O’Connor explains end of marriage
When it comes to honeymoon nightmares, nothing compares to Sinead O'Connor's short-lived bliss.
If nothing else, the Irish singer and songwriter has a fresh batch of angst for a love-gone-wrong song after her marriage ended after 18 days.
The turning point? Well, for once, it wasn't Irish whiskey.
A teetotaler, O'Connor told Britain's The Sun that the marriage went south hours after she and Barry Herridge went through the drive-through at the Little White Wedding Chapel. That's the same chapel, by the way, where Britney Spears' 55-hour union began.
O'Connor, who turned 45 the day of her "dream wedding" (Dec. 8), blames the collapse on "a bit of a wild ride I took us on looking for a bit of a smoke of weed for me wedding night."
"We ended up in a cab in some place that was quite dangerous," she told The Sun. "I wasn't scared, but he's a drugs counselor. What was I thinking? Then I was handed a load of crack. Barry was very frightened. That kind of messed everything up a bit, really."
After four failed marriages she doesn't sound like she will give romance another chance.
"I don't think I will even date anyone," said O'Connor, best known for her hit "Nothing Compares 2 U."
THE SCENE AND HEARD
Rick Harrison and Austin "Chumlee" Russell of "Pawn Stars" co-host "American Country New Year's Live" from Mandalay Bay on Fox. It's on tape delay from 11 p.m. Saturday to 12:30 a.m. They'll be supporting the main host, comedian and actor Rodney Carrington. Harrison said going live on a big production will be a first. "But we'll bring some funny things from the shop that we've never shown before," he said. As for what he expects from his laconic cast mate, Harrison said, "as usual nothing much. I never know. He just stands there and says three words, and everybody falls to their knees laughing. I don't know if it's going to be profound or nonsensical, but it's always funny."
MAY I RECOMMEND
A trio of New Year's Eve options, stretching from downtown to mid-Strip to Lake Las Vegas: The Tribute Palooza at the Fremont Street Experience will feature bands Steel Panther and Rock Sugar, plus 10 tribute bands and the debut of Bon Jovi's show on the Viva Vision screen. Tickets: $30; 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Join 3,000 at The Boulevard Pool on the third floor of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for the live feed of Stevie Wonder's show on the 65-foot digital marquee and the Strip fireworks show. All-ages, $40 (free if you book dinner at a Cosmopolitan restaurant). Doors open at 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in person at any concierge or on the night of the show at the door.
The Village Lake Las Vegas is offering a free fireworks show at midnight for all ages.
SIGHTINGS
Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, touring "Bodies" (Luxor) Thursday with husband and astronaut Mark Kelly under the protection of security guards. ... At Lavo (Palazzo) on Wednesday: UFC heavyweight Alistair Overeem, who is facing former champ Brock Lesnar on Saturday in UFC 141 at MGM Grand Garden arena. ... At Tao (Venetian) on Wednesday: TV doctor Drew Pinsky, with friends. ... Paris Hilton, dancing in the wings Wednesday while Dutch music producer DJ Afrojack spun the tunes at Surrender (Encore). They arrived together and have been collaborating on a song. He won a Grammy in February for Best Remixed Recording for a song from Madonna-Revolver, which he made with David Guetta. Singer-songwriter Don Henley, with family at "Love" (Mirage) on Wednesday. U.S. soccer star Jozy Altidore, with friends to see Blue Man Group (Venetian) on Wednesday. Marcus Gilbert, rookie starting offensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers, with friends at Marquee (Cosmopolitan) on Monday. He was benched for the Dec. 19 game at San Francisco. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said Gilbert has "some growth and maturity issues."
THE PUNCH LINE
"Welcome to Denny's, table for one?" -- From David Letterman's Top Ten Things You Don't Want to Hear During the Holidays
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.
