Las Vegas is often called the City of Sin. The reason is simple. Vegas is the city of gambling and debauchery. Some of the biggest and most popular casinos pepper the city’s streets. The biggest poker tournaments are held in Vegas, and you will also find blackjack and even slot events.
However, Las Vegas is not all about gambling. Bands have held incredible shows in Sin City, attracting thousands, if not millions, of fans. And what music genre can be better identified with Las Vegas than rock ‘n’ roll? From Elvis’ Viva Las Vegas to Motörhead’s Ace Of Spades, gambling is a staple theme of rock and Metal. So, just what was the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll in Sin City?
The ’70s and ’80s
The ’70s and ’80s were a prime time for gambling. The glitz and glamour of casinos had just reached its peak, in large part thanks to the numerous gambling-based films that were released in cinema. Tourists were flooding Vegas’ hotels, motels, and B&Bs, hoping to emulate the characters that they loved.
Today, Las Vegas remains one of America’s most visited tourist destinations. Though a lot of people prefer playing their favourite games at live dealer casino websites, many still want to experience the thrill of Sin City.
However, in the ’70s and ’80s, land-based casinos were your only venue for gambling. So, it is no surprise that Vegas’ tourist rates were a lot higher. And it is also unsurprising that many of the biggest bands of the time organized massive rock concerts.
But what were the biggest rock concerts of the era, you may wonder? Well, in the next section, we are going to name a few of the most successful Las Vegas rock concerts of all time.
The Doors, Las Vegas Ice Palace, 1969
Though the legendary Doors concert took place in 1969, it served as a portent of what was to come. Legendary frontman Jim Morrison took the stage in the Las Vegas Ice Palace, despite several prior arrests for various criminal acts throughout the city.
Sin City’s district attorney, apparently, had it out for Jim Morrison and even claimed he would arrest him for the tiniest mistake. Understandably, the controversy brought an even bigger crowd to the Ice Palace, and 1969’s Door’s concert is still remembered as one of the most legendary performances of all time.
Kiss w/ Rush, Sahara Space Center, 1975
There are very few names in rock ‘n’ roll that are more recognisable than Kiss. The unique style, which inspired plenty of imitators, the polished hard rock sound, and the incredible stage performances all led to Kiss’ 1975 Las Vegas performance being one of the best of all time. Reportedly, one fan claimed that they “only paid $700 for the concert.” Certainly, it was a performance worth remembering.
Ramones, Moyer Student Union, 1984
The harbingers of punk music, the Ramones, certainly deserve a mention in this article. One of the most iconic and memorable bands of all time, the Ramones are responsible for a whole genre of rock music. According to fans that were there when they heard Dee Dee’s iconic “1, 2, 3 ,4!” The entire venue went into an uproar.
