Thursday, October 4, 2012

Garth Brooks Leaving the Wynn

Something doesn't seem right, despite the love fest between Garth Brooks and Steve Wynn.
From the Las Vegas Sun: There is no plug to pull in Garth Brooks’ acoustic show at Encore Theater, but he’s packing the guitar and heading out of Vegas.
Announced today is the final performance date for Brooks’ solo shows at the Wynn Las Vegas enclave: Nov. 17.
In a statement, Brooks said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Wynn. Mr. Wynn told me that the Wynn audiences were some of the best in the world, and he was right. As for Steve Wynn, he is one of the smartest guys I have ever had the pleasure of talking to or listening to. He does everything top notch and is the easiest and best boss I have ever worked for … I just love him!"
Wynn was quoted as saying, "I have always thought of Garth Brooks as a brother, and this will always be a home for him. Personally, I've never stopped being amazed at Garth's talent, nor have I ever stopped admiring the wonderful balance that he has maintained as a father and a superstar. He is, to me, the rarest of all combinations: incredibly gifted and a man of great character."  http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/kats-report/2012/oct/03/after-three-years-garth-brooks-closing-wynn-las-ve/
This was supposed a 5 year deal and they end after 3 years and the notice was pretty short notice.
It seems, that after Wynn jacked up (doubled) the price of the tickets, that there was some lost love, despite of what they say.  Tickets at $253, including fees limit who can go to the concerts and it doesn't represent the fans that made Brooks famous.
I don't know if Brooks has had 100% sell outs, but I know that the Wynn had to do some advertising to get butts in the seats.  They also had to use Brook's wife, Trisha Yearwood, to come and perform at times and that's not a good sign.
It's also possible that the Brooks mystique is gone.  I always thought that Brooks strength was when he had his entire band with him and not playing by himself and playing only a guitar.
So, now, the Wynn will have to find another performer or show on a short notice to take Brook's place and that's not that easy.
So, I just wonder what went wrong.  No more friends in low places?

3 comments:

  1. IMHO, Garth is just as popular as ever! When the ticket prices were almost doubled it "robbed" the average person of the chance to go. I did see him at $253.00 and was totally blown away by how strong his voice is without a band backing him up or music drowning him out. I have also seen him in an arena w/ 25 - 30k screaming fans and the tickets were at most $30.00. I know of many people that are diehard fans but they balk at paying that kind of money to see a show. That being said, I think the ticket prices most certainly played a part!

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  2. Trisha Yearwood was there from day one and at 99% of his shows. She was NOT an after thought to help sell tickets. She was an added bonus; people were there for Garth.

    I saw Garth at the Encore 13 times, at both prices. Nothing changed in his show but the audience after awhile. The high price, limited the ability for most of his dedicated fans from attending. Those that could, already had, a few times or more, some from other countries.

    Who knows? Mabye Wynn wanted MORE $$ again, and Garth wasn't willing to remain anymore for the kind of audinece Wynn put there. Three years was enough time for many of his fans to get a chance to experience his solo show. Those that put it off banking on a full 5 year stint, saving $$ to do it, certainly can't afford higher prices now, (if that was what happend)? Who knows? It was just time for Garth to move on.

    I was there opening weekend at all 4 shows, and would LOVE to be there the last night for his farewell show. Sadly the show is almost completely sold out except for single seats at the back of the balcony. :-(

    JoAnn Lachance jdlach0615@aol.com

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  3. I have a sneaking suspicion that it was a political disagreement that ended the contract 2 years early. Garth is known to be a Democrat and Steve Wynn has changed to be a tea bag Republican and is very outspoken in the press with his beliefs lately.

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