In reality, a rock concert lineup like this could only exist in our dreams: Robert Johnson, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse. Each one of these musical renegades influenced the genre. Each one had a unique style that was completely their own. Each one died at the age of 27. But that dream concert is now reality. Enter the new Las Vegas tribute show, 27—A Musical Adventure.
First off, the space is perfect for this show—there’s really no bad seat in the house, and guests will be happy to know there’s a full bar in the back of the theater. You’ll also hear the familiar voice of actor John O’Hurley over the speakers—he’ll guide you through the musical adventure, dropping bits of knowledge about each rock star before they hit the stage.
Up to the mic first is John Arthur Bingham playing blues guitarist Robert Johnson, whose legendary sounds influenced many of the ’60s-era rockers, including the next singer out to the stage: Janis Joplin, played by Adi Argelazi. The real Joplin rose to fame after her juggernaut appearance at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, and the tribute artist that plays her brings back all the grit and gloriousness that shone through in Joplin’s voice, in songs like “Piece of My Heart” and “Mercedes Benz.”
Next out is perhaps the greatest rock guitarist of all time, Jimi Hendrix, nimbly played by Nazim Chambi, who performs hit after hit like “Purple Haze” and “Foxy Lady,” along with an impressive revisit of Hendrix’s stunning Woodstock Music and Arts festival performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Jim Morrison impersonator Toby Rand gives audiences a real taste of what it would have been like to see the real deal in concert. While singing hit songs “Light My Fire” and “Break On Through” he dances around the stage and slithers into the crowd.
Closing out the show, the timeline moves more toward ’90s and early ’00s musical influencers, first with Seattle grunge legend Kurt Cobain, portrayed by Gabe Maska. Revisit the hits that you can’t help head-banging to like “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Come As You Are.” English singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse appears last, but impersonator Lea Cappelli packs a punch with her soul hits like “Rehab” and “Back to Black.”
This impressive show is a perfect combination of phenomenal music, all sung live, with a rocking live band and each tribute artists’ intense dedication to bringing their characters special persona and voice—back to life.
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, 702.693.5000
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