When you hear the name Las Vegas, it hardly conjures up images of rock or metal shows. People normally associate the city with casinos, sports betting, or shows such as magicians or circus acts. However, the city has featured some of the world’s biggest bands and musicians, some of whom have played inside the casinos themselves.
Among the biggest acts to have performed in Las Vegas are the King of Rock and Roll himself, Elvis Presley, as well as the Doors and Kiss. Today, rock and metal groups often perform there, although there isn’t much of a local metal scene within the city itself.
Shows in Las Vegas
Vegas is considered one of the biggest tourist destinations in the US, with around 42 million visitors to the city in 2019. Based in the state of Nevada, Las Vegas is sometimes referred to as “Sin City” due to its association with gambling.
Sports betting is legal in Las Vegas, giving visitors the chance to place bets on US sports and casino. Most sportsbooks in Las Vegas offer odds on a wide range of sports and markets, so it’s a fantastic place for any sports fan. On top of that, you’ll also find plenty of commercial casinos, including the famous MGM Grand. For any gambling aficionado, Las Vegas is a dream come true, and if you’re not lucky enough to be in a place like Vegas or if you are someone who prefers to stay at home and bet online, there are still gambling sites where you may play safely. They only list the best and most reputable sites for casino and sports betting players to choose from, including trusted, comprehensive guides for players on a country-to-country basis. Additionally, they highlight the sites with best odds and promotions.
While many tourists visit Las Vegas for the casinos, it also offers plenty of other attractions, including live music and shows. Live music and the music played in clubs is often electronic or dance music, but there are plenty of rock shows too. In 2022, Metallica, Judas Priest, Tool, and Deftones all have shows booked in the city.
There are loads of venues throughout Las Vegas, but the biggest are the casinos themselves, which often host big shows to attract new customers. The MGM Grand has hosted acts including Slipknot, Black Sabbath, and Slayer over the years, and the Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel also puts on rock and metal shows from time to time. Massive events are usually held in one of the stadiums, such as the T-Mobile Arena. However, the Zappos Theatre is a great place to catch smaller shows in a more intimate setting.
The Local Scene
Las Vegas might be a place for big bands to come and play packed-out areas and casinos, but it also has a decent local scene of fresh and newly emerging bands to check out. Over the years, loads of great bands have come out of Las Vegas, including Escape the Fate, Falling in Reverse, Hemlock, and Slaughter. Five Finger Death Punch also relocated to Las Vegas in 2008, recording some of their best albums in the city.
If you’re looking for the best places to enjoy some local rock music, you can head over to places such as the Double Down Saloon, which regularly hosts local punk and metal bands and describes itself as the “Anti-Vegas.” The bar has been a part of the city since 1992, and while it may not be located on the strip, it’s still a great place to check out as a tourist, especially if you’re interested in listening to some rock and metal.
There’s also the Hard Rock Café, which might be a bit more commercial but still plays a great selection of alternative music. The Hard Rock Café is a brand known throughout the world, and it started off in London initially before expanding globally. The Las Vegas location often hosts local bands, and it’s a great place to enjoy the full Las Vegas experience while rocking out.
There’s also the Las Vegas Deathfest, which is a Las Vegas festival featuring some of the most brutal metal bands in the world. It often features Las Vegas bands, and although it was cancelled recently, it looks like it will be returning once more.
Las Vegas is one of the most visited places in the US, thanks to its reputation for gambling and huge shows. It’s also a great place to enjoy some metal and quality rock music, as there are plenty of bands performing regularly. Whether you prefer huge shows in sold-out arenas or smaller venues, there’s a lot of choice on offer.
Photo by Ameer Basheer on Unsplash
