Live shows have been the number one reason millions of people venture to Las Vegas each and every year. Especially when it comes to enjoying live concerts, there’s no better place to be.
Over the years the Entertainment Capital of the World has proven true to its nickname, welcoming some of the most legendary musical performers to play on its world-famous stages. Here we take a trip down memory lane, recounting the best of the best and iconic shows that will never be forgotten.
The Beatles (1964)
Las Vegas was one of the first American cities to be blessed with a live performance by the hit British group, The Beatles. In the late summer of 1964, they played at the Convention Center Rotunda to a screaming, cheering crowd of thousands. Although it’s more than hard to imagine now, at the time, tickets for the main floor were a little over $3.00.
Elton John (1971)
Elton John also graced the same venue in September of 1971, singing his famous tunes to an audience jam-packed with loyal fans. The unique thing about this concert was that it took place smack dab in the middle of the work week on a Wednesday evening.
The fact that the musician was still able to sell out tickets for a performance that took place not on a weekend was hugely symbolic for his career and the concert industry itself during this period.
Kiss (1975)
Just two years after their band’s founding, the iconic group Kiss came to Vegas for a highly anticipated performance at the Sahara Space Center, an extension venue of the famous Sahara Hotel and Casino located on the Strip’s North end. Although nowadays the casino industry has been largely digitalized with virtual offers and online games, at the time of this show, brick and mortar locations in Vegas were the hottest attractions imaginable.
Because Kiss played at a venue that was practically on a casino site, fans traveled far and wide to rock their heads back and forth to the world’s best rock and roll and then had the convenience of playing their favorite table games right next door. Not to mention another famous band, Rush, opened up the show for them and brought even more enthusiastic audience members with them.
Pearl Jam (2000)
Just shy of Christmas 2000, Pearl Jam played a knockout show at the Strip’s legendary MGM Grand Arena. Performing some of their own biggest hits like ‘Corduroy’ and ‘Breakerfall’, and even covering some Pink Floyd songs, the band gave their audience a night for the music history books.
