Tribute shows have long been a staple of the Las Vegas Strip. However, with legendary bands now taking up extended residencies, impersonator shows have become more challenging to thrive.
“Legends in Concert,” the Strip’s longest-running show featuring various tribute acts, closed in the summer of 2023.
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Jersey Boys departure
In the past year, the Strip also lost a Michael Jackson tribute show, while the high-priced “Meatloaf: Bat Out of Hell” musical lasted only a month at Caesars Entertainment’s Paris Las Vegas.
“Jersey Boys,” a musical based on the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, closed at the off-Strip Showroom at The Orleans Hotel & Casino on July 7.
This followed multiple Strip engagements since 2008, including stints at The Palazzo Theatre and Paris Las Vegas, before closing in September 2016 after more than eight years.
Additionally, “Beatles: Love,” one of the biggest shows in Strip history based on popular music, also closed on July 7.
This Cirque du Soleil production didn’t shut down due to a lack of interest but was a casualty of the Mirage’s impending shutdown.
Tribute bands often gain prominence when the honored artists are no longer performing. Iconic acts like The Beatles, Elvis Presley, and Abba have inspired countless impersonators and tribute shows.
Michael Jackson has also been a major draw for tribute performances. Like Elvis, his larger-than-life persona is recognized worldwide.
Spice Girls departing the Strip
The Spice Girls fit this mold as well. Though they are mostly inactive (apart from a performance at the Olympics a few years ago), they feature five distinctive members.
Tributes to the Spice Girls resonate because their biggest hits are widely known across multiple generations.
For many women, the Spice Girls were a significant part of their youth, a legacy they now share with their daughters.
Since they can’t attend a live performance by the actual artists, a tribute band seemed like the next best option. This made “Spice Wannabe: The Spice Girls Tribute” a seemingly safe bet for MGM Resorts International’s (MGM) Excalibur.
However, the show struggled to sell enough tickets consistently and will be closing on July 28.
Despite its closure at Excalibur’s Thunderland Showroom, the Spice Girls tribute show has a life beyond the Strip and will continue to tour across the United States.
“‘Spice Wannabe’ is taking us back to the ’90s with their high-energy show, paying tribute to the best-selling girl group of all time, The Spice Girls! With five-part harmonies, original choreography, iconic costumes, and British accents, this Girl Power cast delivers a nostalgic experience sure to ‘Spice Up Your Life,'” the production stated on its website.
The producers are actively seeking venues and events to stage their show.
“Contact us today to bring ‘Spice Wannabe’ The Spice Girls Tribute to a location near you. Perfect for performing arts centers, casinos, festivals, corporate events, and special occasions,” the company added.
The Las Vegas version’s closure may reflect changing market demands.
With so many tourists in town for only a few days, they might prefer to see major acts like Adele, Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Garth Brooks, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, and other big names rather than a tribute act.
You’ll check back here regularly to stay updated on the news.
Mirage to give away $1.6 million?
Before The Mirage closes next week and transforms into a Hard Rock guitar-themed hotel and casino, it has a parting gift for its guests.
The resort and casino are giving away $1.6 million in prizes, which includes $1.2 million in progressive slot money and $400,000 in progressive table game cash.
This money must be distributed before The Mirage ceases gaming operations.
Hard Rock International is hosting a final mega promotion over six days to ensure this happens.
Starting Tuesday, The Mirage progressive final cash giveaway will feature $200,000 in guaranteed winnings on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday before the excitement increases to $250,000 for the remaining days.
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