quality was perfects (not easy for a place like the Assembly Hall). The lights slammed on and they were right in font of me. They ripped through that piece perfectly. 

 

I didn't care much for Aeorsmith in their early days, but I have to say they grew on me over the years. Somebody with good management skills surely came along and put them were they are today.

Back in the Saddle happens to be my fav. of theirs. IMO one of the best all time classic rock songs.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX8GG3dnsp8

 

 

 

[galenkia]

Brilliant report as usual Mike.

And Rachanee looking lovely as always.

[galenkia]

17 hours ago, Freee!! said:

Golden Earring made it to sixty years with the two founding members and made it to a bit more than 50 years with a core group of four. Unfortunately, one of them was diagnosed with ALS so they decided to stop in 2021.

Lot of bands still going 50+ year's with some of the original members.

Scorpions,Quo,Uriah Heep, Stones etc off the top of my head.

[Yessongs]

On 9/19/2022 at 9:19 AM, jcolorado said:

Very well done. Thanks.

Thanks, good times for sure.

On 9/19/2022 at 10:13 AM, boydeste said:

Living the dream Mike. 

Thanks for sharing the pics.

Thanks Stu, Vegas never disappoints. There were a few " fish" in and around the casino LOL!  Good lord some of these women are just fine looking. 

On 9/19/2022 at 10:52 AM, Sangsom said:

Nice, was supposed to be there next month but I blew my Achilles playing tennis the other day, in doubt now, will find out what they say at the hospital tomorrow ☹️

Wow, not good, of course one gets a major injury right before you want to go on  a vacation. If you have to re-schedule, I would, you do not want to be on crutches walking down the strip. 

On 9/19/2022 at 10:55 AM, Aqualung said:

Wow!... 

Mike, brilliant narrative / review and top notch photos to go with it. 

Never had the chance to see Tyler and the boys. Great band for sure. 

Tfp. 

Thanks Steve, Aerosmith is the real deal...no doubt about it. 

21 hours ago, Mr. Smooth said:

I had no idea about Aerosmith being the only band in rock and roll history to have been together 50 years with all the original members still intact! Despite all the drugs and alcohol abuse back in the 70's and 80's, and I'm sure since then, quite an achievement to still be alive, never mind still relevant in the music world. I imagine Tyler can still hit the high notes in "Dream On"?

Fantastic pics, and once again, you and the Mrs make a very elegant couple. Glad you enjoyed the visit.

I'll be having a look around Las Vegas soon enough for a potential residency of another kind and see what sort of an impression I get.

Of course, mine won't be along the Strip.

Steven Tyler has had his share of drugs and alcohol over the years, that's for sure. He goes into re-hab, gets well and falls off the wagon again and again. But.....when is clean and sober, that guys vocals are second to none, even at 74 years old. Head off to "Summerlin" or "Henderson" and the locals tell me these are really nice communities for a retirement or second home etc. 

20 hours ago, roomark said:

Looks like you had a brilliant time.

Top notch pictures too.

Living the life.

Good on you mate .

Keep on keeping on.

Yeah buddy, trying to have some fun in life while we can you know. You ever been to Las Vegas? You and wifey and your Son's would have a blast there. 

4 hours ago, Glasseye said:

Great report Yes !

 

Was wifey able to give you a little hand action at the show ?

 

I remember back in I'd guess the early 2000's Aeorsmith came to play at the Assembly Hall (UI campus). I had just gotten in from the traffic detail and if I remember during a break in the show. The place was packed, but at that particular moment unusually quiet. All the lights were off inside the Hall and onstage. The only thing that was lit were two side curtains on opposite sides at the front of the stage (the Aeorsmith logo on both were light).

 

Suddenly a very loud crash and the two side curtains fell to the floor. At that same moment "Back in the Saddle" began cranking as loud as you could imagine (but not painfully). The sound quality was perfects (not easy for a place like the Assembly Hall). The lights slammed on and they were right in font of me. They ripped through that piece perfectly. 

 

I didn't care much for Aeorsmith in their early days, but I have to say they grew on me over the years. Somebody with good management skills surely came along and put them were they are today.

Back in the Saddle happens to be my fav. of theirs. IMO one of the best all time classic rock songs.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX8GG3dnsp8

 

 

 

Hand action at the show? OMG Glass, she's a nice Buddhist gal LOL!  They are really liking this residency as Steven Tyler told everyone, no more getting on planes, checking into hotels etc.  Cool that you got to see them early on. 

4 hours ago, galenkia said:

Brilliant report as usual Mike.

And Rachanee looking lovely as always.

Thanks Alan, you go to get to Las Vegas, rumor has it that in 2023, Metallica is in negotiations at Park MGM for a residency......my Son told me. This would be a great place to see them.

[Mrmango]

21 hours ago, Mr. Smooth said:

I'll be having a look around Las Vegas soon enough for a potential residency of another kind and see what sort of an impression I get.

I now live in North Vegas full time and I love it!

21 hours ago, Mr. Smooth said:

Of course, mine won't be along the Strip

In one year I have to the strip 1 time to visit my sister who visited. 

My house is literally within walking distance to a local Casino/Hotel so there is no reason to fight the traffic and tourists.

[Mrmango]

2 minutes ago, Yessongs said:

Head off to "Summerlin" or "Henderson" and the locals tell me these are really nice communities for a retirement or second home etc. 

Don't forget far North Las Vegas! Less traffic than either Summerland or Henderson.

BTW, which resort had the Buddha statue? I might take my TW there. 

[Yessongs]

Just a side note I forgot to mention. Apparently a certain someone got under the bands skin recently that came out somewhere on Social Media right?  

I guess David Copperfield took it upon himself to say something like " Well, are they going to start bringing the buses from the Senior Citizens homes to start seeing these band now coming to Las Vegas"???

Well.......Steven Tyler is not one to take that lightly and said to everyone at the show last week "Hey, just want to thank everyone that came out to our show tonite, we know you all have alot of choices and it is good that you did not go see that stupid, fucking magic show down the street" !!!  

Game....Set...Match to Steven Tyler.......I like this guy.....well done to him! 

 

[Yessongs]

3 minutes ago, Mrmango said:

Don't forget far North Las Vegas! Less traffic than either Summerland or Henderson.

BTW, which resort had the Buddha statue? I might take my TW there. 

That Buddha Statue was in front on the side of Caesars Palace. 

[Pumpuynarak]

Great pics a TR Mike TFP, wifey looks lovely as usual 👍

[Britboy]

Great Trip Report, Vegas is awesome and just love going there.

Always stay at Bellagio, been going there for years. Wire some dosh over to them into your account and you're set, even if you end up winning . . 😁

Mind you, they monitor your every move on the tables to see if you're "worthy" enough to get comp'd (length of time, average bet, etc.).

Don't want to TF but I'm going to try and upload a video I took from my suite of the Bellagio fountain at night. Just fantastic . . . Hope it plays ok . . .

 

 

Edited September 21, 2022 by Britboy
It wouldn't load . .

[Yessongs]

13 hours ago, Pumpuynarak said:

Great pics a TR Mike TFP, wifey looks lovely as usual 👍

Thanks Cliff, how do I look? LOL! 

 

59 minutes ago, Britboy said:

Great Trip Report, Vegas is awesome and just love going there.

Always stay at Bellagio, been going there for years. Wire some dosh over to them into your account and you're set, even if you end up winning . . 😁

Mind you, they monitor your every move on the tables to see if you're "worthy" enough to get comp'd (length of time, average bet, etc.).

Don't want to TF but I'm going to try and upload a video I took from my suite of the Bellagio fountain at night. Just fantastic . . . Hope it plays ok . . .

 

 

Yeah Vegas never disappoints for sure, nothing but good times there over the years. In 2004 eight of us went on a " boys club" tour for 4 days there. We went wild at "Cheetahs" One of my buddies the next day told me I spent like $1,200 on lap dances??  How did he know?  Apparently one of the girls from Seattle who was " taking care" of me in the VIP room told him. No better place on the planet to "act the fool" then Las Vegas......Pattaya coming in a close second? 

Bellagio is great, the suites there are second to none, the fountain show is STILL great after all of these years. Glad you experienced good times there also. 

[galenkia]

1 hour ago, Yessongs said:

Thanks Cliff, how do I look? LOL! 

 

Yeah Vegas never disappoints for sure, nothing but good times there over the years. In 2004 eight of us went on a " boys club" tour for 4 days there. We went wild at "Cheetahs" One of my buddies the next day told me I spent like $1,200 on lap dances??  How did he know?  Apparently one of the girls from Seattle who was " taking care" of me in the VIP room told him. No better place on the planet to "act the fool" then Las Vegas......Pattaya coming in a close second? 

Bellagio is great, the suites there are second to none, the fountain show is STILL great after all of these years. Glad you experienced good times there also. 

Never been to Vegas before, but the Metallica show's you mentioned sound tempting. Not into the gambling side but am up for seeing some show's and some ladies company.

[Stillearly]

Only been to Vegas once for a Stag party , we were lucky there was $2 to the £ at the time ...

the strip clubs were strange , if you wanted full nudity they could only serve soft drinks in the club , but with topless, alcohol was okay ....

found one place called Penthouse  that was open 24 hours , the girls were very friendly in the private booths ... I left at 8 in the morning ....  no idea how much I spent 🙃

[Britboy]

12 hours ago, Yessongs said:

Thanks Cliff, how do I look? LOL! 

 

Yeah Vegas never disappoints for sure, nothing but good times there over the years. In 2004 eight of us went on a " boys club" tour for 4 days there. We went wild at "Cheetahs" One of my buddies the next day told me I spent like $1,200 on lap dances??  How did he know?  Apparently one of the girls from Seattle who was " taking care" of me in the VIP room told him. No better place on the planet to "act the fool" then Las Vegas......Pattaya coming in a close second? 

Bellagio is great, the suites there are second to none, the fountain show is STILL great after all of these years. Glad you experienced good times there also. 

It's a shame my Bellagio fountain show video won't play. It loads ok, but won't play. Shot on my iphone and is a .MOV file, but it's also 96.1 mb, so that may also be a problem.

We hit the lap dancing places too, even got 4 of them to come back to my Bellagio suite from For Your Eyes Only. Christ we had a good time and the girls were just great. Cost a small fortune of course.

I'd say Vegas comes a fairly distant 2nd to Pattaya. Could have had the same "entertainment" with 4 girls in my Jomtien condo for a fraction of the price and would have been just as much fun.

[maipenrai]

I've only been to Vegas once, in 2018 with a girlfriend who talked me into it; I was hesitant at first because I am not a gambler but she had air and hotel discounts so we went for four days and stayed in a beautiful room in the Venetian. She was happy to spend most of the daytime shopping while I explored and barhopped and we caught a couple of shows in the evenings. I'd love to go back myself sometime, although I don't generally gamble I did enjoy the bar life there - lots of venues and very easy to meet people. On the last day she wanted to take an all-day bus tour to the Grand Canyon which I wasn't into, having been there before, so she went on her own and I went out to the racetrack and rented a Ferrari instead.

[Yessongs]

On 9/23/2022 at 9:19 AM, maipenrai said:

I've only been to Vegas once, in 2018 with a girlfriend who talked me into it; I was hesitant at first because I am not a gambler but she had air and hotel discounts so we went for four days and stayed in a beautiful room in the Venetian. She was happy to spend most of the daytime shopping while I explored and barhopped and we caught a couple of shows in the evenings. I'd love to go back myself sometime, although I don't generally gamble I did enjoy the bar life there - lots of venues and very easy to meet people. On the last day she wanted to take an all-day bus tour to the Grand Canyon which I wasn't into, having been there before, so she went on her own and I went out to the racetrack and rented a Ferrari instead.

Alot has changed since then, even 4 years ago. I love the place still. I don't really gamble either, the shows are second to none though. 

[Yessongs]

Well, sad to see this, heard the rumors back in Sept when we were there. The Mirage is iconic in my opinion. Not sure the " demographics" of the people that went and stayed at The Mirage are going to support the new Hard Rock Hotel.....

@Mr. SmoothPerhaps you can stop by at some point and "hoist" one for me and all of the others who have been here. 

 

https://thenevadaindependent.com/article/hard-rock-to-operate-the-mirage-through-2023-before-billions-in-renovation