Mark Runyon | ConcertTour.org
It takes a special type of artist to headline a residency show anywhere, much less the epicenter of all residency events: Las Vegas. There’s no specific criteria for an artist to reach the status to receive an invitation to lead a residency event in Vegas, nor is there a specific style — every style from traditional pop (Celine Dion, Britney Spears) to R&B (Boyz II Men) has been featured in Sin City. Event-goers just want a solid, glitzy performance that matches the bright lights of Las Vegas, both in star power and the actual performance. Here are some artists who would likely sell out Las Vegas residencies if they chose to perform there this year:
Taylor Swift
Though residencies are more geared toward older stars like Britney Spears and Celine Dion, the 23-year-old Swift would be an instant hit in Vegas. Though some may fear that her younger demographic may not be the most appropriate for Sin City, Swift’s music is adored by many parents as well, parents who don’t mind escaping to Vegas for a little R&R, and perhaps a little tunes courtesy of perhaps the most popular musician alive right now.
Billy Joel
The Piano Man hasn’t toured significantly since 2010, but he announced in late May that he will perform three shows in the UK in October and November. Those gigs are more than likely to be sold out, and a Las Vegas residency would be as well. Joel’s wide number of hits, in addition to an older fan base, makes him an ideal fit.
Supertramp
Interest in Supertramp was revitalized in 2005 when Gym Class Heroes released “Cupid’s Chokehold”, with its lead hook being borrowed from Supertramp’s 1979 hit “Breakfast in America”. That may have introduced the pop group to a younger audience, but their parents are very familiar with tracks like that and “Goodbye Stranger”, staples of the radio for many years. Supertramp have enough of a discography and following to make a Vegas residency successful.
Bob Dylan
Vegas is full of bright stars, but you can bet that if Dylan participated in a residency event that he would be the brightest star there. It’s highly doubtful that Dylan would commit to playing at Vegas for more than one or two nights, considering his reputation for being capricious on the road. He seems fonder of taking his show around the country, but you never know how much a casino would offer the folk legend.
Aimee Mann
A maven in both independent music and film, Mann would be a nice fit considering how broad her audience is. Whether they know her brilliant score to PT Anderson’s Magnolia or adore her illustrious discography, Mann has a charismatic and friendly stage presence and a whopping amount of material – making her another perfect fit for a residency.
Sarah McLachlan
Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan is a staple of pop and soft-rock, and has been throughout the late ’90s and ’00s. While still releasing material – she has a new album, Morning, out this year – McLachlan has been very active with charities. It’s easy to envision her playing a residency show if it meant providing exposure to a meaningful charity.
Daft Punk
Electronic music giants Daft Punk have resurfaced with one of the year’s biggest albums, Random Access Memories. With Skrillex recently confirming a Vegas residency, it shows that dance music and electronica is a very active scene in Vegas, which isn’t surprising considering its propensity to party. Daft Punk, with their designer headwear and visually stimulating shows, would brilliantly coincide with Vegas’ bright lights.
Justice
Another French electronic music duo, Justice may not be even close to Daft Punk in terms of reputation and discography, but they are renowned for their exciting live performances and funky infectiousness. There are few acts today that could turn a stale setting into a riveting party like Justice. Just imagine how great a Justice-Daft Punk collaboration residency would be. We can only dream.
Moody Blues
Classic-rock favorites Moody Blues are one of the remaining active groups that were a driving force throughout the ‘60s and ’70s. Their implementation of classical music into a rock and pop palate resulted in one of the most memorable sounds from the era, and along with names like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and The Doors they certainly deserve a mention. A Vegas residency would stir up a ton of interest from longtime fans.
Bruno Mars
Mars represents a new generation of electric on-stage performances. His unique blend of styles – soul, funk, pop, and R&B among them – creates an addictive sound that encourages all concert-goers to dance. And dance fervently. Mars’ current popularity would help out drumming up interest for a Vegas residency, which his party-friendly music seems ideal for.
Top Ten Artists Who Need to be Playing Las Vegas Residencies
It takes a special type of artist to headline a residency show anywhere, much less the epicenter of all residency events: Las Vegas. There’s no specific criteria for an artist to reach the status to receive an invitation to lead a residency event in Vegas, nor is there a specific style — every style from traditional pop (Celine Dion, Britney Spears) to R&B (Boyz II Men) has been featured in Sin City. Event-goers just want a solid, glitzy performance that matches the bright lights of Las Vegas, both in star power and the actual performance. Here are some artists who would likely sell out Las Vegas residencies if they chose to perform there this year:
Taylor Swift
Though residencies are more geared toward older stars like Britney Spears and Celine Dion, the 23-year-old Swift would be an instant hit in Vegas. Though some may fear that her younger demographic may not be the most appropriate for Sin City, Swift’s music is adored by many parents as well, parents who don’t mind escaping to Vegas for a little R&R, and perhaps a little tunes courtesy of perhaps the most popular musician alive right now.
Billy Joel
The Piano Man hasn’t toured significantly since 2010, but he announced in late May that he will perform three shows in the UK in October and November. Those gigs are more than likely to be sold out, and a Las Vegas residency would be as well. Joel’s wide number of hits, in addition to an older fan base, makes him an ideal fit.
Supertramp
Interest in Supertramp was revitalized in 2005 when Gym Class Heroes released “Cupid’s Chokehold”, with its lead hook being borrowed from Supertramp’s 1979 hit “Breakfast in America”. That may have introduced the pop group to a younger audience, but their parents are very familiar with tracks like that and “Goodbye Stranger”, staples of the radio for many years. Supertramp have enough of a discography and following to make a Vegas residency successful.
Bob Dylan
Vegas is full of bright stars, but you can bet that if Dylan participated in a residency event that he would be the brightest star there. It’s highly doubtful that Dylan would commit to playing at Vegas for more than one or two nights, considering his reputation for being capricious on the road. He seems fonder of taking his show around the country, but you never know how much a casino would offer the folk legend.
Aimee Mann
A maven in both independent music and film, Mann would be a nice fit considering how broad her audience is. Whether they know her brilliant score to PT Anderson’s Magnolia or adore her illustrious discography, Mann has a charismatic and friendly stage presence and a whopping amount of material – making her another perfect fit for a residency.
Sarah McLachlan
Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan is a staple of pop and soft-rock, and has been throughout the late ’90s and ’00s. While still releasing material – she has a new album, Morning, out this year – McLachlan has been very active with charities. It’s easy to envision her playing a residency show if it meant providing exposure to a meaningful charity.
Daft Punk
Electronic music giants Daft Punk have resurfaced with one of the year’s biggest albums, Random Access Memories. With Skrillex recently confirming a Vegas residency, it shows that dance music and electronica is a very active scene in Vegas, which isn’t surprising considering its propensity to party. Daft Punk, with their designer headwear and visually stimulating shows, would brilliantly coincide with Vegas’ bright lights.
Justice
Another French electronic music duo, Justice may not be even close to Daft Punk in terms of reputation and discography, but they are renowned for their exciting live performances and funky infectiousness. There are few acts today that could turn a stale setting into a riveting party like Justice. Just imagine how great a Justice-Daft Punk collaboration residency would be. We can only dream.
Moody Blues
Classic-rock favorites Moody Blues are one of the remaining active groups that were a driving force throughout the ‘60s and ’70s. Their implementation of classical music into a rock and pop palate resulted in one of the most memorable sounds from the era, and along with names like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and The Doors they certainly deserve a mention. A Vegas residency would stir up a ton of interest from longtime fans.
Bruno Mars
Mars represents a new generation of electric on-stage performances. His unique blend of styles – soul, funk, pop, and R&B among them – creates an addictive sound that encourages all concert-goers to dance. And dance fervently. Mars’ current popularity would help out drumming up interest for a Vegas residency, which his party-friendly music seems ideal for.
Around the Web