What Music Fans Want To See When They Go To See A Band?

 When I go see a band to review their performance, I look for a wide range of things. 

Like how they handle themselves on and off of the stage. 

Their sound as well as their visual performance. 

Their choice of music. How they begin and end their performance.

And how they treat their fans. 

Remember, I'm also a fan. So, I enjoy watching and listening to music just like all the fans do.

This brings me to today's blog. 

"What Music Fans Want To See When They Go To See A Band"

When music fans go to see a band, they often have a range of expectations that elevate the experience. Here are some of the things that typically stand out. (What I've Heard)

Connection to the Band’s Style: Fans want to hear music performed in a way that reflects the band’s unique sound and energy.

Live Sound Quality: The sound should be clear and balanced, reflecting the essence of studio recordings but with the energy of a live setting.

Crowd Interaction: Bands that acknowledge the audience, share stories, or involve fans create a memorable experience.

Energy and Charisma: A charismatic front person or musician with high energy can captivate an audience.

Classic Hits: Fans expect to hear the band’s biggest hits.

Deep Cuts or New Material: Some fans also appreciate lesser-known tracks or fresh songs that showcase the band's evolution.

Stage Design and Lighting: Visuals like lighting, pyrotechnics, or thematic stage elements enhance the atmosphere.

Costumes and Stage Presence: Bands that dress the part or have a theatrical presence often leave a lasting impression.

Technical Skills: Fans often admire impressive guitar solos, drum solos, or vocal prowess.

Improvisation: Unique arrangements or spontaneous jams can make a show feel special.

Relatable Moments: Personal stories, tributes, or heartfelt messages can deepen the emotional connection.

Sing-Alongs: Inviting the audience to sing along fosters a sense of community and fun.

For cover & tribute bands

Authenticity to the Original Band: Replicating the original band’s sound, look, and energy is key.

Signature Moments: Iconic solos or stage antics (like Eddie Van Halen's tapping techniques or David Lee Roth's high kicks) can be highlights.

So, Fans ..

What’s your priority when seeing a band live? Music, visuals, or is it something else?

Comments Are Welcomed Below.

GE

What's The Difference Between A Really Good Musician And A Rock Star?

 In the past, I've had a handful of conversations with people in the music industry that I really trust, and admire about "What's the Difference Between a Really Good Musician and A Rock Star?"

I've talked with venue owners and management, agents, lighting and sound techs, fans, and the musicians themselves about this.

To me, anyone who performs in Las Vegas is good at their trade!

But what sets musicians and Rock Stars apart?

Here's what I've come up with.

The difference between a really good musician and a rock star lies in a mix of talent, image, charisma, and public perception. 

Skill vs. Persona

A Good Musician focuses on technical ability, mastery of their instrument, and musical versatility. Their talent often speaks for itself, regardless of genre or popularity.

A Rock Star combines musical talent with a larger-than-life persona. They are often charismatic, and confident, and have a unique style that captivates audiences beyond the music.

Stage Presence

A Good Musician may be reserved or modest on stage, concentrating on their performance quality.

While A Rock Star commands attention with energy, showmanship, and a connection with the crowd. They make performances memorable, to say the least!

Cultural Influence

A Good Musician is respected for their craft within the music community.

A Rock Star becomes a cultural icon, influencing fashion, attitudes, and lifestyle. Their appeal often transcends music.

Fan Base and Fame

A Good Musician may have a loyal following but might not reach mainstream fame.

A Rock Star has widespread recognition, often with many devoted fans, and receives the full attention of the media.

Brand and Marketing

A Good Musician may prioritize artistic integrity over commercial success.

While A Rock Star understands or embraces the business side of music, creating a brand and persona that drives sales and popularity.

To me, a Rock Star is bigger than Life!

What's your image of a Rock Star?

GE

Ways That Famous Rock Stars Spend Their Thanksgiving Holiday

 I woke up at five this morning as I always do. No sleeping in for this old writer. 1st things 1st.

I'd like to wish all of my family, friends, and readers a Happy Thanksgiving!

I celebrate my Thanksgiving by waking up early, as I usually do. And write! Then later on I celebrate with family and food. Watch football on TV and maybe make a trip to my neighborhood casino. Pretty normal wouldn't you say?

How do you celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday?

For today's blog, I thought it might be interesting to see how famous Rock Stars celebrate Thanksgiving.

Here are some unusual (Weird) ways that famous rock stars have spent (and spend) their Thanksgiving Day.

Alice Cooper’s Charity Thanksgiving Dinner

Alice Cooper, known for his theatrical rock performances, hosts a charity dinner in Phoenix, Arizona, for underprivileged children and families. His Solid Rock Foundation helps serve thousands of meals.

Axl Rose’s All-Night Rehearsals

Axl Rose of Guns N' Roses is known for working through holidays, sometimes using Thanksgiving for late-night rehearsals or impromptu jam sessions, rather than taking a day off.

Ozzy Osbourne’s Thanksgiving Pranks

Ozzy Osbourne reportedly enjoys pranking his family during Thanksgiving. One year, he surprised his guests by serving a turkey stuffed with candy as a joke.

Steven Tyler’s Turkey Bowl

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler has a tradition of playing in a family football game, dubbed the "Turkey Bowl," complete with custom jerseys and an eccentric halftime show.

Keith Richards’ Quiet Getaway

Unlike his wild on-stage persona, Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones prefers low-key Thanksgivings with his family, often retreating to a private island for the holiday.

Dave Grohl’s BBQ Fest

Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl, known for his love of grilling, has hosted massive BBQ feasts on Thanksgiving, often involving smoked meats and live music for friends and family.

Paul McCartney’s Vegetarian Feast

As a lifelong vegetarian, Paul McCartney celebrates Thanksgiving with a fully plant-based meal, often advocating for a “meat-free” holiday through his Meat-Free Monday campaign.

Mötley Crüe’s “Friendsgiving” on Tour

Mötley Crüe, when on tour, would often throw “Friendsgiving” parties for crew and band members, complete with turkey-shaped cakes and rock-themed decorations.

Slash’s Wildlife Charity Donations

Slash, the legendary guitarist, often uses Thanksgiving to make generous donations to wildlife charities, aligning with his passion for animal rights.

Which one of these sounds the most surprising to you?

Happy Thanksgiving!

GE

The Age Of Aquarius Is In The Air In Las Vegas

 Have you ever experienced a feeling that something special is happening around you?

I mean you can just feel the energy in the air! Positive vibes!

To me, it's like I'm in a "5th Dimension". (Sorry about the music Pun)

It's like the "Age Of Aquarius"

Let me explain. 

The Age of Aquarius is a concept in astrology that refers to a time of change, hope, and innovation. A new age movement.

To me, that's what's happening in the local music scene right now here in Las Vegas. 

Music fans are coming out of the woodwork. Local bars, clubs, and music venues are being really creative in their bookings. (Bands & Musicians). New music venues are making their selves known. New bands are making the scene. It's like the "Love Movement" back in my hippie days :-)

 And two really special, innovative events hit Las Vegas in the past month or so. 

(1) The Las Vegas Guitar Trade Show & The RockGodz Hall Of Fame Ceremony hit the scene on November 8th, 9th, & 10th inside of the Silverton Hotel Casino. The inaugural event was such a success, that it will be back sometime this summer! And it looks to be a biannual event in Las Vegas. (I'll be posting updates about these two amazing events as I have them) 

Click on the links and check them out.

(2) The Sunday School Jam inside The Bonfire Las Vegas.

This is one Awesome Event! 

The 𝚂𝚄𝙽𝙳𝙰𝚈 𝚂𝙲𝙷𝙾𝙾𝙻 𝙹𝙰𝙼 brings Rockstars from the touring scene, and Rockstars from our local music industry together on one awesome stage on scheduled Sundays. I attended my 1st Sunday School Jam this past week, and it was Awesome! Top-shelf entertainment. Musicians and Rockstars from all over the world joining together sharing the stage for their love of music!

Is there something in the air in Las Vegas?

It's our Local Music Scene!

GE

Las Vegas Guitar Trade Show

Las Vegas Guitar Trade Show Official Website

RockGodz Hall Of Fame

Silverton Hotel Casino

Sunday School Jam

The Bonfire LV

How Many Photographs Does A Photographer Have To Take To Get A Money Shot?

 Being mostly a music and entertainment journalist photographer. I'm usually around big crowds of fans taking pictures of their favorite bands and rock stars with their trusted cell phones. I've got to say that some cell phones give my Canon SLR camera a run for its money as far as technology goes. Besides the amazing photos that these advanced cell phones slash cameras take. Fans have become really savvy about the art of photography. Even talking about the terminology that comes along with the trade.

So, for today, I thought I'd talk about the holy grail of taking pictures: "The Money Shot"!

I like to think of a Money Shot as the best of the best of my photos or a single photo that I shoot in a single session. How many pictures do you have to take before a money shot pops up?

The number of shots a photographer needs to take to get a "money shot" (a perfect, sellable image) varies widely depending on the type of photography and the photographer's skill, experience, and conditions. Here are some general insights: (I'm referring to both professional and skilled cell phone photographers alike). 

Professional Shoots (Portraits, Fashion, Studio Work):
In controlled settings, experienced photographers often have a higher success rate. They might shoot 10-50 frames to get one perfect shot because they carefully set up lighting, composition, and pose.

Wildlife Photography:
This can be one of the most unpredictable forms of photography. A wildlife photographer might take 500-1,000 shots during a session just to capture one iconic, perfectly timed moment.

Street Photography:
In this spontaneous genre, photographers often work with trial and error. They might shoot 50-200 photos per outing to find one that captures the desired emotion or story.

Then there's what I consider the hardest type of photography to catch the elusive Money Shot!

Event Photography (Especially Concert & Music Photography)
For dynamic, fast-paced events, photographers often take hundreds or even thousands of photos during a session to capture fleeting moments. They might need to take 100-500 shots to find one stellar image, especially if the scene changes rapidly. Here's one of my recent Money Shots that I took of Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) in Las Vegas a few years ago. (With added F'X's)

Beginners vs. Professionals:
Beginners often need more shots to get a great image due to less refined techniques, while professionals, with a better understanding of their equipment and conditions, can often get great shots with fewer frames. 

What I See:

Whether it be a professional shooting with a SLR Digital Camera, or a fan taking pics of their favorite band or musician with their cell phone cam. 

"A Money Shot Is A Money Shot No Matter What It's Shot With"!

Have Fun Taking Pictures. I Know That I Do :-)

GE

History Making Music Events This Month That Could Change The Las Vegas Local Music Scene!

 I've been a Las Vegan since 1999 promoting our local music and entertainment scene all over the world. I'd like to call it to all of the fans' attention (And Our Local Music Industry as well) for two Major happenings in Las Vegas in the past few months. That has the potential to change our local music community!

The Las Vegas Guitar Trade Show and the RockGodz Hall of Fame ceremony at the Silverton Casino earlier this month. And the 𝚂𝚄𝙽𝙳𝙰𝚈 𝚂𝙲𝙷𝙾𝙾𝙻 𝙹𝙰𝙼 that's been going down inside The Bonfire Las Vegas .

The Las Vegas Guitar Trade Show will be back this summer (May or June) is my best guess. As soon as I have a pad date, I'll be posting it here.

The 𝚂𝚄𝙽𝙳𝙰𝚈 𝚂𝙲𝙷𝙾𝙾𝙻 𝙹𝙰𝙼 brings the Biggest Rockstars from the touring scene, and Rockstars from our local music industry together on one awesome stage on scheduled Sundays.

Like I said. These two amazing events have the potential to change our local music scene as we know it!

As fans, come on out and support these two Awesome events!

Message me if you have any questions about these two amazing musical happenings, and I'll point you in the right direction to answer your inquiry

As musicians in the industry: Come on out and Jam!

Thanks ..

GE

Las Vegas Guitar Trade Show

RockGodz Hall Of Fame

Silverton Hotel Casino

Sunday School Jam

The Bonfire LV

Las Vegas Kings Head Coach Chris Wallace Announces 2025 Team Tryouts For December 7th

 To Be Syndicated:

 #NationalNewsMedia #WorldwideEntertainmentNetwork #USA

Las Vegas Kings Football Team (Head Coach Chris Wallace) just announced team workouts/tryouts for the 2025 Las Vegas Kings Football Franchise, scheduled for Saturday, December 7th at the Mater Academy in East Las Vegas (3900 East Bonanza Road, Las Vegas - Between N Pecos & Sandhill Rd). 

Time: 3:30pm - 6:30pm

December 7th - Workouts/Tryouts Facebook Information Page

Mater Academy Map & Directions

What To Expect December 7th

40, L-Drill, 3-Cone
One on one
Team drills
On field Evaluation

$60 Tryout

League, Schedule, Team Information Discussed at the Tryout/Workout

Dec 7th Information

Las Vegas Kings Facebook

Las Vegas Kings Official Website

Questions: Contact Head Coach Chris Wallace

** Partnerships Still Available For The 2025 Season **

"The 702 Blog" Supports The Las Vegas Kings Football Team Franchise. 

See You December 7th

GE

Things To Do In Las Vegas For The Thanksgiving Holidays

 Las Vegas offers a wide range of Thanksgiving holiday activities catering to visitors and locals of all interests. Here are some of the activities that make Thanksgiving so special in LV.

Bellagio Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Feasts at Restaurants

Many high-end restaurants and buffets on the Strip, like The Bellagio Buffet, Bacchanal Buffet (Caesars Palace), and Gordon Ramsay Steak, offer Thanksgiving-themed menus.

Off-strip, restaurants and grills such as Honey Salt and Vintner Grill, often provide intimate, seasonal dining experiences.

Ethnic and Unique Food Tours

Explore food tours for international cuisines or off-the-beaten-path dining spots downtown.

Headliner Shows

Catch amazing shows like Absinthe, or Blue Man Group among many others.

Thanksgiving weekend often has special performances or limited-run shows.

Comedy and Magic Shows

Enjoy family-friendly options like Mac King’s comedy magic or Penn & Teller.

Red Rock Canyon or Valley of Fire

The cooler November weather makes it perfect for hiking, rock climbing, or scenic drives.

Helicopter Tours

Experience the Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam from above with a thrilling helicopter ride.

Ice Skating at The Cosmopolitan 

The rooftop transforms into a winter wonderland with an ice rink and festive lights. Opens Nov 28th.

Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Enjoy the seasonal Thanksgiving display featuring flowers, pumpkins, and themed decor.

Enchanted Christmas

Visit the illuminated wonderland with mazes, skating, and photo ops with Santa.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s Glittering Lights

Drive through millions of sparkling holiday lights in this festive display.

Thanksgiving Themed Cocktail Bars

Check out pop-up bars or lounges with seasonal drinks and festive decor.

Many casinos host Thanksgiving-themed games or promotions over the holiday weekend.

That should keep you busy for the Thanksgiving Holiday Season.

** More Things To Do Links At The Bottom Of This Blog **

Wishing Everyone A Safe And Happy Thanksgiving Holiday Season!

GE

{Thanksgiving Links}

Vegas.com

VisitLasVegas.com 

Las Vegas Formula One Grand Prix Race Weekend 2024 Information

{Formula One Grand Prix News}

The 2024 Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix takes place over three days, from Thursday, November 21, to Saturday, November 23, featuring a jam-packed schedule of events.

Thursday, November 21:

Practice Sessions: The first session begins at 6:30 PM, and the second session starts at 10:00 PM local time.

Supporting Events: Ferrari Challenge sessions and a pit lane walk are also scheduled.

Friday, November 22:

Final Practice: The third practice session is from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

Qualifying: Scheduled from 10:00 PM to 11:00 PM, determining the starting grid for the race.

Saturday, November 23:

Pre-Race Events: Includes a drivers' parade at 8:00 PM and the National Anthem at 9:44 PM.

Main Event: The Las Vegas Grand Prix kicks off at 10:00 PM and runs for 50 laps or 120 minutes.

The event takes place on a 3.8-mile street circuit incorporating the famous Las Vegas Strip, providing a visually stunning backdrop under the lights. Fans can attend in person or follow the action via broadcasters or F1 TV Pro in select regions.

GE

{More Information}

Tickets

The Complete Guide To The 2024 Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix

GPFans.com

Formula One 

The F1 Spectator