What do you get if you combine one of the world's hottest bands with one of
the world's hottest venues? A VegasHotSpot! The band is No Doubt, with
high profile lead singer Gwen Stefani, and the venue is Rain in the Desert
inside the Palms hotel. The concert was way beyond SOLD OUT. Fortunately, the
Godfather has many friends, and was a guest in one of the Cabanas on the VIP
level (second floor). And in the grand scheme of parties, this was a
mega-party.
For those not familiar with the Palms Hotel and Casino, it is owned and
operated by the ultra-charismatic George Maloof. The property has a number
of restaurants, including the critically acclaimed Nine Steak House. The
Godfather can vouch for Nine, which serves up some of the most amazing
steaks in Las Vegas. And for an interesting oriental experience, you just
have to check out Little Buddha.
In addition to great restaurants, the Palms also has two world-class
nightclubs - the Ghost Bar and Rain in the Desert. The Ghost Bar has become
the best celebrity viewing area in Las Vegas on Friday and Saturday nights.
Small and contemporary, the club has eclipsed former "see and be seen" hot
spot - the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Upwards of two or three hundred
people line up each night and wait in excess of an hour to take the elevator
up to the Ghost Bar on the roof. (www.thepalmslasvegas.com)
Which brings us to Rain in the Desert, a premier nightclub and event venue.
Recent acts include Santana, Pink (opening night of her North American
tour), Third Eye Blind, and on this particular evening, ska hipsters No
Doubt. The Godfather's favorite venue is the House of Blues because of the
outstanding array of talent offered, however Rain has moved up my list to
number two.
The evening started with a quick trip through the VIP entrance. And thank
goodness. The line wound halfway through the casino. When they open the
doors, people literally run for a spot up against the stage. That's great
for grabbing at the performers, however you have to crane your neck, and can
look forward to three hours of people smashing you into the stage. Our
party quickly retreated to a Cabana on the second level. Not quite as nice
as the "Rain Rooms" (6 VIP rooms on the upper level), but nonetheless a huge
improvement over the mob on the lower level. Waitress service, chairs and
couches, and a tremendous view of the stage.
The show started with serious Punk rockers The Distillers. Exciting for a
few, but mostly everyone was trying to talk over the top of their music,
which was entirely too loud. Once we dispensed with the opening act, the
real party began. No Doubt put on an amazing performance, performing all
their big hits and a number of tunes from their new CD "Rock Steady". And I
do mean "performance". From open to close, they gave 100%, with fans
screaming for more encores. What's one to do when the concert ends at 10:30 p.m.?
Head up to the Ghost Bar of course. There was one serious line outside,
However, as is mostly the case in Las Vegas. A select few head up the
elevator from the VIP entrance.
Overall, a great band and a great venue!
