Cassidy publicist blames medication
David Cassidy is singing "I Think I Owe You" after his Davy Jones tribute went off the rails Sunday at the South Point.
An apologetic Cassidy wants to make amends for his behavior by performing a benefit at the hotel-casino, according to his publicist.
More than 50 disgruntled show-goers reportedly walked out during the 1970s teen idol's rambling performance, which included moments when he berated the audience.
Cassidy's California-based publicist Jo-Ann Geffen, in an email sent to Vegas Confidential on Thursday, said his fans "are owed an explanation for what happened."
She said Cassidy, 62, "was not feeling well and made the mistake of combining cold medication, which he needed for his voice, and cortisone (for eczema which he gets every time he comes to Las Vegas).
"He was so out of it from the combination that he thought he would pass out and, the next day, didn't even know there had been a problem until he was told," she said.
She added that he performed Monday night in Utah "and had another amazingly good show."
Cassidy's drawn-out nightmare made Elton John's recent tantrum at Caesars Palace look tame. During a show in May, John angrily splashed water bottles on the stage while profanely suggesting a production staffer was going to be fired.
Witnesses said Cassidy kept repeating himself during what was billed as a tribute to Jones, lead singer of the 1960s supergroup The Monkees. Jones died earlier this year.
Cassidy, a former Las Vegas headliner, sang about 10 songs during the 90-minute show and at one point sarcastically demonstrated how the crowd should clap.
Geffen said Cassidy plans to post an apology on his website and "feels awful about any embarrassment he caused the venue, his band, fans and other audience members, and is offering to perform a free show at South Point to benefit a charity of their choice."
I asked Geffen to address Cassidy's history of anger issues in front of audiences.
Her response: "I am only aware of two in the years I've worked with him - both when he was injured and had to take a pain pill. He clearly doesn't do well on medicine! I am confident he will never take any before a show again no matter how awful he feels."
Cassidy's website said he was injured during his 1996-99 stint as the lead of "EFX," the huge special effects production at the MGM Grand.
Roy Jernigan, who books acts for South Point, told the Review-Journal earlier this week that Cassidy would not be invited back.
Jernigan could not be reached for comment Thursday.
SIGHTINGS
Oscar winner Nicolas Cage, testing the weaponry at Guns & Ammo Garage on Thursday with a friend at the 12-lane indoor gun range at 5155 S. Dean Martin Drive. ... Action-movie actor Steven Seagal, dining with friends at Fogo de Chao on Flamingo. ... UFC Hall of Fame member Chuck Liddell, fighter Rashad "Suga" Evans and UFC Octagon Girl Arianny Celeste, among a group kicking off UFC Fight Week at the Palms Pool & Bungalows on Thursday. Joining Celeste were her other Octagon Girls Brittney Palmer, Rachelle Leah, Kenda Perez, Chrissy Blair and Vanessa Hanson. ... Actress Kathy Griffin of Bravo's "Kathy," attending "Celine" (Caesars) on Wednesday. ... Actor James Woods, with friends at 35 Steaks + Martinis (Hard Rock Hotel) on Saturday. ... Duane "Dog" Chapman of "Dog the Bounty Hunter," dining at Evan's Old Towne Grille in Boulder City over the weekend.
THE PUNCH LINE
"Booze, broads and (BS). If you got all that, what else do you need?" - Hall of Fame baseball broadcaster Harry Caray
Norm Clarke can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find additional sightings and more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke.
