Columnist Spencer Patterson: Vegas is ‘a couple of years’ behind the times

Spencer Patterson

Friday, Aug. 8, 2003 | 8:18 a.m.

On Monday, British buzz band the Libertines played to a rabid, sold-out crowd of 900 at Los Angeles' El Rey Theatre.

The following night the quartet performed at Las Vegas' Huntridge Theatre, in front of about 200 locals.

A pair of tickets to the L.A. gig sold on eBay last week for $58. Huntridge tickets went for $10 at the door.

Based on those results, Huntridge booking director Tom Anderson had a right to sound angry, or at the very least dismayed, when we spoke Wednesday.

Instead, a matter-of-fact Anderson explained that Tuesday's numbers were right in line with his expectations, formed over years of bringing hot new acts to often-apathetic Southern Nevada.

"The band played a slam-dunk, sold-out show the night before, but Vegas is like a couple of years behind other markets," Anderson said. "It will usually take a band three times through the market before we get it here, for them to make any kind of headway."

Much-hyped since recording their debut album (with ex-Clash guitarist Mick Jones producing) last year, the Libertines have consistently been lumped with such popular retro-garage bands as the Strokes or the White Stripes by music-industry types.

The band onstage Tuesday night shared little with those American acts, however, at least to my ear.

Even without regular guitarist Peter Doherty -- on hiatus due to "health concerns" -- the quartet carved out a sound that was far punkier and more delightfully sloppy than any of the Strokes' carefully crafted fare.

A few more hooks might have made some of the 15-song, 45-minute barrage more memorable afterward, but you get the feeling these guys aren't interested in being catchy, and there's something to be said for that.

Regardless, the four Brits deserved better from Las Vegas, particularly so considering top-flight local band the Killers bolstered the show with a superb opening set.

Those who were present deserve credit of their own, since they must have scouted out the Libertines online or in print. After all, you won't find the band on the airwaves in college radio-deprived Southern Nevada.

Las Vegas' one-time true college rock station, 91.5 KUNV-FM, features a jazz format these days. And Anderson said that makes bringing many acts to town nearly impossible.

"(The lack of college radio) is killing us. It's the biggest downfall for music in this city," he said. "We tell bands ahead of time they might only have two or three hundred people at their show here, and some bands pass on the market."

Music notes

Ailing Charles: Citing acute hip discomfort, legendary performer Ray Charles has canceled all 2003 tour dates, including an Aug. 23 show at Texas Station. Ticket holders should return to original points of purchase for refunds.

This is the first time the 72-year-old Charles has called off a tour during his illustrious career. He is reportedly undergoing medical treatment in Los Angeles for his hip condition.

Benefit for the Ill: On Saturday night the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay will host a local music showcase, with proceeds going to benefit Las Vegas hard rock band the Ill Figures.

On July 26 the Figures' trailer was stolen, with all of the band's instruments and equipment inside.

On the bill, many of the area's most well-known rock acts: the Chapter, Slow to Surface, September Star, Corner Stone and Cherry Hill. Doors open at 6 p.m. for the all-ages show. Tickets are $7.

Franky on the fast track: Local product Franky Perez's likeness will be featured on a car driven by Ron Hornaday in the Busch Series FUNAI 250 at Richmond (Va.) International Raceway on Sept. 5.

The singer/songwriter is also scheduled to perform the national anthem before the start of the race, and will play a post-race concert with Sugar Ray. Perez opens for ZZ Top Aug. 20 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Quick hits

A look at a few of the shows scheduled to hit Southern Nevada in the next week:

The Huntridge brings two well-known acts to town this weekend: New York rapper KRS-One tonight and Michigan rap-metal band Taproot on Saturday.

KRS-One, one-time leader of Boogie Down Productions, put his music career on hold during the late 1990s before returning to the scene in 2001. His latest album, "Kristyles," was released in April.

Also on the bill: Golden, the Chapter, Ink Floyd, Mechanizm and the Magnificent Mic Molesters. Tickets are $20, with doors slated to open at 7 p.m.

Ozzfest alums Taproot released "Welcome," the follow-up to 2000's debut album, "Gift," in October. The band's second CD reached No. 17 on the Billboard 200 last year. Doors open at 7 p.m., with theSTART scheduled to open. Tickets are $15 in advance and $17 on Saturday.

Tennessee country quintet Lonestar stops at Sunset Station Amphitheater tonight, with doors opening at 7. The band's new greatest hits collection, "From There to Here," is No. 4 on this week's Billboard Top Country Albums chart. Tickets are $22 to $49.

Veteran goth outfit Gene Loves Jezebel marks its 21st anniversary and the release of new album, "Exploding Girls," with a show at the Boston Bar & Grill, 1030 E. Flamingo Blvd., on Thursday. Tickets are $15.

The band is still led by one of its founders, singer Michael Aston. Reportedly, he hasn't spoken to Gene Loves Jezebel's other longtime member, identical twin Jay Aston, in more than five years.

On sale

Tickets for Foreigner's Sept. 13 concert at the Mandalay Bay Beach go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Mandalay Bay box office, at TicketMaster outlets, by phone at 474-4000 or at ticketmaster.com. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 the day of the show.

The House of Blues has added three new shows to its calendar: Superjoint Ritual on Aug. 29 ($15, $20), A.F.I. with Hot Water Music on Sept. 26 ($16, $18.50) and Stryper on Oct. 26 ($20, $25).

Tickets for Superjoint Ritual are on sale now through the House of Blues box office and TicketMaster, while tickets for the other two events go on sale Saturday at noon.

The Huntridge welcomes Interpol on Oct. 4. Tickets go on sale Saturday at 10 a.m.