Brooks has ‘best of both worlds’

Almost five months into a five-year deal that brought him out of a decade-long retirement, Garth Brooks says his Las Vegas experience has become "the best of both worlds."

"It's the easiest, best gig I've ever had in my life," Brooks said Saturday, in one of his first interviews since his return to the stage.

In Denver to perform at a charity event for Colorado's oldest hospital, Brooks told me he couldn't be me more pleased with the reception he's received from fans during his run at Wynn Las Vegas.

"The fans," he said, "are like ... it's like playing for your own mom," Brooks said. "They just come in there and seem to be open to whatever you want to do."

His return to the stage "feels great and doesn't feel like you're back to work at all. It feels like you're getting to be the exact same guy you were."

The clincher in the deal with Wynn was a jet that allowed Brooks to drive his children to their soccer games and drive them to school every day.

"At the same time I get to do what I think I was put down here to do. So it's really good; it's the best of both worlds, and as long as it stays that way I'm fine. The second it might start eating into home, Steve Wynn and I have an agreement that we can look at each other, shake hands and call it a day, so I feel very lucky."

In part two of the interview, which will appear in Monday's column, Brooks talks about how Las Vegas has reignited his song-writing passion.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

"Peepshow" star Holly Madison is having a Playboy tattoo removed after eight years. Yep, she's taking it all off. "I have to cover it for 'Peepshow,' so it needs to go." Located on her lower back, the iconic Playboy bunny head logo is about an inch and a half wide and features hot pink, black and purple colors "I've been working on getting it removed for the past year," she said.

SIGHTINGS

Too perfect: Democratic U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Republican front-runner Sue Lowden ran into each other Saturday at the National Rifle Association dinner at Sam's Town. Handshakes and a few words were exchanged, but no gunshots. ... Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo, celebrating at XS nightclub Friday at Encore Las Vegas. Romo had plenty to celebrate after the Cowboys landed wide receiver Dez Bryant, one of the premier wide receivers in the 2010 NFL Draft. Also at XS: Singer Enrique Iglesias, who was earlier spotted at Tryst nightclub, XS's sister club at Wynn Las Vegas. ... Romo and girlfriend Candice Crawford (sister of "Gossip Girl" star Chace Crawford) also spent a few hours in the high-limit room at the Hard Rock Hotel. ... Tyra Banks, getting a backstage tour at "Viva Elvis" (Aria) after dining at Julian Serrano restaurant. She was with two producers of "America's Next Top Model." Banks met a number of cast members. ... Professional race driver Danica Patrick, with her husband and friends at the Playboy Club on Friday. Also in the club: the rock band Avenged Sevenfold. At Moon nightclub: former Bishop Gorman/Tennessee basketball standout C.J. Watson, now with the Golden State Warriors.

THE PUNCH LINE

"Who says (Kyle) Orton is not Pro Bowler caliber?" -- Mike Klis, Denver Post, after the Broncos quarterback rolled a 268 at a teammate's draft party/charity event Thursday, the night Denver drafted Florida's All-America quarterback Tim Tebow.

Norm Clarke can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com.