Vince Neil has hectic homecoming weekend

By Melissa Arseniuk (contact)

Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009 | 9:32 p.m.

Erik Kabik / Retna / www.erikkabik.com

Vince Neil performs with Motley Crue at The Joint on Aug. 1.

The hard-rocking multi-band assault on the senses otherwise known as Crüe Fest 2 rolled through Las Vegas and brought with it over a dozen tour buses carrying dozens more thirsty musicians who were ready to party.

But Las Vegas is also Neil’s home. Home sweet home, even.

The city is also home to his namesake tattoo parlor at O’Sheas, Vince Neil Ink, and his new “rock bar and grill,” Feelgoods, on West Sahara Avenue.

Before he and the Crüe took to the stage at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel Saturday night, Neil popped by his ink shop to sign a few autographs and say hello to fans.

Like he and his bandmates, who are celebrating 20 years since “Dr Feelgood” was released, O’Sheas is celebrating its 20th year on the Strip. As such, the casino threw itself a little birthday party and invited Neil to take part in the celebration.

After sound check was complete over at the Hard Rock Hotel, Neil rock and rolled on over to O’Sheas, where fans already were lined up waiting for him.

The friendly frontman arrived early for the occasion, at about 4:45 p.m., and did an on-air interview with Sweet Al from KOMP 92.3-FM before starting out on what proved to be an autograph-signing bonanza.

Neil did his best to sign as many T-shirts, photos and other memorabilia items as he could –- and was pleasant while he did it, too –- for a half hour.

It was obvious that it was not Neil’s first rodeo: Again and again, he signed items for fans, one item per person, and chatted as he went about his business. By the time his 30-minute commitment was satisfied, at least 50 fans had cycled through the line.

But as the clock struck 5:30 p.m., Neil quickly got up, excused himself, and walked out onto the street.

And just like that, he was gone.

The singer was quickly whisked away and didn’t reappear until five hours later when he and bandmates Mick Mars, Tommy Lee and Nikki Sixx, performed at The Joint for more than 90 minutes.

Though he worked up a good sweat and sang both his heart and pipes out, Neil’s night did not end when the house lights came on just after the performance.

Instead, the resilient and enterprising personality cleaned up and headed West, over to the recently opened Vegas location of his bar and grill, Feelgoods.

After hanging out with friends in the VIP for a bit, Neil got onstage to perform for the large and largely surprised crowd. Backed by Slaughter’s Dana Strum on bass, and Jeff Blando on guitar and Zoltan Chaney on drums, Neil worked through “Looks That Kill” and concluded the surprise performance with “Live Wire” just before 2 a.m.

Many of the musicians from the Crüe Fest 2 lineup made the trek out to West Sahara and a few of Las Vegas’ familiar faces, including Carrot Top, were among the crowd, too. While Neil had the day off Sunday to rest, recover and enjoy the comforts of home, he wasn’t expected to take the day off entirely.

Instead, he was to return to Feelgoods again Sunday evening for a second consecutive night’s appearance.

The bar and grill officially opens Sunday and hopeful fans were advised to make their way over there earlier rather than later.

Instead of another early morning surprise, Sunday evening’s appearance was expected to take place in the early evening –- and for good reason. It is a work night, after all, and Neil and the others have to return to the road Monday as Crüe Fest continues its journey and visits Salt Lake City tomorrow.

A VIP party will kick off at 7 p.m. and continue until doors open to the public at 10 p.m. The “Vince Neil Band” is set to hit the stage at 10 p.m.

Melissa Arseniuk writes about Las Vegas entertainment and celebrity events. She can be reached at 702-948-7823 or by e-mail at melissa.arseniuk@lasvegassun.com and found on Twitter @marseniuk.