Cher at Wynn

[all the same]

The word on the street is that Cher is in negotiations with the new Las Vegas casino, Wynn, for a year-long contract in the casino. The other word on the street is she has hired six drag queen Cher impersonators to join her onstage! Uh... Vegas? Are you calling me back again?

[strandinthewind]

The word on the street is that Cher is in negotiations with the new Las Vegas casino, Wynn, for a year-long contract in the casino. The other word on the street is she has hired six drag queen Cher impersonators to join her onstage! Uh... Vegas? Are you calling me back again?


I never got my call :laugh: he says while licking his lip :p

:wavey: :wavey:

Seriously, I heard that too and think it is FAB. Lord La Nicks and Cher - who could ask for anything MORE :cool:

[GateandGarden]

I wish she wouldn't do that. The whole idea of being a regular performer in Vegas is just a bad one to me. I wasn't very pleased when I heard that Celine was doing it.

Of course, it's hilarious how Cher keeps telling us that she's on the last leg of her last tour, like we can believe she'd ever stop! :lol:

[all the same]

I never got my call :laugh: he says while licking his lip :p

:wavey: :wavey:

Seriously, I heard that too and think it is FAB. Lord La Nicks and Cher - who could ask for anything MORE :cool:

Oh, Strand! The phone will ring soon enough and you and I will flip out over the greatness that is Cher togethahhhhhhh!!! She ain't no Stevie by a long shot, but crap! That would be a fun show!

[GateandGarden]

She ain't no Stevie by a long shot, but crap! That would be a fun show!But don't forget who'll still be here after the nuclear holocaust...along with the cockroaches. ;)

[all the same]

I wish she wouldn't do that. The whole idea of being a regular performer in Vegas is just a bad one to me. I wasn't very pleased when I heard that Celine was doing it.

Of course, it's hilarious how Cher keeps telling us that she's on the last leg of her last tour, like we can believe she'd ever stop! :lol:

I can COMPLETELY understand why a performer would want to work in one place for a while especially one who is getting a little older. Touring from city to city would be really exhausting to me. I see nothing wrong with Cher doing Wynn. Plus, Cher has always had the kitsch factor. Vegas is kitsch from one end of the strip to the othahhhh!

[all the same]

But don't forget who'll still be here after the nuclear holocaust...along with the cockroaches. ;)


Cher and Keith Richards will be sipping tea together while the rest of us fry!

[macfanken]

The word on the street is that Cher is in negotiations with the new Las Vegas casino, Wynn, for a year-long contract in the casino. The other word on the street is she has hired six drag queen Cher impersonators to join her onstage! Uh... Vegas? Are you calling me back again?


I can TOTALLY see Cher settling down in Vegas for a while. Cher and Las Vegas... I can't think of a more perfect match!

[GateandGarden]

I can COMPLETELY understand why a performer would want to work in one place for a while especially one who is getting a little older. Touring from city to city would be really exhausting to me. I see nothing wrong with Cher doing Wynn. Plus, Cher has always had the kitsch factor. Vegas is kitsch from one end of the strip to the othahhhh!I just dislike the atmosphere of Vegas; I find it trashy. :shrug: I can't bring myself to respect a place with countless gambling establishments. :sorry: Also, it seems like the beginning of the end when people make the decision to do some long period deal there. I think it went along with all of Celine's most recent sell-out career moves such as whoring for Chrysler and making more money she didn't need off of a cheap perfume.

[strandinthewind]

I mean most big artists are VERY lucky to make 10 million for touring for six months solid. Vegas just paid Elton something outrageous - here is the article:

Las Vegas Sun

Hand Him the Keys
John takes driver’s seat at Caesar’s for ‘The Red Piano’

By Jerry Fink Las Vegas Sun

Rocket Man lands tonight at The Colesseum. Before striking his first note in “The Red Piano,” Elton John is already an unqualified success as he begins a contract at Caesar’s Palace to substitute for Celine Dion while she is on a hiatus from her production, “A New Day…”

All of his performances through Feb. 22 have been sold out, prompting Caesar’s executives to add 16 more shows to the 25 already scheduled for 2004, bringing the total to 41.

The original contract was for 75 shows spread out over approximately three years.

“Just as Celine fans have never seen anything like ‘A New Day…,’ fans of Elton have never seen anything like ‘The Red Piano,’” Caesar’s Palace President Mark Juliano said. “And they are only going to be able to see it at Caesar’s Palace.”

“The sets, the design, the production are going to be exclusive for this show, and exclusive to this stage.”

In October, Juliano said in a joint press conference held with John and show director David LaChapelle that if each of John’s 75 performances are sold out, the production will gross $61 million.

That equates more than $810,000 per show. Based on that much, 16 new shows means an additional gross of almost $13 million.

For almost any entertainer, it is a daunting task to nightly fill a showroom the size of The Colesseum, which boasts 4,100 seats.

But apparently for the artist responsible for such hits as “Candle in the Wind,” “Daniel,” “Crocodile Rock,” “Saturday’s Alright (For Fighting)” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” (John has sold more than 200 million records), the task was not so daunting.

Ticket sales are not so hot despite high prices, which range from $100 to $250 (not including tax and handling fees).

Juliano says based on the willingness of Dion fans to pay anywhere from $87.50 to $225 to attend one of her performances, he was not surprised at the brisk sales for John’s shows.

“We have a model out here based on Celine,” Juliano said. “She was more successful than we thought she would be. We’re kind of using the same model for Elton. The ticket price is very similar, and there was no price resistance to Celine.”

Juliano said when Caesar’s executives saw the success of Dion, they decided to look for another international star to fill in for her when she was away.

“We started to develop an entertainment strategy with Celine,” he explained. “It was the first time something like that had been done in Las Vegas with a huge mega-star.”

“But she was only performing 200 dates a year here so we started trying to determine what we would use to fill in the empty spaces. The Celine concept worked brilliantly, so now we’re thinking about what other stars out there has the same broad appeal, and who would agree to commit to a three year contract.”

John and four or five other names quickly surfaced, Juliano said. He declined to say which other entertainers were under consideration.

Though Dion and John account for most of the show dates at The Colesseum, there are still enough open days on the entertainment calendar for some other performers, such as comedian Jerry Seinfeld.

In arriving at their decision for a permanent guest performer, Juliano said Caesar’s weighed the demographics of the artists’ fans – their age, income, and other factors.

“The demographics were important,” he said, “but the artists themselves were also important. They had to reach a level of being an icon, not just a trend. We had to know the person would have solid staying and selling power.”

Juliano said the decision to offer John the contract was not that difficult.

“Elton is the kind of star, similar to Celine, with a demographic base that spans multiple generations,” he said. “Some fans remember him as they were youngsters growing up, others. The newer Elton fans, have grown up with “The Lion King.”

John’s collaboration with lyricist Tim Rice of Disney’s 1994 smash-hit “King” (which until last year’s “Finding Nemo” had been the highest-grossing animated feature of all time) won him an academy award for Best Original Song (“Can You Fell the Love Tonight?”) as well as a Grammy for Best Male Pop Performance.

During last year’s news conference, John said, “When I was initially asked to do the 75 shows, I didn’t really take too long to say yes because I haven’t really done a production show since the 70’s.

“I’ve been trying to scale back, visually, my shows since those wild and lucky days and there are so many things I do on tour – I can either tour with my band, which I do; I can tour on my own, which I do; I can tour with Billy Joel. But I don’t have the chance to really do a specialized show … and I thought, you know, I could maybe do a show in Vegas that would only be seen in Vegas.”

If his past is an indication of what to expect in the future, John will as big of a hit as Dion, if not bigger.

Success has come easily for the 56-year-old pop star, born Reginald Dwight in Pinner, England. He won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music at the age of 11 and while at school performed in several small-time rock bands, including the Corvettes and the more successful R&B group Bluesology.

In 1967 John met lyricist Berni Taupin through a newspaper ad and the duo became a professional song writing team that, between 1972 and 1976, created 16 Top 20 hits – among them “Rocket Man,” “Honkey Cat,” “Levon,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Bennie and the Jets,” Philadelphia Freedom” and “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.”

In 1974 John co-wrote his and John Lennon’s No. 1 single, “Whatever Gets You Through the Night.” Juliano said fans who have seen John many times before will come to The Colesseum to see him again.

Backing John will be his usual band: guitarist Davey Johnstone, keyboardist Guy Babylon, Bassist Bob Birch, percussionist John Mahon and drummer Nigel Olsson.

Juliano says he has seen a video of the production, but he declined to discuss it. However, it has been reported there will be a liberal use of video, including Pamela Anderson on a stripper pole.

Among the songs expected to be performed are “Believe,” “Rocket Man,” “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues,” “I Want Love,” “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” “Candle in the Wind,” “Pinball Wizard” and “The Bitch is Back.”

John and director LaChapelle talked about “The Red Piano” in general terms during the October press conference announcing the agreement between the pop artist and Caesar’s. However, they have not responded to requests for interviews since then.

At that time John said the show will not be a “greatest hits” performance, in which he just sings his most popular songs.

“It’s going to be fun, packed with music and it’s going to be full of poignancy,” he said. LaChapelle, who directed John’s biographical video, “This Train Don’t Stop Here Anymore,” described the hour-and-45 minute production as a blend of concert and production show with some elaborate costuming and other surprises.

“The big challenge was how do you do this show and keep it coherent and consistent,” LaChapelle said. “I’ve taken my inspiration from Elton as an artist, but also as an appreciator and collector of art, particularly pop art.”

He said the most difficult task was which songs not to include in the show.

“You can’t cut ‘Daniel,’” LaChapelle said. “You can’t cut ‘Yellow Brick Road.’

“The hardest part has been trying to narrow it down.”

John said the production will be “a Las Vegas experience.”

“What I have set out to do is make people across America, and hopefully around the world, say, ‘We have to go to Elton John’s thing in Las Vegas.’”

[all the same]

I just dislike the atmosphere of Vegas; I find it trashy. :shrug: I can't bring myself to respect a place with countless gambling establishments. :sorry: Also, it seems like the beginning of the end when people make the decision to do some long period deal there. I think it went along with all of Celine's most recent sell-out career moves such as whoring for Chrysler and making more money she didn't need off of a cheap perfume.


Fair enough. I personally love the kitschiness of Vegas. I don't take it seriously at all. Cher is one of those performers that would fit in perfectly there. If it was someone like Emmylou Harris or Tori Amos, I would be mortified, but a performer of Cher's calibre fits in perfectly.

[strandinthewind]

Fair enough. I personally love the kitschiness of Vegas. I don't take it seriously at all. Cher is one of those performers that would fit in perfectly there. If it was someone like Emmylou Harris or Tori Amos, I would be mortified, but a performer of Cher's calibre fits in perfectly.

But even then, it is not a city of lounge acts anymore. Most places have and have had for some time now - serious and very plush theaters. I think it is a perfect sell for older artists who are tired of touring and their age sort of prevents it :shrug:

[diamondsnake]

I just dislike the atmosphere of Vegas; I find it trashy. :shrug: I can't bring myself to respect a place with countless gambling establishments. :sorry: Also, it seems like the beginning of the end when people make the decision to do some long period deal there. I think it went along with all of Celine's most recent sell-out career moves such as whoring for Chrysler and making more money she didn't need off of a cheap perfume.

I hate Celine Dion.... Just thought I would throw that out there.

But I can understand the appeal of working in Vegas for an extended period of time. Just flying a few hours to Vegas this weekend has made me completely disoriented. It's like, who am I? Where am I? Why am I? So, I can only imagine what it is like to travel the four corners of the world living out of suitcases and taking midnight planes every evening. I couldn't handle it. I understand why Christine retired from the road.

[amber]

I never got my call :laugh: he says while licking his lip :p

:wavey: :wavey:

Seriously, I heard that too and think it is FAB. Lord La Nicks and Cher - who could ask for anything MORE :cool:
You? would make a great Cher.

[strandinthewind]

You? would make a great Cher.

ALRIGHTY - that is it, I am having that sheer body suit with the leather V thing Cher wore on the the USS Missouri made tommorow - anyone have or want to be the anti-aircraft gun I straddle during the bridge :eek:

[amber]

ALRIGHTY - that is it, I am having that sheer body suit with the leather V thing Cher wore on the the USS Missouri made tommorow - anyone have or want to be the anti-aircraft gun I straddle during the bridge :eek:
Bring your own gun, honey. :cool:

[strandinthewind]

Bring your own gun, honey. :cool:

I better get a Peni$ Pump :eek:

[macfanken]

ALRIGHTY - that is it, I am having that sheer body suit with the leather V thing Cher wore on the the USS Missouri made tommorow - anyone have or want to be the anti-aircraft gun I straddle during the bridge :eek:

:shocked: :laugh:

[GateandGarden]

I hate Celine Dion.... Just thought I would throw that out there.Don't start making me cry. :laugh: You hate her English music, right? Do you know any of her French music? That's the stuff that's changed my life. She actually sounds like a real artist instead of a product in French. She's actually something unique. But anyway...

But I can understand the appeal of working in Vegas for an extended period of time. Just flying a few hours to Vegas this weekend has made me completely disoriented. It's like, who am I? Where am I? Why am I? So, I can only imagine what it is like to travel the four corners of the world living out of suitcases and taking midnight planes every evening. I couldn't handle it. I understand why Christine retired from the road.I see the points y'all are making. And they are good points, but I can't get past the whole gambling thing. :shrug: I'm going to stay in Mississippi for a few days this month and I'm thinking about how irritated I'm going to be with the casinos lining the once beautiful coast. I've talked to plenty of locals who don't like it, either. And the only decent hotels are connected to casinos. It's like that's where the money is now. There's nothing legit, IMO. But yes, I can understand why someone would be happier in one place if he or she were tired of touring and all. And I understand why Christine threw in the towel. I'm sure I would've done so long before she did.

[dissention]

The word on the street is that Cher is in negotiations with the new Las Vegas casino, Wynn, for a year-long contract in the casino. The other word on the street is she has hired six drag queen Cher impersonators to join her onstage! Uh... Vegas? Are you calling me back again?

I'll be going. :nod: :laugh:

I LOVE Cher live. Absolutely adore her live. I got to see her a couple of times with Cyndi Lauper and they're among the best shows I've ever seen. Just Like Jesse James has to be, like, her best song. Love that one.

[dissention]

But don't forget who'll still be here after the nuclear holocaust...along with the cockroaches. ;)


Cher, Jocelyn Wyldenstein, and Priscilla Presley. And probably me.

[dissention]

I wish she wouldn't do that. The whole idea of being a regular performer in Vegas is just a bad one to me. I wasn't very pleased when I heard that Celine was doing it.

Of course, it's hilarious how Cher keeps telling us that she's on the last leg of her last tour, like we can believe she'd ever stop! :lol:

She used to be a regular performer in Vegas for years. During the height of Vegas cheese, no less.

[GateandGarden]

She used to be a regular performer in Vegas for years. During the height of Vegas cheese, no less.Really? I didn't know that.

[dissention]

Really? I didn't know that.

During the early-eighties and then again in the late-eighties/early-nineties before she took a break due to exhaustion and then turned up on infomercials. :nod: There was an even an officially released "Cher In Vegas" video, clips of which you can see on her Behind the Music.

[GateandGarden]

...and then turned up on infomercials.Oh no! Mustn't speak of that! :laugh::lol:

[dissention]

Oh no! Mustn't speak of that! :laugh::lol:


I wonder if anyone has one of them on tape. I'd *die* to see it again. :laugh:

[strandinthewind]

. . . Jocelyn Wyldenstein . . . .

EEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Did she ever get any of her husband's Nazi war profiteering art money?

[StevieNicksEO17]

Of course, it's hilarious how Cher keeps telling us that she's on the last leg of her last tour, like we can believe she'd ever stop! :lol:

Yeah, I saw her in 2004 and she came back in 2005 and I was talking to my dad about it and he's like "Wait, she's touring again, I thought last year was her final tour!" ...I then found out she was going to be with the Village People and changed my mind.

[dissention]

EEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Did she ever get any of her husband's Nazi war profiteering art money?

I believe she did. :nod: She just premiered her new face last week, too. Good gawd.