rev:text
| - I booked a last minute trip to Vegas when I found a cheap plane ticket and realized my (second) favorite band, Steel Panther, was playing that weekend. As much as I love Steel Panther and not much can ruin one of their kick ass shows...I kinda hated this venue.
The night started off rough when I was forced to remove my belt and check it for $3 (or I had the option to "bring it back to my car"...because...yeah right. Everyone cabs in Vegas, and my hotel was a mile and a half away). My belt was studded but the studs were flat and definitely weren't going to hurt anywhere. And yet security didn't confiscate my bracelet with huge spikes, which, according to the sign I saw upon arriving, was prohibited. Dumb.
The actual space inside has a lot of character, but if you like to be in the front row like me, the stage is awkwardly high, (a foot or so above eye level, and I'm 6'0"), which makes for an uncomfortable viewing experience. Drinks are also outrageously expensive -- even for Vegas. If you want to be tipsy for a show, don't bother trying to do it here. $11 for a shot of their cheapest rail whiskey (and it was an extra small shot glass, too) was just ridiculous. I get that it's a concert venue in Vegas so it's gonna be pricey...but I was shocked.
Of course, Steel Panther always kicks ass. They have so much energy and are so freaking funny. It was my fifth time seeing them (I'd seen them in 3 other states and 4 other venues previously), and I was really sad to see their set cut short. They changed up their set and played all the songs I'd never heard live before, which was super cool, but then they cut their set short! I don't know if that was a House of Blues policy or something, but the show ended pretty early (around 12:30)...and there was no encore! First time I've seen them that they didn't return to do an encore and play Community Property and Party All Day. I was pretty bummed. I could've watched them play for hours more. Also Steel Panther shows always get wild and inappropriate and a little nude, but the House of Blues apparently has stricter limits on what they'll allow compared to other venues.
If a band I love is playing in Vegas and they're only playing here, I suppose I'd return. But it's definitely not my first choice for a venue.
|