The Full Monti by Monti Rock III |
To all my readers of GamingToday, your star, your legend, your Full Monti is opening at the Taj Mahal in the Disco Ball at Atlantic City on Nov. 14 with Gloria Gaynor and other stars from the fabulous era continue to light up the stage for all to enjoy. Yes, we will ALL survive!
The big announcement in Las Vegas, of course, is that the "Cirque du Soleil Viva Elvis!" will soon arrive at CityCenter. I met Elvis in person twice, and he was wonderful to other entertainers. When I opened at the Red Velvet Nightclub in West Hollywood, no one ever understood my act, but Elvis came two different times to catch the show.
As I’ve written before in this column, at the time of his death in 1977, I was recording at the Record Plant. It was my third album with the late Gary Keldram, and Bette Midler was in the next studio cutting one of her albums. She came out crying, "Elvis is gone! Elvis is gone!" Glancing at Bette, I said, "I’ve got to go back to my recording."
My mother once told me that if you have nothing nice to say about someone then don’t say anything at all. But in this case, and after keeping quiet for the last four years, I will let you know that Bette Midler and I have crossed paths several times over the last 40 years. Ron Delsenor, the producer and promoter who at one time was also my producer, became Bette’s producer for her shows and concerts on Broadway. Long before Bette appeared on the "Tonight Show," I was the one that Johnny called. I was the main attraction. So when Bette arrived in Las Vegas, I sent her flowers and gifts to welcome her and to reconnect with her after so many years. There was never a thank you, never a phone call, never an acknowledgement from Bette. Sometimes, not always but sometimes, that’s how it is in showbiz.
I try to be considerate and I always take to heart those people who are icons in the world of entertainment. Now that Bette is leaving, I can say goodbye, so long, have a good trip. The Divine Miss M is departing Las Vegas while the Divine Mr. Monti is staying in Las Vegas.
The same can be said of Hilton’s headliner Barry Manilow. I knew Barry from New York City and the cafe society where we were acquaintances in the business of show business. Barry had Clive Davis and I had Bob Crewe and the late Wes Farrell. When Barry became part of the Vegas scene, I tried to connect. I sent baskets, flowers and gifts. Then when we met on the red carpet, Barry managed to look right through Monti Rock. Had I disappeared?
Another time I attended his "press conference that wasn’t" when he wouldn’t come out to meet the media and didn’t have the time to greet Monti Rock. So I say goodbye, Barry, enjoy your success at the Paris.
The Las Vegas Hilton has always been most gracious to Monti Rock. Most recently they extended their welcome when I was invited backstage to spend some time with the stars of Cheap Trick – friends of mine back in the ’70s. By the way, rumor has it that Cheap Trick may become the main attraction for the Hilton.
Cher returns to Caesars Colosseum Nov. 19 and has announced the shows coming in the spring of 2010 will be full of changes and additions, not to mention those fabulous Bob Mackie costumes.
Bill Cosby returns to Treasure Island Hotel & Casino for two shows on Nov. 27. One night only with "The Cos" is a terrific treat for Thanksgiving as he proves to us he’s one of the comic geniuses of our time.
Carlos Santana has partnered with The Vegas Food Bank and World Hunger Year (WHY). This past week he initiated a program which offers discounts to audience members at Ago or Rare 120 restaurants at The Hard Rock in exchange for five nonperishable food items or a $5 donation for WHY. This runs through Nov. 22.
Wayne Newton hosted 100 veterans from around the country at his new show as thanks for their dedication to our country. This was followed by a luncheon the following day at Newton’s Casa de Shenandoah ranch. It shows you that showbiz stars do not forget our military. Wayne is constantly doing USO shows in the Bob Hope tradition.
Before leaving for Atlantic City, I made a phone call to my friend Tony Orlando and without missing a beat this generous entertainer helped me with a new deal with Sony. Tony is also working on the Bronx Walk of Fame for Freddy Prinz, Geraldo Rivera, Tony Orlando and yours truly. Yes, we’re all from the Bronx and we can say: "Jenny from the block, move over, ‘cause we’re all here together!"
Once again I feel it’s necessary to address Andre Agassi’s book Open. The Encore had a book signing/press conference where Andre talked about the hairpiece, Brooke Shields, etc. Sometimes it’s just too much information.
I have an autobiography coming out, but I’m trying to take out some of the gory details of my own trials and tribulations. From my infamous trials and errors in Hollywood, including some bad films, believe me I have a lot to say. But I’ve decided to make my book the story of survival.
Turn on television and there’s another story about sex tapes. The ex-hubby of Jennifer Lopez is trying to sell a tape even though she paid him off during the divorce after only a nine-month marriage. Next, former beauty queen and self-proclaimed First Amendment champion Carrie Prejean’s sex tape made when she was 20 surfaced. I can’t wait until my sex tapes come out! If you find them, put them out there on YouTube.
Question? Comment? E-mail me at: Monti Rock III
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