Britney comeback delights Maloof
George Maloof didn't hesitate when asked what Britney Spears' comeback launch at the Palms meant in terms of marketing.
"In this world, just her tweeting alone (about the Palms). She has 7 million followers. That in itself is pretty valuable," the Palms' owner said. "You can kind of take it from there."
Spears' three-song concert at Rain nightclub last Friday generated headlines valued in millions of dollars, and it figures to be a gift that keeps on giving.
Maloof said the second marketing "hit" comes Sunday when Spears' one-hour comeback special airs on MTV.
The idea of Spears' previewing her "Femme Fatale" album at the Palms' Rain nightclub started with her manager, Larry Rudolph, Maloof said.
It all came together because of a longstanding relationship among Maloof, Rudolph, Spears and MTV.
Maloof ranks it among the top moments in the Palms' nearly 10-year existence.
He started ticking off headline-generating events that elevated the profile of the off-Strip hotspot.
Hosting the MTV Video Music Awards in 2007 "is maybe No. 1," he said.
"Her getting married while she was here. Michael Jackson staying here. Lady Gaga's two shows were huge. O.J. (Simpson) hanging out here (before his arrest).
"Being the host hotel during the NBA All-Star Game. Having the original 'Real World Las Vegas' original."
In another development, Maloof confirmed the promotion of Jon Gray, vice president of brand development, to general manager of the N9NE Group venues (N9NE Steakhouse, Nove Italiano, Rain, ghostbar, Playboy Club and Moon nightclub).
The name will be changed from N9NE Group, the company the Palms took over after a legal battle with the previous owners.
Gray, who joined the Palms seven years ago as a 20-year-old front desk employee, will "report to me," Maloof said.
THE SCENE AND HEARD
TV crews from two Paris channels (2 and 6) are in town following Las Vegas mayoral candidate Victor Chaltiel, a former Parisian. He is being featured on "66 Minutes," France's version of CBS' "60 Minutes." Scenes were shot at receptions held by Sheldon Adelson and at Chaltiel's home and in Paris with French entertainment icon Line Renaud, singing star of "Casino de Paris" when it opened at the Dunes, with Elvis in the audience.
Maxim magazine and Jet nightclub are collaborating Friday on the magazine's release party for the debut of model Taylor Fator, the wife of Mirage headliner Terry Fator. It marks the first time she has appeared in a national publication. Maxim, which is billing her as "Vegas' hottest resident," recently released her video and online photo pictorial.
THE PUNCH LINE
"Went to the Mob Experience tonight. Only thirty bucks to get in, but to get out, you need a lawyer." -- Venetian headliner Rita Rudner
Norm Clarke can be reached at (702) 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.
