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The Theater at Virgin Hotels

From Wikipedia - Reading time: 15 min
The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas
Exterior of venue with former signage (2009)
Former namesThe Joint (1995-2020)
Address4455 Paradise Rd
LocationParadise, Nevada, United States
Owner
OperatorAEG Live
Capacity4,500
Construction
OpenedMarch 10, 1995
Renovated
  • 2009
  • 2020–21
Website
virginhotelslv.com/venue/the-theater/

The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, originally known as The Joint, is a theater located on the grounds of the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas in Paradise, Nevada, United States.

It opened as The Joint on March 10, 1995, as part of the Hard Rock Hotel (later Virgin Hotels). The venue closed on February 7, 2009, and a new, larger building was opened two months later, doubling capacity from 2,000 to 4,000 people. The hotel and music venue closed in February 2020, for renovations and rebranding as Virgin Hotels. The resort reopened in March 2021, and the theater began hosting performances on September 11, 2021.

The theater is operated by AEG Live. It has hosted various concert residencies, and is a common venue for classic rock and modern rock bands in the Las Vegas Valley.[1] It has frequently booked groups who traditionally favor arena types of venues.[2] It has also hosted other events such as comedy acts and boxing matches.

History

[edit]

1995-2009

[edit]

The venue, originally named the Joint, opened along with the Hard Rock Hotel on the night of March 10, 1995. The venue had capacity for up to 1,400 people. Numerous musicians performed on opening night, and the concert was filmed and subsequently broadcast on MTV the following night.[3][4][5] This new showroom provided audience members with an intimate setting that allowed them an up-close view of performers, some of whom normally would have played in large stadiums.[5] Its success led to similar music venues being built at other nearby resorts, including the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, and the Pearl Theater at the Palms resort.[6]

Although the Joint was built as a music venue, it hosted other events as well, such as the world premiere of Con Air on June 2, 1997.[7][8][9] In November 2003, it hosted a fundraiser screening of The Big Empty. The screening was part of an effort by the Hard Rock to compete against its rival, the Palms, which had hosted several film and television premiere screenings.[10] In late 2003, Jeff Beacher began hosting a variety show at the Joint,[11][12][13] which continued its run for the next four years.[14] In September 2006, the Joint hosted "Imagine: The Artwork of John Lennon", a collection of more than 100 art pieces created by John Lennon, including drawings, serigraphs, and lithographs.[15][16][17]

Andrew Hewitt, the Joint's original concert promoter, announced his impending departure in late 2006, after 11 years.[18] AEG Live took over booking for the Joint, and events occurred less frequently there following Hewitt's departure.[19] By 2007, the Joint had capacity for 2,000 people, and there were plans to demolish it for a new, larger Joint facility.[20][21] The original Joint closed on February 7, 2009, with its final performance being Mötley Crüe.[19][22][23] The facility had held more than 1,000 concerts since its opening.[24] The original Joint was turned into additional gaming space for the Hard Rock Hotel.[20][25]

2009-2020

[edit]

The new Joint cost $60 million.[26] It was built on what used to be 300 parking spaces, located on the east side of the Hard Rock resort property along Paradise Road.[27][19] It was designed by Scéno Plus.[24] Like the original Joint, the new one was also built out in a rectangular floor plan, though with an increased capacity for 4,000 people, up from the 2,000 number offered at the original venue.[28] The larger Joint was created to better compete against the House of Blues and the Pearl Theater.[19] The new facility included a second and third level that both wrapped around the room.[28] The furthest seat from the stage was 155 feet.[24] In the original Joint, sound quality would vary depending on where guests would be situated in the room. This was because of a lack of sound absorption, something that was implemented into the new Joint to correct the problem.[26][29] The floor at the new Joint was angled to give shorter people a better concert view.[29]

The new Joint opened on the night of April 17, 2009, with a performance by The Killers. This was followed over the next two nights with performances by Avenged Sevenfold and Paul McCartney.[30][31][32] In addition to its primary function as a music venue, the new Joint also hosted private events and comedy acts, as well as boxing and mixed martial arts fights.[24][33][2] The Joint was also frequently used as convention space.[34] In May 2009, the Hard Rock announced that Rogue Pictures had purchased the naming rights to the venue, which would now be known as The Joint by Rogue.[35][36]

For 2009, Pollstar named the Joint as the Best New Major Concert Venue of the year.[37] Within its first 10 years, the new facility had won 22 local and national awards.[2]

In 2010 and 2011 it hosted the Dew Tour Championships as the venue for Skateboard Street.

As of 2014, the new Joint had sold more than a million tickets to 380 different events.[38]

Present

[edit]

In March 2018, the Hard Rock was sold to a group of companies that included Virgin Hotels, and plans were announced to renovate and rebrand the resort as Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.[39] The Hard Rock and Joint closed on February 3, 2020, to allow for the renovations to take place.[40] The Joint initially was to retain its name,[39] but this idea was scrapped because of an issue with naming rights.[41] The venue is tentatively known as The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, while the new ownership decides on a permanent name.[42] Virgin Hotels Las Vegas opened on March 25, 2021,[43][44] but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the music venue would instead debut at a later date.[45]

Christina Aguilera performed in the new theater on June 10, 2021, as part of an official grand opening celebration for the resort, following the end of most COVID-19 health restrictions. The theater includes seating for 4,500 people.[44][46] Regular performances began on September 11, 2021,[47] with a concert by Gary Clark Jr.[48] AEG continues to book and operate the venue,[49][50] which was renovated at a cost of $6.5 million.[51]

On March 11, 2023, the UFC held its first event at the theater for UFC Fight Night: Yan vs. Dvalishvili.[52] In April 2023 the Professional Fighters League held the first three events of its 2023 season at the theater starting with PFL 1.[53]

Notable performances

[edit]

A Tom Petty concert in August 1999 brought in 1,786 audience members, although the Joint was only permitted by the Clark County Fire Department to hold 1,400 people.[54]

Notable performers during the early to mid 2000s included Beck, Deftones, David Bowie, Robert Plant, The Rolling Stones, and Stone Temple Pilots.[5] Lou Reed performed at the Joint in June 2003, but he became upset when audience members were busy buying alcohol at the bar during his performance. He left the stage out of anger, and people in the audience heckled him when he returned, prompting him to leave again before returning to the stage a third time.[5][55][56][57] In July 2003, the original members of Duran Duran performed at the Joint as part of a reunion tour, which reunited them for the first time since 1985.[58][59][60]

The Beastie Boys held their final Las Vegas performance on October 23, 2006, at the Joint. Fiona Apple held her most recent Las Vegas performance in September 2012, at the Joint.[40]

Residencies

[edit]

For the new Joint, AEG Live intended to regularly book rock and roll residencies at the venue in addition to one-night performances.[61][62] AEG announced on April 1, 2009, that Santana would open a two-year residency show at the new Joint called Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits. The band would play 36 shows a year.[63][64][65] Santana began its residency in May 2009.[66][67] DJ Tiësto began a year-long residency in 2011.[68]

In February 2012, Mötley Crüe did a two-week residency at the Joint named Mötley Crüe in Sin City. Each two-hour show included aerialists, dancers, pyrotechnics, and video displays. Frontman Vince Neil said, "It's Cirque meets rock. This is not a show where you just sit there and look at the stage. It's happening all around you."[69][70][71] Later that year, Guns N' Roses did a residency show.[72]

Mötley Crüe returned for another residency show in 2013.[73][74] Def Leppard also did a residency show in 2013, known as Viva! Hysteria.

Guns N' Roses did another residency show beginning in May 2014.[75][76][77] Kiss began a residency six months later.[78][79][80] The Kiss residency was heavily promoted throughout the Hard Rock resort.[81]

Rascal Flatts did a nine-show residency in 2015, marking the venue's first country music residency.[82][83] The band returned a year later for another nine-show run.[83]

Journey did a nine-show residency in 2015, and returned two years later.[84]

2016 played the Scorpions a five-night residency starting May 13 and ending May 21 as Part of their 50th anniversary Tour.

In 2018, Nickelback played a five-night residency starting February 23 and ending March 5 as part of their "Feed the Machine" tour.

Live recordings

[edit]

Live recordings at the original Joint included:

Several live recordings also occurred at the new Joint:

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Hofstede, David. "The Joint, Hard Rock Hotel". City Guide. Archived from the original on 2008-10-10. Retrieved 2007-06-23.
  2. ^ a b c Bracelin, Jason (April 15, 2019). "Hard Rock Hotel's Joint concert venue in Las Vegas turns 10". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
  3. ^ "Harveys opens its first Las Vegas casino". Reno Gazette-Journal. March 10, 1995. Retrieved May 5, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ^ "Stargazers, celebs pack Hard Rock Hotel gala". Reno Gazette-Journal. March 12, 1995. Retrieved May 5, 2020 – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ a b c d "Joint Memories". Las Vegas Review-Journal. February 5, 2009. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  6. ^ Lawrence, Christopher (October 11, 2018). "How The Joint at the Hard Rock changed Las Vegas' music scene". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
  7. ^ Cling, Carol (May 12, 1997). "'Con Air' to make its world premiere at Hard Rock in June". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on July 19, 1997.
  8. ^ Cling, Carol (June 3, 1997). "Flight of Stars". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on July 19, 1997.
  9. ^ Schorr, Melissa (June 3, 1997). "Fans flock for glimpse of 'Con Air' superstars". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  10. ^ McDarrah, Timothy (November 7, 2003). "Hard Rock Hotel yearning for star power". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  11. ^ McDarrah, Timothy (December 9, 2003). "Hard Rock goes to extremes for laughs". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  12. ^ McDarrah, Timothy (February 20, 2004). "'Madhouse' shakes up the neighborhood". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  13. ^ "'Madhouse' a needlessly profane show". Las Vegas Sun. March 19, 2004. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  14. ^ Harasim, Paul (August 16, 2008). "Beacher sues over weight program". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  15. ^ "John Katsilometes on the return to Vegas of Yoko Ono, who brings an exhibit of Lennon's artwork to The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel". Las Vegas Sun. August 31, 2006. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  16. ^ "Lennon's art on display at Hard Rock Hotel". Las Vegas Review-Journal. September 8, 2006. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  17. ^ Clarke, Norm (September 9, 2006). "Lennon artwork draws memories". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  18. ^ Weatherford, Mike (December 28, 2006). "Promoter leaves Hard Rock for new job at Palms". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on February 11, 2007.
  19. ^ a b c d Patterson, Spencer (February 5, 2009). "The final curtain". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  20. ^ a b Knightly, Arnold M. (March 13, 2007). "Hard Rock project unveiled – New owners plan major expansion". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on March 24, 2007.
  21. ^ Patterson, Spencer (November 20, 2008). "Hard Rock Dis-Jointed (for a bit)". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  22. ^ Elfman, Doug (February 3, 2009). "It takes a Crüe to close a venue". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  23. ^ "Last Night for The Joint". Las Vegas Review-Journal. February 8, 2009. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  24. ^ a b c d Fink, Jerry (February 19, 2009). "An early look at the new Joint". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  25. ^ "Seek (fun) and ye shall find! Plus, the Hard Rock renovations affect Body English". Las Vegas Weekly. August 6, 2009. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
  26. ^ a b Bracelin, Jason (February 26, 2009). "Checking sound at new Joint". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  27. ^ "Between a Rock and a good place". Las Vegas Review-Journal. June 16, 2008. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  28. ^ a b Patterson, Spencer (February 26, 2009). "How's that new Joint?". Las Vegas Weekly. Archived from the original on November 21, 2015. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  29. ^ a b Katsilometes, John (April 8, 2009). "This Joint an improvement, but still has some of that old Joint spark". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
  30. ^ Bracelin, Jason (April 17, 2009). "Raising the Roof". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  31. ^ Katsilometes, John (April 18, 2009). "The Killers rock us in raucous opening of new Joint at Hard Rock Hotel". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  32. ^ Brown, Joe (April 21, 2009). "Short takes from the new Joint". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  33. ^ "Hard Rock back in fight game at Joint". Las Vegas Review-Journal. May 1, 2009. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  34. ^ Katsilometes, John (January 24, 2016). "Rick Harrison of 'Pawn Stars' plans sports memorabilia authentication event". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  35. ^ Finke, Nikki (May 7, 2009). "Relativity's Rogue Goes Vegas, Baby". Deadline. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
  36. ^ "The Joint goes Rogue, for marketing purposes". Las Vegas Sun. May 22, 2009. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
  37. ^ Corbin, April (February 18, 2010). "The Joint named Best New Major Concert Venue by Pollstar". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
  38. ^ Leach, Robin (April 17, 2014). "The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel turns 5; Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend". Las Vegas Sun. Archived from the original on July 26, 2014.
  39. ^ a b Katsilometes, John (March 30, 2018). "It's time to knock 'n' roll for Richard Branson in Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  40. ^ a b Bracelin, Jason (January 31, 2020). "9 memorable concerts that rocked The Joint in Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  41. ^ Katsilometes, John (September 25, 2020). "Virgin Hotels Las Vegas renaming The Joint". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
  42. ^ Katsilometes, John (March 23, 2021). "Artists eager to play Virgin Hotel, even at half-capacity". Las Vegas Review-Journal. The Greenspun Corporation. Archived from the original on June 13, 2021. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  43. ^ Katsilometes, John (February 15, 2021). "The Joint is gone, but Virgin Hotels still seeking a name". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
  44. ^ a b Radke, Brock (June 14, 2021). "Virgin Las Vegas captures the spotlight again with Unstoppable Weekend celebration". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  45. ^ Radke, Brock (March 22, 2021). "The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas should be ready to rock when big concerts can return safely". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  46. ^ Bartels, Joe (June 10, 2021). "Virgin Hotels Las Vegas welcomes Sir Richard Branson, unveils revamped beach club". KTNV-TV. E. W. Scripps Company. Archived from the original on June 13, 2021. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  47. ^ "Machine Gun Kelly, Lady A, Primus Among First Bookings for The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas". Las Vegas Weekly. June 14, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2021.
  48. ^ Seeman, Matthew (September 13, 2021). "Gary Clark Jr. opens The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas". KSNV. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
  49. ^ Katsilometes, John (July 9, 2019). "The Joint at Las Vegas Hard Rock ramps up AEG residency plans". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  50. ^ Radke, Brock (July 11, 2019). "Curtain Up: AEG takes the Joint, 'Blanc de Blanc' hits SLS and more". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  51. ^ Bosselman, Haley (September 8, 2021). "Inside the $6.5-Million Newly Renovated The Theater at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas". Vegas. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
  52. ^ Mahjouri, Shakiel (March 11, 2023). "UFC Fight Night predictions -- Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili: Fight card, odds, start time, live stream". CBS Sports. Retrieved March 11, 2023.
  53. ^ "Professional Fighters League (PFL) has successful 2023 season debut at the Virgin Hotel".
  54. ^ "Fire Dept. gives jammed concert bad review". Las Vegas Sun. August 27, 1999. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  55. ^ Elfman, Doug (October 28, 2013). "Reed's '03 debacle made Vegas history". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  56. ^ McDarrah, Timothy (June 23, 2003). "Hunter S. ruffles Robin's feathers". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  57. ^ Abowitz, Richard (October 30, 2005). "At last, all rock that glitters here is not old". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  58. ^ Patterson, Spencer (July 16, 2003). "Reunited Duran Duran has a view (to a kill)". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  59. ^ Patterson, Spencer (July 18, 2003). "Hits hit the spot for reunited Duran Duran". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
  60. ^ Elfman, Doug (July 19, 2003). "There's something Duran Duran should know". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Archived from the original on December 28, 2004.
  61. ^ Weatherford, Mike (March 15, 2009). "The Joint pursuing rock 'n' roll residencies". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  62. ^ Clarke, Norm (March 30, 2009). "Resident talent coming at Joint". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  63. ^ Arseniuk, Melissa (April 1, 2009). "Santana to perform at remodeled Hard Rock concert venue". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  64. ^ Weatherford, Mike (April 1, 2009). "Santana signs 2-year deal to perform at Hard Rock's new Joint". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  65. ^ Weatherford, Mike (April 5, 2009). "Santana as Hard Rock headliner puzzling". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  66. ^ Whittington, Mark (June 1, 2009). "Welcome home, Carlos". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  67. ^ Fink, Jerry (September 4, 2009). "The band behind Santana". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 19, 2020.
  68. ^ Chareunsy, Don (January 5, 2011). "New Year's Day premiere of 'Tiesto in Concert' at the Joint draws a crowd". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  69. ^ Katsilometes, John (January 31, 2012). "Motley Crue at the Joint is 'Cirque meets rock' with flames, rollercoaster drums and even 'Little Crue'". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
  70. ^ Katsilometes, John (February 8, 2012). "Hard-rock home sweet home: Motley Crue's Joint residency starts with a bang". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
  71. ^ Curley, Rob (February 17, 2012). "Five reasons hardcore Motley Crue fans must see Las Vegas residency". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
  72. ^ D'Urso, William (October 29, 2012). "Guns N' Roses' residency prompts temporary name change for Paradise Road". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  73. ^ Gundersen, Edna (April 2, 2013). "Mötley Crüe to rock The Joint in second Vegas residency". USA Today. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
  74. ^ Domanick, Andrea (September 11, 2013). "Residency reinvented: The Joint welcomes back Mötley Crüe and looks ahead". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved July 20, 2020.
  75. ^ Bell, Josh (May 23, 2014). "Tearing It Up". Las Vegas Magazine. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  76. ^ Bracelin, Jason (June 13, 2014). "Guns N' Roses comes up roses in Las Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  77. ^ Katsilometes, John (June 12, 2014). "Nicolas Cage, Andrew Dice Clay and Carrot Top: How GNR closes a run at the Joint". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  78. ^ Bracelin, Jason (July 14, 2014). "Kiss announces residency at Hard Rock Hotel". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  79. ^ Katsilometes, John (July 14, 2014). "Shout it, shout it, shout it out loud: KISS rolls into the Joint in November". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  80. ^ Kelemen, Matt (November 14, 2014). "KISS puts the makeup back on for the band's Joint residency". Las Vegas Magazine. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  81. ^ Leach, Robin (October 30, 2014). "KISS specials abound at Hard Rock Hotel ahead of November shows". Las Vegas Sun. Archived from the original on November 8, 2014.
  82. ^ Chareunsy, Don (November 17, 2014). "Rascal Flatts announces nine-show run at Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas". Las Vegas Sun. Archived from the original on November 20, 2014.
  83. ^ a b Freeman, Jon (November 17, 2015). "Rascal Flatts Extend Las Vegas Residency". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  84. ^ Radke, Brock (May 2, 2017). "Journey's Jonathan Cain on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame glory and rocking Las Vegas again". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  85. ^ "Live From Sydney To Vegas - 2005 DVD". Interscope Records. Retrieved 2007-06-23.
  86. ^ "Live At The Joint, Las Vegas - 03/03/2006 CD". CD Universe. Retrieved 2007-06-23.
  87. ^ "Aerosmith: Rockin' the Joint - Live at the Hard Rock Hotel, Las Vegas (2005)". IMDb. Retrieved 2007-06-23.
  88. ^ "GNR concert film, shot in 3-D at The Joint, to be released July 1". Las Vegas Sun. May 30, 2014. Retrieved July 21, 2020.
  89. ^ Bracelin, Jason (July 1, 2014). "Guns N' Roses releases concert film shot in Vegas". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved July 21, 2020.

36°06′38″N 115°09′14″W / 36.110498°N 115.154027°W / 36.110498; -115.154027

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