Where have all the good bands gone? In a new world of pop music, where the sounds of artists are becoming alarmingly manufactured, we often find ourselves asking this question. Never fear, though — The Last Vegas is here to save the day with their incredible ability to grind out the good ol’ sounds of classic rock. With only three years under their belts and less than a year gone by since the release of their first single “I’m Bad,” the energetic trash/garage/rock/glam band is coming to give the new generation of Madison a taste of that time-tested hard rock sound.
“The Last Vegas has had influences from all different genres of music. … We take the best parts of the stuff and make it our own, you know?” said Johnny Wator, guitarist for The Last Vegas with regard to their musical style.
Midwesterners from the start, The Last Vegas originally formed in Chicago, Ill.Winning the Guitar Center On Stage competition in November 2008 gave them their big career break, and they are currently on their Saints of Los Angeles 2009 Tour with Motley Crue, Hinder and Theory of a Deadman.
Wator said On Stage judges, tour buds and producers Motley Crue “believe in rock ‘n’ roll, they believe in our band and they kind of took us to the next level.”
As for Hinder and Theory of a Deadman, he says, “I think it’s a great fit, and we’re happy to be playing with them.”
The Last Vegas are no strangers to travel. Their success has brought them on five European tours to countries like Italy, Spain and Sweden. They have also performed in Canada, Mexico and at a number of venues and festivals across the United States.
“Whatever show is going on that night is our favorite place to play at. There’s also some little clubs that we’ve played at that are just packed and out of control. That’s what our band feeds on — just high-energy fans and people that get it, you know?” Wator said.
With two of their members hailing from Rockford, Ill., and their roots in Chicago, the band still feels strong ties to the Midwest. Playing a show in Madison feels a little bit like coming home.
“We’ve been playing all over Madison for years. I bet there are a lot of people coming to see us that remember watching us play at some little club a few years ago for only 100 people or so. It’ll just be bigger and louder this time.”
As for that lost classic rock spirit? Wator argues that it isn’t lost at all.
“We just have to prove to everybody that there is a lot of great stuff going on — you just have to look for it. Rock and roll is coming back.”
As for the show in Madison on Feb. 14, “This bill is the biggest rock and roll tour that’s going on right now. It’s pretty rare to get a lineup that’s this kick-ass. Get there early to see The Last Vegas, and get ready for a big, loud completely crazy arena rock ‘n’ roll show. There are a lot of people out there that want to see that stuff and this is it; this is your chance.”
Let’s show them that Madison still knows how to rock.
The Last Vegas is playing at the Alliant Energy Center on Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m. with headliners Motley Crue, Hinder and Theory of a Deadman. Tickets are $95 for General Admission Pit on the floor. Reserved seating will be $69.50, $49.50 and $29.50. Tickets on sale now!
