From Connecticut to Atlantic City to Las Vegas, casinos are taking concert business away from arenas. Recently, Billy Joel passed up Hartford's civic center in favor of Mohegan Sun, and tours by The Eagles and The Who are stopping at the Borgata in Atlantic City. Today we look at what's behind this trend –- and whether fans will appreciate the on-site dining options and gambling on the side. Joining us are Diane Weaver Dunne, a reporter with the Hartford Business Journal, Steve Gietka, VP of entertainment at Trump Entertainment Resorts, and Nicole Atkins, a singer-songwriter who has performed in many casino hotels.
Our blog: John Schaefer rolls the dice on casino shows
Our blog: John Schaefer rolls the dice on casino shows
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Comments [5]
Who is Nicole Atkins?
these kind of arena rock shows have always been lame anyway. playing at casinos just makes it more honest. it's all about the dollars.
I attended a small number of concerts in Atlantic City and have stopped. It seems that the concerts at the casinos were MUCH shorter than those I had seen by the same artists at other venues. Is it just me or is the shorter concert for the same money one of the artist's perks?
I think, for acts like the Who and Billy Joel that appeal to an older crowd, it makes much more sense to play in a venue where it can be part of an entire weekend (i.e., the spas and gambling you mentioned.) As far as it seeming off for the Who to play a casino, is it any stranger than a sixty-five year old man singing "My Generation?"
I'm a professional musician, and would love to know how much Billy Joel pulls in for one night at the casino.
Thanks!
Stuart
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