i was just wondering...

What is the deal with Prince and the rio? I mean, who contacted who? is it known? i wonder how the idea was even conceptualised.

How do u suppose the deal works? do the rio pay prince for his duration or is he just taking whatthe club brings in? i cant imagine that being a 'stars' purse. On the otherhand, How big a money magnet is prince? is he bringing in high rollers who spend hours at the table. Whats the capacity of the club? 900? not all these are comming speciffically for Prince either if some reports are to be believed.

I guess what im asking is hows it working and in favour of who? prince? rio?

what are your thoughts on some of these questions.

I know some people it is working for and those are the bouncers that will take your tips in exchange for a better VIP seat.

Financially, I'm sure the Rio has made out since Erocktica was at the Rio before Prince moved in. It also appears that the Rio has gotten some great press from Prince being there and weekends are packed in the casinos there.

I don't think Prince is doing it for the money, that's for sure and in fact I think due to the restaurant struggling to make ends meet - the show tickets have gone up.

And if you are a Prince fan and you get the dinner, the show and a full aftershow, you are getting a night you will never forget. He may not be a people-oriented person or a great businessman but he sure knows how to please a crowd. (And the Vegas crowd is hard to please!)

pkidwell said:

true but i'm sure he aint doing this for free. so, i wonder what the deal is?....

and Prince wouldn't be doing it for the money, because... ?

Everything about his Vegas stint points at the whole thing being about money.
Nothing wrong with it, but as to why anyone would claim the opposite, with ticket prices being at $175 for a 90 minute set, is beyond me.
[Edited 3/31/07 2:44am]

m3taverse said:

but vegas is like that not that i am an expert but i hear most shows in vegas sell for 300 so i am hardly surprised by his pricing.

asg said:

i was wondering the same thing. What is the average pricing and average time for shows in Vegas?

I don't think it's about the money. If he's been able to make a substantial amount either through the shows or by the Rio paying him then it's just a perk, and if it works...why the hell not?. I think his reasons for being in Vegas have been more personal then anything. Maybe it's been giving him a chance to take care of some things on a personal agenda and still have the opportunity to do what he loves best....perform!

wonder505 said:

Prices from Vegas.com:

Barry Manilow: (90 mins)
104.50 Main floor back
$121.00 Mezzanine
$148.50 Main floor center
$192.50 Main floor front

"O" at Bellagio: (1 hr 45 mins)
Prices:
$137.50 Upper orchestra
$165.00 Preferred

Celine Dion (90 mins)
$80 - $400+

Elton John (90 mins)
$131.00 2nd Mezzanine
$158.50 1st Mezzanine
$213.50 Rear Orchestra
$296.00 Front Orchestra


I think some of the Elton & Celine shows are sold out, so the broker/scalper prices are a lot higher.

Compare Prince's price to courtside tickets to the Clippers next year (just saw an article about it...); $1500 per game, with a $48K deposit. That is just insane to me, especially when you KNOW you have a 50% chance of going home really pissed off and bummed out about the outcome. That's why I don't waste money on attending professional sports anymore. I'd rather spend it on seeing Prince or other musicians, where it's pretty much guaranteed I'm going to have a great time.
[Edited 4/8/07 0:24am]

How come people are prepared to pay such prices when the performers perform there regularly? (as if it's working in a factory)
I think the prices are quite insane and obscene.

If it were a once in xx years opportunity I could understand...

udo said:

vegas doesnt only cater to fans. alot of high rollers r in and around town who dont mind splashing some cash.

udo said:

Because sometimes that one trip they make to Vegas is their once in xx years opportunity to see whatever show it is.

So they maybe won't buy the records, won't wait for a tour but instead spend too much money in Vegas? Enough confirmation for me.
If this scheme works in the USA, how come that not so many more performers do this?
Understanding this phenomenon is kinda hard.

udo said:

(grrr...I HATE the white screen of org death!! Sorry for the previous blank reply, mods please delete.)

??

Sorry, I'm a little confused by your questions/answer, but I thought you were talking about some of the other shows, not just Prince. You can't see some of the shows like "O" and Zumanity anywhere else, so people will spend the money for a special show.

As for Prince, IMO, you won't get the same experience on CD or tour, unless you luck out and get a great aftershow. I'm so spoiled now after seeing him a few times in Vegas, that a regular tour type concert will probably never live up to these shows (Hard Rock, FL sure didn't, even though I enjoyed it). I feel that every penny I've spent (and won!) in Vegas has been more than worth it!

Have you read any of the reviews and the experiences people have at the shows/aftershows in Vegas? That should help you understand the phenomena and it also explains why Prince can pull stuff off there that other performers can't.

udo said:

1) The performers are there regularly, but generally, the show-goers are not. They are in town for one weekend and it is their only opportunity to see the show.

2) The ticket prices are comparable for the top-rated shows in Vegas (like Ka and Elton John). People are willing to spend money in Las Vegas. That is true for hotel rooms and meals, as well as shows.

3) The Prince shows have gotten good reviews, and there really have not been that many performances. Prince does two shows a week, if that.