Aldo Nova had the right song at the right time when nascent music video channel MTV placed what would become his signature song, “Fantasy,” from his self-titled 1982 album, into heavy rotation. The Canadian rocker invested $15,000 that mostly paid for a laser effect that allowed him to blast his way into a concert venue and launch into the track’s descending lead riff that sounded like Led Zeppelin’s “Dazed and Confused” sped up and set against a punchy power chord progression.
Nova’s sound and cocky stage presence predated the high-haired hard rock scene that rose throughout the ’80s, but after three albums and MTV exposure for “Ball and Chain” and “Monkey on Your Back,” he rejected label pressure to alter his sound and set aside his recording career. It was probably the best move he could have made, leading to songwriting credits for Jon Bon Jovi, Faith Hill and Celine Dion.
Producing for Dion led to a Grammy in recognition of his work on her 1996 album Falling into You. Nova has followed his own muse since, releasing a 10-song EP of material from his dream project, The Life and Times of Eddie Gage, last year and launching his first tour in 32 years this year. He’s in fine voice and looks to be in great shape, giving that early MTV generation a rare chance to come out and jam along to “Fantasy” in air guitar live.
Golden Nugget, 8 p.m. Nov. 10, starts at $41 plus tax & fee. 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.
