THE T-MOBILE ARENA GRAND OPENING EVENT—A PILGRIMAGE

This is a story of the Grand Opening of the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas NV on 4/6/16. Initially, my plans were to attend this ‘Historic Event’ as a spectator. However, forces created an opportunity for me to share with you my ‘Pilgrimage’.

This ‘Pilgrimage’ as compared to my College Football Pilgrimages was not as long. It was also local. As a Grand Opening, it would be ‘Historical’. Though originally announced in 2015, inner callings had me purchase two tickets in January of 2016.

The second ticket purchased, had no one particular in mind at the time. Options were considered, but nothing concrete. When making plans, including ‘Life Plans’, I always adhere to the words of Coach Jack Laraway.

Coach Laraway and I crossed paths my senior year in high school. He was God sent to me. Coach Jack was hired to be the Defensive Coordinator and Linebacker Coach during my final season at Aliquippa High School. We also shared the same birth-date, years apart.

His resume included: he was a Starter and Letter Winner at Purdue University. His line-backing skills, paved his way for a short stint in the NFL with the Houston Oilers. Coach Jack’s strategy and coaching skills elevated my game to higher levels.

Ours was a relationship, with no guarantees. However, it did produce results. This relationship assisted me in attaining a ‘Dream’ that was announced to the world when I was 12. As newspaper boy of the month for the Beaver Valley Times, my picture and my ‘Dream’ was printed for all to see and read.My 12-year-old dream was to “Attend College on a football scholarship and to become a teacher”. Coach Jack along with other coaches provided me the guidance, encouragement, and wisdom for me, so that I was able to PLAYIN MY DREAMS at Pitt University.

Most ‘Good Coaches’ provide you with the knowledge to assist you both on and off the field. It was after my senior high school football season was completed, Coach Jack opened his door for my senior teammates to visit. FOSS would take him up on his offer when opportunity knocked.

It was during one of our ‘Bullshit’ lessons that Coach Jack shared some of his ‘major shit’ with us. Coach Jack was highly entertaining and very animated. He bore a strong resemblance to Lee Marvin, the actor. The wisdom he shared with us was:

“Gentlemen, remember always have a main plan. Have a back-up plan for the main plan. Have a back-up plan for the back-up plan for the main plan. Have a back-up plan for the back-up plan for the back-up plan for the main plan. And, have a back-up plan for the back-up plan of the back-up plan of the back-up plan for the main plan. Do you catch my drift”? On that day, Coach Jack permanently etched in my brain the importance of planning.

If the results you sought were not forthcoming, switch to another plan. With an extra ticket for the T-Mobile Arena Grand Opening, a ‘Historic Event’, options were part of the menu. If you read the Bio and About Me Pages, I have history with ‘Historic Events’

In the Las Vegas Valley, professionally I had experienced numerous ‘Historical Events’ both as a teacher and a coach. My resume includes being chosen as one of three Physical Education teachers to be selected for a ‘Pilot Elementary Physical Education Program’ for the 1978-79 school year.

At the time Elementary School Teachers were not provided with the same luxuries as the Secondary Teachers in the CCSD. Secondary Teachers were provided with a preparation period but not the Elementary Teachers. Elementary Teachers were awarded for their more time with students, same rate of pay, with two 10-minute potty breaks.

If this ‘Pilot Program’ proved to be successful, it would then become a permanent program for all Elementary Schools, providing preparation periods for Elementary School Teachers. In 1979-80, Physical Education Programs were reinstated at all Elementary Schools in the CCSD.

Other ‘Historic Events’ included being part of the staff of the Grand Opening of two schools. The first in 1979-80, was Elton Garrett JHS in Boulder City, NV. The second occurred in 1993-94 with Grand Reopening of ‘The Jewel of Las Vegas’, Las Vegas HS at its current location.

The Strip and Las Vegas has provided its residents, and visitors with countless ‘Historical Events’ and ‘Historic Moments’. Some of you reading this may have had one or two in Las Vegas or other localities. For me ‘Historical Events’ and ‘Historic Moments’ are blessings. With ‘Blessings’ one can relive them, and share them with others.

The only other ‘Grand Opening’ that I have attended in Las Vegas was the Aladdin Theater for the Performing Arts. It was the July 2, 1976. The show was Neil Diamond’s Las Vegas debut.

Laura Deni writes on July 20, 1998: “The Las Vegas mob boys didn’t kill him off, but a Las Vegas engagement made Neil Diamond’s life so miserable that he put himself on ice for over 20 years.

The problems began in l976 when Diamond was contracted to open the Aladdin Hotel’s new 7,500 seat Theatre for the Performing Arts. Diamond, who had done a one-man show on Broadway in 1972, would be paid a record $650,000 for five performances. Things got off-key before Diamond could even attempt Beautiful Noise.

James Tammer, the Aladdin entertainment director, ran the Theatre for the Performing Arts. He was later denied licensing as a key employee by the Nevada Gaming Control Board and was eventually added to the board’s list of people excluded from casinos for alleged connections to the Detroit mob.

Rumors swirled around the upcoming performance. It was alleged that Diamond was being muscled to kick back part of his then record salary. It was also alleged that the Vegas Musicians Union wanted him to use only Las Vegas musicians. It was in the wind that Diamond would have trouble if he didn’t play ball. Unfortunately, nobody had taught Diamond that Vegas not only owned the ball, but had their own rule book.Union officials informed the Aladdin that Diamond’s performance didn’t comply with local union requirements.

Al Fast, the regional director of the then Variety Entertainment Guild of America (VEGAS) contended that Diamond had to join the guild at a cost of $480 for initiation and $150. for dues. The guild spokesman said that there wouldn’t be any pickets this time, but that Diamond would run into trouble the next time he showed up in Vegas.

Then there was that unusual drug bust.

Diamond arrived in Las Vegas July 1, 1976 to rehearse, only a few hours after 20 police officers, armed with a search warrant, entered his home in the exclusive Bel Air area of Los Angeles, and conducted a three hour long search for narcotics.

Police admitted they acted on an anonymous tip.

Police confiscated less than a gram of marijuana, which was no longer a felony under California’s new drug law. Therefore, there was no arrest. The police raid ended with Diamond presenting each of the officers with an autographed copy of his Beautiful Noise album.Los Angeles authorities said investigative information was turned over to the Los Angeles city attorney, who would decide what to do with the case. They decided to charge him with a misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession. The city attorney’s office filed a complaint against Diamond on July 2, 1976 – his opening night at the Aladdin in Las Vegas.

Diamond’s attorney entered an innocent plea in Municipal Court on Wednesday, Aug 12, 1997, and a jury trial was set for that September 27.

While lawyers were taking center stage in Los Angeles, Diamond was showing his metal and performing on schedule in Vegas. With his parents in the audience, the sold out 7,500 concertgoers had no idea that people were out to get the star.

Invitations featured a large “diamond” stone affixed to the black card imprinted in white with; “The first of many jewels to come…”

In the lobby, booths were set up selling ice cream cones and alcoholic beverages. Ushers is silver jumpsuits, with a silver “A” hanging around each neck, led people to their seats.

A neon lit treble clef was on one wall of the glass enclosed, domed ceiling theater. Piped in chamber music soothed the crowd waiting for Diamond to ascend the stage. Scantily clad girls roamed the aisles selling long stemmed roses and white gardenias for $3.For a hot July night it was chilly with the air conditioning on full blast. Disdained faces with outstretched arms offered offenders of the no-smoking policy ashtrays to place their weeds.

Backstage Diamond lit up a Marlboro. Five minutes before showtime Neil applied his own make-up, soothed his throat with humidified air and sipped tea as he took his final drag on the cigarette.

His performance was awesome. So was his acting ability. Nobody in the audience suspected what Diamond was experiencing.

Following the show there was a party. Following the engagement the singer left town – vowing never to return. He didn’t retaliate. He didn’t talk. He simply moved on with his career and life. It was Las Vegas that lost.

Every year for 20 years, Diamond was asked to return, and every year Diamond declined. With the passing of time those involved in the earlier problems died. Diamond had outlived his enemies.“It’s probably a different town, eh?” was his only answer when asked what made him decide to perform in the 14,500 seat Grand Garden Arena of the MGM Hotel, December 27-29, 1996. Ticket prices ranged from $50 to $200.

His sold out return was triumphant. As with the engagement 20 years earlier I was enthralled with his entire performance. Since then Diamond has visited Las Vegas several times to see other performers. In December, he’ll again perform at the MGM-Grand. Tickets around New Year’s Eve go fast and are expensive. Save your pennies and get your reservations early.”

Classic Las Vegas writes:

“The Aladdin celebrated the Grand Opening of their new “Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts” with singer Neil Diamond being paid $650,000 for four shows; July 2 through July 5, 1976.

On July 2nd, amid a big grand re-opening, the Theater for the Performing Arts opened.  Neil Diamond was the headliner.  It would seat 7,500 people and added a new dimension by offering a quality showcase for the top acts in contemporary music.  While Sinatra, Martin, Davis and many of the old-guard entertainers still graced the various showrooms up and down the Strip, the new performers were having a difficult time finding a stage in town that could accommodate their sound.

The Beatles, Iron Butterfly and Led Zeppelin had all played the old Convention Center Rotunda.  Jim Morrison and the Doors had played the Ice Capades Chalet in Commercial Center.  Neither place was conducive to good sound. The Performing Arts Theater solved that problem.Now, there was a place on the Strip that catered to both crowds. For those of us of a certain age, the Theater was heaven.  Finally, we had a place where we could hear our music.  Acts from ELO to Willie Nelson to Jimmy Buffet to Bob Seger to Yes to heavy metal groups played the Theater.  In addition, the theater booked Broadway plays, ballets and even symphony orchestras and people attended.

The old Rotunda would be torn down in a few years and the Convention Center would become a real convention center.  The Judy Bailey Theater at UNLV, which prior to the Aladdin Theater, had been the home base of ballets and plays, could not seat as many as the Aladdin.”

Folklore had it, that for Diamond to play Las Vegas for the first time ever, he would be given a hand in the design and construction of the Aladdin Theater. Various reasons prevented him from playing on the Strip previously. Among them was the poor acoustics of the Las Vegas Show Rooms and the ‘Fear of Vegas Throat’.

Veteran entertainers were able to make the adjustment for the dryness of our desert. Short stays by performers, affected the quality of their vocals. My understanding is, until it is disputed, that Neil Diamond incorporated evaporated water fans to provide continuous moisture for his throat during his performance.These were built into the floor of the stage. After seeing the success of evaporated water fans, other showrooms and venues incorporated the technology. More performers, including opera greats, followed the footsteps of Neil Diamond, cementing Las Vegas as the entertainment capital of the world.

The Performing Arts Center was recognized at the time as one of the top venues on the west coast. More music venues have appeared on the Strip, since 1976. I missed those Grand Openings, but with a click of a button, two tickets were mine for the T-Mobile Arena Grand Opening.

Located in the upper bowl, side of the stage were their location in the 206 section. Closeness to the stage was not to be. However, the T-Mobile was being advertised as the next ‘Jewel’ in our Desert with all the latest bells, whistles and sound equipment. The price was within my budget. If ALL permitted, I would be in the house for the Grand Opening.

As the Grand Opening neared, a plan with back-up plans was implemented. Option One almost materialized. However, before the exchange took place, other forces dictated otherwise.

Option Two was thwarted by Option One not materializing. (This will be explained in detail with a future post titled, “My Promotion Night in Stoney’s”.) Option Three which included my son Michael, was respectively declined. The Fourth Option was my daughter Megan. A meeting to help her friends plan a wedding took priority.

My quest to find a recipient for the extra ticket stopped after the fourth option. I would keep it as an unused ticket for a souvenir, with a story. Plus, the extra space might come in handy.

Since this would be the first official T-Mobile Arena Grand Opening Event, the traffic and the parking would also face its Grand Event. Previous experiences with my College Football Pilgrimages had me take advantage of the $10 pre-paid parking at the New York, New York Casino Hotel Parking Garage.

The location was advertised as a turn off of Frank Sinatra Drive right into the garage. The walk would then be about 5 minutes to the Arena. Leaving from my house at 5:40 pm, with the rush hour traffic on the 215, an arrival time was unknown.

During normal times, the trip was about 20-25 minutes. This time it would not be normal. Traffic would dictate my arrival time. My arrival time exceeded my expectations. After talking with an attendant for my best options, my car was parked in its stall at 6:10 pm. This was an excellent start.While sitting in my car, I was still undecided about doing a story. Playing the role of Marcus Aurelius, I decided to let the night unfold to me. Everyone would be there for my benefit and I for theirs. If a story was a result, then I would be prepared to tell it.

With ‘Helen’ in one hand and a bottle of water in the other, off  I went. ‘Helen’ is the name of my compact camera, and the name of my mother, who purchased my camera as a Christmas gift in 2010. Yes, my mother travels with me. Though, she has physically left our planet at the age of 92, her spirit lives on.

As I was taking my first pics and viewing the action below from the parking garage, a security officer on a bike pulls up to me and asks me, what am I doing. I told him that I had a ticket for the Event and pointed to my car in the paid slot.

He immediately said that his boss told him to tell me that I had to move on. My initial reaction was puzzlement. I paid for secured parking, but I was being told that my presence was a security violation.

I tried to explain my position with the officer, for I wanted to observe more from my vantage point. He kept repeating the same mantra. I thanked him for making the area secure, for I was the only one in the area as far as I could see. I left down the stairs to the ‘Park’.

Parking this close to the T-Mobile Arena for $10 was a gift. My first stop was the VIP reception area. My ticket did not include the VIP treatment, so I watched and dreamt. After a short dream, the band playing on one of the two outside stages caught my attention.

I walked towards their stage and was very impressed with the musical sounds that were being created by this band. After a short close-up of this band, their musical notes and energy stirred my passion. Thoughts of a possible story entered my brain. (More on this band later.)

With the ‘energy’ hitting me from all the sights, sounds and smells from ‘The Park’, a picture for memories was now on my immediate list. I am not a fan of ‘selfies’. As I was scouting for possible subjects to assist me, a trio of females was standing in line for a free spin on a wheel.

The tall blonde-haired woman was holding a camera, with her two companions standing by her side. One always has to take a ‘chance’ to achieve the results that one seeks. As I explained my purpose for the photo, my business card was exchanged. With a potential story on the threshold, this is my initial photo.My excitement of being back in the saddle for a Pilgrimage, resulted in not getting the names of these green-eyed beauties. They were foreigners from some other galaxy with the tall blonde saying she did not want her identity exposed. She wanted to remain as the beauty behind the camera. They flew to Las Vegas specifically to see The Killers.

With the band churning out some interesting jazz arrangements of popular and standard tunes, I roamed the area. I spotted a young girl wearing a Pirate shirt. An adult male was standing near her with other children and adults.

The MLB is in season. As a Pirate Fan, if the opportunity presents itself, I might test the waters, of the wearer of my team’s colors. Results are always interesting with conversation exchanged.

As I approached the group, eye contact and a smile with the male was offered. Within a few feet of the group, I asked the young girl if she was a Pirate fan or if she just liked the shirt. Reacting with embarrassment and a ‘Smile’ she remained silent.

Her father with a laugh said it was a little combination of both. I explained my purpose about my questioning which led to more conversation and an individual pic. With a small captive audience of adults and children, I then started to talk about this ‘Historic Event’.

All were informed by me that in twenty years or so, we would all be able to say that we were among the 20,000 or so to witness the T-Mobile Arena Grand Opening, with The Killers, Wayne Newton, and others. I told them I had some history with Brandon Flowers in an indirect way.

As their eyes widen and their ‘Smiles’ brightened, the male proclaims he has someone for me to meet. He then introduces me to the nieces of Brandon Flowers. Brandon’s sister is their mother. I was blown away. What were the odds, that I would meet the nieces of the lead singer of The Killers?THIS IS RACHEL AND BRITTANY, NIECES OF BRANDON FLOWERS–FRONTMAN OF THE KILLERS

My interpretation of this ‘Historical Moment’ was to follow the story of the night and to tell my tale of the T-Mobile Arena Grand Opening. As I handed out my card I told them about a future blog. My story continues.

Indirectly, my history with Brandon Flowers and The Killers started when they were a ‘garage band’ playing the local venues. Articles of the band would sporadically appear in the Las Vegas Review Journal. As their audience widened on the west coast, more news became available. I always root for the success of ‘Hometowners’.

It was not until the last stop of my educational career that my connections with The Killers began to tighten. Chaparral HS in Las Vegas, NV was the last stop on my tour. It was also the Alma Mater of Brandon Flowers and Anthony Zuiker of CSI fame.

When bored walking the halls of Chaparral HS, at times I would try to trace the footsteps of the two geniuses who walked before me with the hope that some of their inspiration would seep into my feet. As The Killers continued their assault on the music scene, their music found the airwaves. As a fan of ‘good music’, their unique sound appealed to me, especially the understanding of their lyrics. A story with music was the theme.

With each new single that hit the airwaves, I would always remark, “That’s The Killers”? Each song was different with each carrying the distinct sound of The Killers. Without a CD of The Killers, it was late in 2009; I stumbled upon and recorded the performance of July 5-6, 2009, ‘The Killers Live from the Royal Albert Hall, in London England.Royal Albert Hall is equivalent to Carnegie Hall in New York City. My understanding is to play at either of these prestigious venues; an invitation must be extended by the venue. Unlike other venues, negotiations are completed by an invite.

With the sound system vibrating my family room, The Killers took me on a ‘Musical- Spiritual-Odyssey’. Their performance was enhanced by the wild, crazy, filled with admiration, crowd. When it ended, a pledge by me was taken. If the local venue was right, and ALL would be aligned, The Killers would be on my list of ‘Dreams To Do’.

My Dreams were answered on the night of April 6, 2016 with the T-Mobile Arena Grand Opening with The Killers as the main act. Would they be able to replicate or better their performance from the Royal Albert Hall? Questions and more questions circled within my brain as I kept venturing back to the Jazz Orchestra with a full string ensemble.

As I continued my tour of the Park, more pics were now part of my memories. The Jazz Orchestra was finishing their set. I sought more info about them and visited with the sound technician near the band. I told him, that it was too bad, that the band could not hear how great they sounded. He thanked me.

A band that sounds great, with distinguishable lyrics is a tribute to not only the artists but also to the sound technicians. My journeys to other musical venues in town have proven this. The artists’ music sounds great, but because of the sound mix, it overshadows their lyrics. Unless one is familiar with the tune, garble is what is sung. I am not a fan a ‘garble’ even if it is on key.

The sound tech shared his info with me. The name of this band was ‘David Perrico Pop Strings Orchestra’. It was their arrangements and their interpretation of the songs that made their unique sound. Memories from my 2012 visit to the Village Vanguard Jazz Club in Manhattan started to resurface.

It was there I saw my childhood friend Ralph Lalama, blow his sax along with The Vanguard Village All-Star Band. For more of Ralph’s ‘Inspiration’, I direct you to my post titled, “Inspiration-What is It?”. It is archived in the ‘Inspiration Section’ and dated 10/23/15.

Unknown to me at the time, David Perrico informed me that the band was local and has a standing engagement at the Palms Hotel and Casino on Saturday nights. I told David I would visit them when my review was complete. If any of you readers are Jazz fans with an aficionado towards a Jazz Orchestra, the ‘David Perrico Pop Strings Orchestra’ is a must see.A quote from the davidperrico.com, “David Perrico – Pop Strings Orchestra is Las Vegas’ hottest new live music club hit. The 15-piece band performs the best of Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Beyoncé, Rihanna & more! Appearing at the famous Palms Casino & Resort”.

More pics followed before I entered the arena, with one last stop at my conveniently parked vehicle for coffee and other goodies. I travel with the coffee of CRCR. It is a family owned business in Boulder City, NV where the name of the game is freshly roasted beans. It has the smoothest taste, and the levels of caffeine can be brewed according to one’s palate.

I never leave home without them. CRCR (Colorado River Coffee Roasters) travels with me in and out of town. Perhaps in a future post, more can be shared about my coffee experiences.

More pics before entering.This is Leah one of the many T-Mobile volunteers. The ‘volunteers’ were extremely pleasant and helpful.

Entering the T-Mobile Arena was similar to boarding an airplane, except your footwear remained on. All things containing metal had to be removed from your possession into a container before you could walk through the metal detectors. All went well until my silver chain around my neck set off the alarm.

While keeping an eye on my personal effects, I was treated to a ‘Wanding’. The metal wand detected my chain and I was given final clearance to enter. With the crowd getting larger at 15 minutes to showtime, I wanted to navigate the arena before settling in.

I followed the directions of the usher to my seat. Go up to the next floor, then take the escalator up to the second level and follow the signs. Little did I know I was being sent the long way instead of the most convenient way. My first stop was to purchase a bottle of water.

The water was reasonable priced at $5 a bottle, however it did not come with a cap. This I was told was the Arena’s policy. It was done in order to protect others from flying projectiles. My adult brain could not accept this rationale. The price of the ticket was adult prices. If someone wanted to throw an empty bottle, what is the difference?

The price of the water was adult prices. Since this was the Grand Opening of the T-Mobile Arena, how could the Arena staff project that the caps would be used as projectiles? We had to pay adult prices but we were being treated like irresponsible kids. No caps to protect our water. More on this later.

Even though I had two seats, my first option was to secure a standing position if possible with a great vantage viewpoint, without paying the high price of standing on the main floor. As the opening act Shamir, from North Las Vegas, began, I took pause and stood inside the curtain in the mezzanine section of level one.

The sound system of the T-Mobile Arena was magnificent. Shamir with a veteran ensemble was a cross between Michael Jackson, Sly and the Family Stones and The Isley Brothers. With his high-pitched voice, Shamir resonated the Funk of Sly, the gang, and the Brothers. He was a mix of old school funk with the new sounds of today.When the third song was finished, an usher asked me for my ticket. After consulting with her, I was instructed to ‘Ticket Resolution’ on the first floor near the entrance. Downstairs, I returned to stand in line. Taped to the window was a sign ‘Ticket Resolution’. First sign of this nature I had ever seen.

‘Ticket Resolution’ could not resolve my issue. The only option was to upgrade to the Ground Floor, or what I call the NASCAR Experience. Not only are you closer to the stage, your whole being is bombarded by extremely loud music. NASCAR is nice, but only for a short visit, unless you have ear protection.

Shamir was winding down his set as I roamed to find my section. Up on the first level, I spotted a male official wearing a yellow blazer. I explained my dilemma to him and he directed me to Customer Relations on the first level. Perhaps Customer Relations would provide better results than ‘Ticket Resolution’.

As I was standing in line, another male official in a yellow blazer approached me and asked for my reasons for standing in line. I explained my dilemma and my past encounters. His response was as I remember, “Standing Room only is on the main floor. Other events will be determined. You can stand in your seat area. Your ticket is for that two by two area all night. If standing is what you choose, ours is not to tell you otherwise”.

I thanked him for his time, while trying not to laugh.  According to the T-Mobile Arena policy, my rights for my two by two section superseded all other nearby two by two sections. If my body blocked the view of others, it would be their problem.Most people that attend events prefer to remain seated and stand when appropriate. Standing in my seat area would be my last option. So my search continued with pics.Up on the second level I found my section via the long, entertaining route. Like the first level, there was a 12” counter-top area inside the curtain where standing was permitted, until told otherwise. Info about this area was murky at best. I met a few people.This is Toni from the Philippines and her unknown date.

With Wayne Newton on deck, I decided to venture to the back of the 200 section, polar opposite, from the stage. The stage would be the furthest distance, but the brunt of the sound would be channeled directly to the area. I came for the sound. The large screens would put me close to the performers.

I discovered the ADA section. A ticket for the area was required. Standing was an option if you had a seat near the counter-top bar. After a very brief but informative talk with Brandon, a senior from Arbor View High School, the layout of the T-Mobile Arena was coming into focus.

Brandon, though only a senior, was more knowledgeable than the others on my journey. I tipped my cap to him and continued my way. When my sight had me in the 214 section complete opposite of the stage, I set up camp. My water, which had spilled twice without a cap, was placed on the floor near the pillar on my right.

My objective would be to blend in without being noticed and enjoy the show. The Wayner was about to start. Doubts crept into my brain. Could the Wayner carry this large of a venue? I confess. During the late 70’s, my older brother Gene invited me to see Wayne Newton at The Sands Hotel/Casino.Up until then, my image of Wayne Newton was that of a singer only. The Wayner blew me away that night at the Sands with his small combo of musicians. The Wayner was a not only a Great Singer, he was also a masterful musician. He played numerous instruments as he sang. Gooseflesh was on the menu that night. Would the Gooseflesh be on call tonight?

When Mr. Las Vegas hit the stage with his opening number, all doubts were put to rest. The Wayner had arrived. Forget his age. Yes, his range may not be the same as it was in the late 70’s, but carry the arena, he excelled. Memories reemerged in my brain. Wayne played various instruments and Gooseflesh was on the menu as he treated all to a trip down ‘Memory Lane’.He was extremely gracious to the applause of the fans and thanked them repeatedly. My vantage point had the sound going opposite of my direction, only hoping that my contributions were being heard. He completed his set to a standing ovation. Welcome back Wayne Newton, Mr. Las Vegas.

With a break to set up for The Killers, I ventured out to the concourse. My water was knocked over again, without the cap, and had to be replaced. During my stay on level two, unlike the first level, level two seats have no cup holders. Extra care for floor placement of drinks or lap placement would be a priority.

Pizza and a bottle of water with no cap was my purchase with little fanfare. The pizza cost was in line with other venues, and was very large. As I walked to the napkin station, the pizza began to slip from my hand. Using the hand with the bottle of water, minus the cap, to save it, resulted in water being poured on my shorts.

I finally made it to a table. These two shared their table with me. Fatigue showed on their faces as coffee and other caffeine was their choice of beverage. It was their ‘Commitment’ that inspired me. This couple had just arrived at the Arena after traveling 19 hours to see The Killers.

Their journey began in London, England. To travel 19 hours to see their favorite group was not only a ‘Testament’ to The Killers, but also a ‘Testament’ to the loyalty of the fans of The Killers. I tipped my cap to Sandrine and Mark.

I continued my roaming with pizza in one hand and a bottle with no cap in the other. More napkins were needed and so was more spilled water on my shorts. Solution-Stop Bitchin, start laughin, and bring your own bottle cap next time. Problem will be solved.

More photos and stories before The Killers.Pete was a Pirate fan and a Killers’ fan. He was local and graduated from Eldorado HS. Pete and I hit it off like ‘olde faithful friends’. Our time was short, but a hug was exchanged as we parted ways with my business card placed in Pete’s hand. I thanked Pete for his blessing and went back to my spot for the main act.

Others had now joined me. I squeezed in to prepare myself for The Killers. My water was placed on the floor near the pillar for safety and spillage. With the house lights on dim, The Killers walked on stage to a loud ovation. I estimated from my vantage point that the stage was 75 plus yards away.Within moments, it was like a roar of jet engines making music. I felt their opening blasts. Memories of old school concerts of my past flooded my brain. It was like the good old days when the band stood naked on the stage. There were no lasers, no video screens. It was just a ‘garage band’ from Las Vegas saying hello and welcome to our show.

I envisioned their start; A group of young musicians that paid their dues and cut their chops the old fashion way with hard work. They have come back to where it all began for them and they would offer it for all to see and hear. When the second song ended, modern technology would rule the rest of the night. The Arena momentarily went dark and a roar of the crowd gave its approval. Seconds later, The Killers, with the Arena darkened, enhancing our sense of hearing, began their third tune. It was time for some serious business.

Large video screens lit up the stage while multitude of vibrant color lasers danced across the T-Mobile Arena. It was a pulsating display of sights and sounds. My viewpoint put me in the best standing position for this spectacle.After the third song was over, Brandon Flowers, frontman of The Killers addressed the crowd. It was his conclusion that captured my ears. David Herrera of the RJ quotes Brandon Flowers. “When people play venues and talk about blowing the roof off a place… he continued, flashing a Sinatra-worthy smile that remained plastered across his face for much of the band’s set. You know, we want to use…it’s a brand new venue… we need to be cautious. But let’s test the foundations. Let’s test the foundations. You want to do some singing with me”?

Ladies and gents, test the foundation, The Killers did that and more. Remember it has been some time since my last, live, large arena show. As I leaned against the sheet rock that encased the pillar holding up the third tier, the wall was vibrating. This was the first concert, where I have experienced this phenomenon.

I shared the experience with Kristy-Marie and Eric.After they confirmed my findings, I theorized if the wall was vibrating, I too must have been vibrating. Since my molecular structure was fluid unlike the solid wall, it was difficult to sense my personal vibration.

The Killers proceeded to take me on a ‘Musical-Spiritual-Odyssey’. They not only play music for you, they slam you with their music. Each song was a different experience. The Killers have the ability to raise you up with their powerful crescendos and immediately can bring you right back down to a mellow melody of music and vocals.Watching them live, I was treated to a ‘Slam Fest’. The Killers brought it all night long. Their music and sound pummeled me as though I was boxer, taking their best shots. Their arrangements sent me all over the Arena. I floated up to my left, back down to the center, and was lifted up to my right. This scenario played out repeatedly throughout the night.

The Wayner joined them for a crowd-pleasing rendition of Chuck Berry, “Johnny B. Goode”.

Other special guests included The Blue Man Group and Dan Reynolds, another local, who is the frontman of Imagine Dragons.

When it was all over, The Killers played 22 songs. Though I was staggered, and experienced my share of Gooseflesh, I was able to walk out of the T-Mobile Arena on my own power. I survived 22 rounds with The Killers.It was the most vibrant and stimulating concert that I have witnessed to date. It definitely was a ‘Historic Event’.

As I walked to my car, I came upon this fan who could not withstand the repeated blows of The Killers. He was down for the count. His name was Alec.

Remember to tell your friends and bookmark us @ playinyourdreams.com  My stories and Fixins about my ‘Insanity’ continues. Until our paths cross again, this is Fox-Feather reminding you to PLAYIN YOUR DREAMS.