Hard Rock, AMG go separate ways
A top Hard Rock Hotel executive said Wednesday the property was surprised when Angel Management Group issued a statement saying it had ended its nightlife-operating relationship with the Hard Rock.
It was the other way around, said Julie Cane, marketing director for the hotel and casino.
Stressing she wasn't out to "stir" up a controversy, Cane said, "We didn't know a release was going out. The wording made it sound like we got kicked to the curb, like we got fired."
She added, "That was the surprising part, but both sides are happy with the agreement."
Either way, the relationship is over as of Nov. 1.
The Hard Rock didn't release an initial statement, instead sending only when a media outlet requested comment.
AMG sent an email about 1 p.m. Tuesday, headlined "Angel Management Group Ends Partnership with Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas."
Cane said AMG not only created the impression it had dumped the Hard Rock, but "took the liberty of not running (their release) by us," a reference to the corporate tradition of joint statements.
The nightlife operations relationship lasted 16 months.
"With an unparalleled knowledge in the marketplace and successful reputation in the industry," the statement read, "Angel Management Group was initially hired by former administration to improve operations and programming for its nightlife and daylife venues, including Hard Rock Beach Club, Rehab pool party and Vanity Nightclub."
Both parties thanked the other in their media releases.
The Hard Rock statement, sent to the Review-Journal on Wednesday, read: "The agreement between Angel Management Group and Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is ending, effective November 1. We would like to thank AMG for the work done on behalf of Hard Rock; we are not prepared to announce management plans moving forward, but expect to in the near future."
THE SCENE AND HEARD
A Memphis NBC affiliate reported Wednesday that Michaele Salahi of "The Real Housewives of D.C." has surfaced in the company of Journey's lead guitarist Neal Schon. Her husband, Tareq Salahi, reported her as abducted. ...
The Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas kicks off its seventh Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday with retired illusionists Siegfried and Roy handling celebrity keg tapping honors at 7 p.m. The rest of the burgermeister lineup: Sept. 23, Fantasy Girls; Sept. 24, TBD; Sept. 30, Corey Harrison of "Pawn Stars"; Oct. 1, former Mayor Oscar Goodman; Oct. 7, Holly Madison; Oct. 8, Robin Leach; Oct. 14, The Beatles Show; Oct. 15, TBD; Oct. 21, magician-illusion Jan Rouven; Oct. 22, Norm Clarke; Oct. 28, Carrot Top; and Oct. 29, Thunder from Down Under. Each ceremony is held at 7 p.m., with the exception of Rouven, who will tap the keg at 6:30 p.m. ...
Correction: Jim Caruso's "Cast Party" shows are next Wednesday and Thursday at Alexis Park, 375 E. Harmon Ave., 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
SIGHTINGS
Boxing legends Joe Frazier, Kenny Norton, Leon Spinks and Earnie Shavers, signing autographs in the lobby of the MGM Grand on Wednesday. They'll be there at 10 a.m. through Sunday for fight week. ... Former President Bill Clinton, drawing onlookers while walking through the Forum Shops at Caesars. ... Former NBA player Coby Karl, son of Denver Nuggets coach George Karl, dining at Serendipity 3 with friends Tuesday. Robert Iler, who played AJ in "The Sopranos," at Lavo (Palazzo) with friends on Tuesday. Wayne Newton, taking in Neil McCoy's show at Star of the Desert Arena in Primm on Saturday.
THE PUNCH LINE
"A South Carolina man was arrested for sneaking a Taser gun into a football game and using it on somebody. The man was arrested -- and immediately signed by the Oakland Raiders." -- Conan O'Brien
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.
