‘Rock Vault’ reopens in new home at Tropicana
It’s still called “Raiding the Rock Vault,” but they don’t literally pop it open anymore.
When the salute to classic rock opens in its new home at the Tropicana on Saturday, new connecting material will tell the history of fist-pumping rock, from the Doors and Rolling Stones to AC/DC and U2.
Original co-creator John Payne filed a lawsuit after a falling out with producer Harry Cowell, and Cowell says all of Payne’s scripted material was removed even before the show closed abruptly at the Westgate Las Vegas in September, the day the Trop move was made public.
That means no more mysterious “rock vault” sitting in a Mayan jungle, to be discovered by futuristic explorers in hazmat suits. No more side stage with ’60s hippies turning into ’80s yuppies, or DJs replaced by VJs.
Actors are still onboard, but the new premise — developed by lighting designer Paul Dexter from a project he’d shopped called “Road Tales” — has veteran roadies telling war stories about the bands they toured with over the years.
Cowell says the redesigned set will feature new digital screen technology which “has not been seen in Vegas as far as I’m aware,” and a new sound system from Bose.
The rockers still include guitarist Howard Leese, who was for years “the guy in Heart” and Irish singer Robin McAuley. The show has experimented with bigger-name guest stars, but at this point, Cowell is sticking with the ensemble cast.
“Nobody’s bigger than the show,” he says.
Contact reporter Mike Weatherford at mweatherford@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0288.