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Associated Press
Comedians Tom, left, and Dick Smothers, shown here in an August 1965 file photo, announced the end of their touring days during their final live performance Sunday at The Orleans.
Monday, May 17, 2010 | 12:55 p.m.
"It's the end of an era," a man muttered as he strolled into the Orleans Showroom greenroom. The woman next to him chuckled. "Maybe," she added.
Both were processing the news that the Smothers Brothers announced just an hour earlier on stage: After more than 45 years of performing, the musical-comedic duo is retiring from touring. The announcement was unexpected by the near-capacity crowd, a healthy mix of locals who probably are used to seeing the longtime performers on billboards and posters every few months. Scarce media were present, though a film-production crew hired by the Brothers was there to document the landmark moment and there were plenty of family and friends, including both Brothers' wives and Tom Smother's teenage children.
Those confidantes knew the announcement was coming, and many came from different states to be a part of it. While some were in disbelief — it's difficult to process change after more than 40 years of consistent performances — the atmosphere was positive, a celebration for what the Brothers feel is a new chapter in their lives.
"We're not doing anything new," said Dick Smothers of traveling from city to city performing. "We're just maintaining. I look at this as the end of touring."
Though one-off gigs or off-stage projects may continue, the Smothers Brothers' departure from the touring life is significant. The Brothers got their start in the '60s, performing on various television variety shows until scoring their own show, which famously was pulled from the air after bouts with censors over their opposition of the Vietnam War.
In their final performance, the Brothers acknowledged their struggle with censorship in song, defiantly singing "We're Still Here," much to the delight of the crowd. They also played a montage of the famous guests that appeared on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, including the explosion-gone-awry during The Who's live performance of "My Generation." The laundry list of stars — Steve Martin, Jim Morrison, George Harrison and Jefferson Airplane, among others — was a stark reminder of their mark on the entertainment industry.
Their final performance wasn't entirely about looking backward, however. In their stand-up, the Smothers Brothers proved still relevant, taking jabs at current issues such as immigration, Sarah Palin and the Tea Party. They may be closing the curtain, but it isn't because their material isn't fresh or funny. It's simply time to move on.
Dick Smothers already has new projects in mind. A bit of a techie, he wants to master Adobe Suite on his computer and play with his four decades of material; maybe try some bit acting; maybe teach. "I'm just looking forward to not having to pack up my suitcase and hit the road," he said.
Dick confirmed that the Brothers had future touring gigs planned this year but canceled them. This retirement is the real deal, he assured, though he admits, "Nothing is ever for sure."
The moment wasn't overly sentimental for Dick, a sign that either it hasn't set in or it's truly the right time to say goodbye. "I was wondering if it would be emotional," he conceded in the greenroom after the final performance, "But that to me was just another day in the office."
"It's like the last time you make love to a woman. You wouldn't want to know it was the last time, you'd be thinking, 'Oh, no! No more [sex].' That would ruin the moment."
True to its namesake, The Orleans gives visitors a year-round Mardi Gras feeling with a New Orleans French Quarter environment.
Located just a short way from the center of gambling on the Strip, The Orleans offers a collection of attractions that helps to draw in a mix of locals and visitors.
In addition to the 1,885 hotel rooms and 134,000-square foot casino, the property has a 70-lane bowling center, an 18-screen movie theater, an 850-seat showroom and a 9,500-seat arena, home to the Las Vegas Wranglers hockey team.
The hotel also has 14 dining options, including Canal Street, The Prime Rib Loft, Koji Sushi Bar & China Bistro and Big Al’s Oyster Bar.
— Originally published on LasVegasWeekly.com
Most likely they will still do an occasional live performance.
"it's difficult to process change after more than 40 decades of consistent performances"
Wow! The Smothers Brothers have been performing for over 400 years! Seems to me that this is the real news, not that they are finally retiring. You have called the folks at the Guinness Book of World Records, I trust?
Rakewell, good catch. The error has been fixed.
A couple of years ago, I specifically signed up at the Orleans website just to be notified when they were going to be here performing. I received other advertizements, but I was never notified of the Smothers Brothers last show. There are no words to describe my disappointment in both the Orleans Hotel and Casino, and in the local media notifying fans that they were here. I cry openly that I will never get to see them live, now. What's the use of being a Las Vegas local if you are excluded from such memorable happenings as these...
... TOTALLY enJOYED reviewing-their-shows for "Billboard Magazine" at the Riviera Casino/Hotel from 1975-79! GREAT guys & GOOD entertainers!!!
I quit being a fan of the Smothers Brothers in the 70's when they took a sharp turn to the left and got political...
really, I thought they died years ago
Entertainment grounded in the blood and spirit of rebels and revolutionists - talented comedians who paid the price for standing-up to media censorship and political correctness.
Thanks Bros.
Shows what happens when you turn left. You go bankrupt.
They haven't looked like the publicity photo above for about 40 years. :)
I must say I did enjoy their skit about one of them having a chicken for a pet.
I guess you would call him a "Chicken Liberal..."
Wow, what, no newer picture? They are 3 days older than dirt. Funny for their time. Back when they were on Hollywood Squares the grand prize was fire.
By LarryVegas
"I quit being a fan of the Smothers Brothers in the 70's when they took a sharp turn to the left and got political..."
****
Larry can't pass up a chance to make another hack political observation, even when the subject has nothing at all to do with politics.
Memo to Larry:
Get back on your meds. Life's too short to waste every minute hating.
I'm not a fan of them but I did some work for Dick Smothers at his house back in the 1990's here in Vegas and he was really pleasant.
I forget, which one did mom love best?
Ace, lastthroes!
Took our 10 yr. old daughter to see them at Desert Inn, years ago. What a great evening and family memories.
What ever happened to the "trippy hippie chick" from the TV show?