Maroon 5’s devotees possess a special kind of dedication. The band’s Maroon 5: The Las Vegas Residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM gives those superfans an ongoing opportunity to commune and groove in a state-of-the-art venue that frontman Adam Levine commands with unparalleled stagecraft. Novices who only know the hits but appreciate showmanship leave the venue having experienced one of the most dynamic live acts in 21st-century entertainment with perfectly optimized sound and floor-to-ceiling video that enables multiple sightline options from every seat.
Sometimes those video images come in the form of heat coming from Levine’s body as he prowls the sparse, uncluttered stage. This spring, the band kicked off sets with “Animals,” with Levine effortlessly hitting the song’s high notes before leading the audience in a sing-along of the falsetto-fraught chorus to “One More Night.”
Lead guitarist James Valentine has to be one of the most underappreciated musicians in popular music, especially for a band of Maroon 5’s stature. He builds foundations for hit songs by staying in the pocket and blending his parts into the arrangements, but live, he gets to pull out all the stops when it’s his turn in the spotlight, or in a medium shot that reveals how little he’s aged since the band hit the big time with “This Love.”
That song came early in sets as did the first of Levine’s costume changes, some of which are the subject of much discussion. At least the green mesh tank top he wore during a crackling cover of Prince’s “I Wanna Be Your Lover” was, but what was unquestionable was his own prowess on guitar. Although his voice is distinct and instantly identifiable, he jams with effortless fretwork that would impress any musician in the house.
The hits come one after another, from “Harder to Breathe” and “Maps” to “Moves Like Jagger.” Projections of blue skies and nighttime traffic back the band for the sweetness and light of “Payphone,” while a runway allows Levine and Valentine to get up close and personal with fans during “She Will Be Loved.” Maroon 5’s long relationship with Las Vegas undoubtedly helped season them into A-class headliners that win over new fans with every performance.
Park MGM, 8 p.m. July 28-29, Aug. 2, 4-5, 9, 11-12, starting at $69. ticketmaster.com
Click here for your free subscription to the weekly digital edition of Las Vegas Magazine, your guide to everything to do, hear, see and experience in Southern Nevada. In addition to the latest edition emailed to every week, you’ll find plenty of great, money-saving offers from some of the most exciting attractions, restaurants, properties and more! And Las Vegas Magazine is full of informative content such as restaurants to visit, cocktails to sip and attractions to enjoy.
