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Steve Wynn and Garth Brooks both sauntered out in blue jeans at a news conference yesterday announcing Brook's resident performance plans at Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas. Wynn provided Brooks with a commuter jet to accommodate the star's desire to return home when not performing in order to remain in close contact with his family. Brooks is married to country / pop star Trisha Yearwood and the couple are raising three daughters aged 17, 15, and 13. The family resides in Brook's home state of Oklahoma near Tulsa. This announcement follows months of rumors regarding a potential performance stint by Brooks in association with the Wynn Las Vegas properties.
The following provides some past performance history of the Grammy award winning country superstar and some of the particulars associated with this upcoming resident headliner announcement.
Performance & record sales history:
- Recording industry accolades include 2 Grammy awards, 17 American Music Awards, 11 Country Music Association awards, 18 Academy of Country Music Awards, 5 World Music Awards, 12 People's Choice Awards, 36 Billboard Music Awards. He had been named artist of the decade during his 1990's prime by both the American Music Awards and the Academy of Country Music Awards .
- Brooks has been certified as the #1 selling solo artist in US history by the Recording Industry Association of America ( RIAA ; he surpassed Elvis Presley in this regard in 2007). He is the only solo artist in RIAA history to produce six albums that each topped over 10 million in sales. Cumulatively, the superstar has sold over 128 million albums to date.
- Brook's live performance shows were noted for high -energy , bombastic emotion and this contributed quite significantly to his multiple successes as a recording artist. He flew, ran, danced, and offered other elements of daring performance individualism in countless venues the world over until he officially retired from performing in 2001 to be a family man. As noted below, Steve Wynn has now offered provisions for the star to spend a few performance weekends in Vegas and still maintain close ties with his family. This provision was of critical importance to the legendary star.
Encore performance notes :
- Brooks will perform solo with his guitar only and without band accompaniment. Steve Wynn had personally witnessed such a solo performance and was full of accolades for Brook's ability to capture an audience under such conditions.
- Performances are slated to occur 15 weekends per year for 5 years or until Garth chooses to cease performing. Confirmed concert dates are December 11,12, and 13 (in conjunction with the National Finals Rodeo festivities) ; January 1, 2, and 3 and 22, 23, and 24 ; February 12, 13, and 14 and 26, 27, and 28. Concert performance times are Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 8 pm and 10:30 pm, and Sundays at 8 pm (four total shows per weekend).
- All tickets are priced at $125 each plus a $5 service fee and $13 in taxes for a total cost of $143. Tickets may be purchased by phoning 702-770-7469 or online at this link .
- Brooks strongly hinted that his wife Trisha Yearwood may occasionally join him onstage in a duo performance scenario.
If any headliner can draw consistent audiences and perhaps spark a new show interest in Vegas, this guy certainly should be able to. Kudos to Steve Wynn again for defying Vegas odds by luring this superstar out of retirement during a down general economy. One of Brook's most popular singles during his stellar career was a song entitled "Friends In Low Places" and this song has become one of the most popular country music tunes of all time. It certainly appeals to this author (video performance of this song can be accessed below ). It now appears that Brooks has Wynn as a friend in a loftier venue and this is one scenario where even I agree that the $140 - plus bucks to see a Vegas show is likely justified. Please leave your comments to the posed comment question below.
Cheers...
Charles Higgins
"Friends in Low Places" video performance from youtube.com
Comments question: As a Vegas visitor, would you pay to see Garth Brooks perform as a headliner act at Wynn Las Vegas at the listed ticket prices ?
Comments
Yes, indeed. If I had the budget, I would pay that price. This is a legendary performer, and the experience of seeing him would be memorable. Thank you Charles for putting together such a spectacular story. Kudos to you!
He claims that selling used CDs is stealing. I’m not making this up. According to Brooks, the simple act of selling a used CD is a criminal act. Of course he’s wrong. But your right to sell your stuff is nothing compared to Brooks’ right to buy a mansion.
Joel:
Thank you for the kind comments. True..this guy is in many respects unsurpassed as a live performer, marketer, and recording artist.
Thanks again...
GBCG:
I tend to agree with you..I'd have to check out the veracity of your contention. Perhaps he was referring to the bootlegging aspect of copyrighted materials (ie music CD's)..which is illegal. Anyone should have the right to resell legally purchased goods..otherwise the used car business and the like would be a complete sham (some of it is a sham,btw). Thanks for the comments..
dont hate on the man. regardless of what he says ill be a fan forever and love every song hes got. No question am i gonna make that trip to Vegas so i can see the best performer ever perform at least once in my life.
Garth Fan from WA:
I'm certainly not..I like the guy..for all he's contributed. Thanks for the comment..
I'm a fan of Garth Brooks, but I'm not sure I would pay that much to see him just once, even though I think it is probably worth the price. Steve Wynn still knows how to do things with a big splash.
great perks. hope his performances are worth it.
I live in Chicago. Anyway Wynn can make a little diversion to the Windy City and pick me up for the show?
Ted:
Just a slight diversion..why not? I'll get on this for you..*l*..thanks for the comment
I'm a rock and roller - not a country fan. I wouldn't even pay those prices to see Clapton (although I've seen him twice already but in NY for a lot less). I guess, though, if I'm going to be in Vegas, party-like atmosphere, I might shell out more $, but if I'm going to do that, I'm going to go back to your other article where the remaining members of the DOORS are playing, and Alice Cooper is playing, Bob Dylan, and countless other rock and roll legends...they'll come first, and then the great comedians ...........still, great article and you certainly did a lot of research on this one. Great job!
no. not worth it.
I would consider spending about $143 but the tickets are now almost double that at $253/each.
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