Wayne Newton Extends Flamingo Residency 60 Years After First
If there was ever a “Mount Rushmore” of Las Vegas, one face that would surely appear in stone is Wayne Newton. Mr. Las Vegas has been performing in town since the late 1950’s and alongside some of the greats. Here we are in 2023, and he’s not going anywhere.
Wayne just announced he is extending his residency at the Flamingo Las Vegas through the end of the year. “Wayne: Up Close And Personal” will continue headlining at the property for several additional dates through December 30th.
What makes this so special is that Wayne’s first headlining gig in Las Vegas was at the Flamingo back in 1963 – a full six decades ago. When icons of his era in Las Vegas have either passed away or, in the case of Vegas Vic, dimmed, Wayne continues to shine bright.
Why Wayne Newton’s run in Las Vegas is so amazing…
When you think of Las Vegas today, you think of sports, international superstar headliners and big LED balls. But back in the 1950’s and 1960’s, this was a city run by the mob and with legends on stage. Ol’ Blue Eyes Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, Elvis Presley and more. It was a veritable who’s who of American culture, and unlike today they were everything when it came to entertainment in town.
Enter Wayne Newton whose hit song “Danke Schoen” (which you’ll remember from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) made a huge splash in 1963. That was the same year Wayne took the spotlight at the Flamingo. Since then, there’s been huge reinvention in the city. The mob left and the corporations moved in. Sports came to the valley. The MGM Grand became Bally’s and then Horseshoe. There were no Bellagio fountains or Mirage volcanoes when he arrived.
Wayne’s run in Las Vegas is absolutely incredible and we hope it never ends.
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