Columnist Kate Maddox: Creed will attempt to go ‘Higher’

Kate Maddox

Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2000 | 9:37 a.m.

Kate Maddox's column appears Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Reach her at kmaddox@lasvegassun.com.

Looks like Dec. 5 Billboard Awards show will recycle a few of last year's tricks. At the 1999 festivities, Metallica was scheduled to perform atop the Rio on a specially designed set. Well, after some precarious rehearsals, the stunt was pulled because of high winds. (It was the harp that blew off the building that ultimately convinced producers to throw in the towel. One more gust and bye-bye drummer.) The band had to do its thing from the Copacabana Showroom instead.

Undeterred, this year's Rio-rooftop performers are hoping for a more cooperative breeze. Creed, the "spiritually inspired" alterna-rock group, will attempt to pull it off. Helicopters have been booked to shoot the "live" song from the air, and Rio crews will spend close to a full day once again erecting last year's special set. I say "live" because although producers want the audience to think they're watching as the band is performing, they really tape it a few days before the show airs -- so don't be fooled. Keep an eye on the Rio's roof for signs of life before Tuesday.

OK. I haven't given a puzzler in a while, so here goes: Which singing/joking Vegas name, who was last heard bragging about two swanky Strip hotels reportedly clamoring to sign him/her for a new deal, is in such dire straits that his/her pals are asking friends and fellow performers to donate funds? The formerly flamboyant entertainer is quietly hoping others' kindness will help him/her get back in the swing of things -- apparently this down-and-outer hasn't gotten a bite from any Las Vegas properties regarding the new show after all.

Let's say you're a Republican, so devoted to the cause you're willing to fly to Florida and help out during this interminable recount business, and give up your family Thanksgiving for the sake of Dubya, to boot. Sure, the chance to sport a freebie "Sore-Loserman" T-shirt might add some spice to the difficult volunteer work, but you wanted a little more "thanks" from the Grand Old Party.

Only one thing could make up for the turbulent hours spent tallying. Only one man could put the smile back on those glum holiday faces. Only one performer has the charm, the charisma, the "never say no if they're gonna pay me and throw in a free turkey" attitude ... and that man is Wayne Newton.

The Wayner spent Thanksgiving boosting Republican volunteer morale at a Fort Lauderdale Hyatt. He performed, he shook hands, he put the phone on speaker so the 200 guests could hear special telephoned "thank yous" from both George W. Bush and Dick Cheney. In short, he saved the day.

This weekend's 'N Sync concerts brought some celebs to the MGM -- with kids in tow. Demi Moore, who has been keeping a low profile for the past couple of years, made a post-concert night of it after putting her boy-band-fan daughters to bed. Moore joined comedian David Spade, as well as members of 'N Sync, at Studio 54.

If you don't go to this week's CineVegas film festival, then go to see Tony Curtis who, judging from his appearance at Monday's press conference for the fest, has apparently morphed into actor William Shatner. In some overboard attempt to stitch and inject his way to youthful perfection, the legendary actor has ripped a page from old "Star Trek" reruns, or something.

Seriously. Check it out. It's worth the price of admission. He looks like a young, sprightly Captain Kirk. Curtis receives the CineVegas Lifetime Achievement Award on Saturday night at Paris Las Vegas.