Bobby Reynolds has a tough job, even if booking the best touring artists of our day sounds like a sure thing. “This is the most competitive market to do what I do. I think in the entire world,” says Reynolds, the vice president of booking for AEG Live, Las Vegas, about the city’s production shows, nightlife and high-end dining destinations. “It’s absolutely amazing how many things there are out here (in Las Vegas).”
It takes either a huge artist or spectacular production to warrant a show and it’s Reynolds’ job to find those. He’s been pulling it off at The Joint since its grand re-opening in 2009. “We had The Killers open, we had Paul McCartney, Bon Jovi and Kenny Chesney. All those artists are icons,” says Reynolds. “When that schedule was coming together, I was like, ‘Holy shit, this is amazing.’”
That feeling must be a frequent one for Reynolds, a music lover who can talk bands and business. He’s had the chance to work with some of his favorite artists (McCartney, Carlos Santana) and discover new faves (Silversun Pickups and Jack Johnson) while filling seats at The Joint.
Animalize
These days, his booking magic extends to The Joint’s residencies, like KISS Rocks Vegas, running through Nov. 23. “This can’t be the same (KISS) show you saw in Chicago or New York or Dallas,” says Reynolds. And if past residencies from Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses and Def Leppard were any indication, they’ll indeed be Vegas-worthy spectacles.
Animalize
You can bet that the KISS Army will be at the Hard Rock Hotel during the band’s November residency—and they’ll be very thirsty. This take on the margarita pairs Don Julio añejo tequila with lime, orange and grapefruit juices for a citric kick that is sure satisfy all you creatures of the night. You can pick up Animalize and seven other KISS-themed drinks at any of the Hard Rock Hotel’s casino bars throughout the band’s residency.
