I just got a press release for the strangest booking in Vegas so far in 2010:
“President Bill Clinton, Founder of the William J. Clinton Foundation and 42nd President of the United States, will speak at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on Monday, February 22 at 7:30pm. President Clinton’s lecture is titled ‘Embracing our Common Humanity’. The special evening event is presented by Caesars Palace and AEG Live.”
AEG Live is responsible for booking shows at the Colosseum. They were behind Celine Dion’s “A New Day” and Elton John’s “The Red Piano.” Of there second crop of headliners, Bette Midler is about to close and Cher is doing fewer dates than once anticipated. So, AEG has been experimenting with comics and other one-off shows in the room. But selling tickets to hear a former President speak, I think, this might be new in the realm of for profit Vegas entertainment. Vegas does so little new, I doubt myself.
There is no word about prices on the tickets that go on sale on February 1. And, also no word about this having anything to do with any charity or cause. This looks to be a way for AEG and Bill Clinton to earn money.
Celine, Elton and Bill Clinton, hmm…Who do you think will be the most entertaining? Does the equation shift if instead of a speech about “Embracing Our Common Humanity,” Clinton brings his saxophone and just does an unplugged impromptu Garth Brooks at Wynn type format?
UPDATE: I checked with AEG Live: “This is a public speaking engagement and ticket prices are $35/ $45/ 65/ $ 100/ $150. There will be limited VIP packages that include meet and greet/photo opportunity for $750.”
Bill Clinton really is taking a star turn as a Vegas headliner, complete with a VIP meet and greet for a little extra cash. But I think he is going to need better material to sell out that venue than a speech on humanity embracing.
Makes way more sense to me, Richard, than Ms. Sarah Palin speaking before the Wine and Spirits Convention at Caesars Palace in April this year.
At least Mr. Bill Clinton is speaking about something he knows. Who knows what Ms. Sarah Palin will blather about alcohol.
They are probably both getting paid handsomely too (I heard Ms. Palin will get $100,000.00).
Big difference though. Some (if not all) of the money Mr. Clinton gets will probably be given towards Haitian Relief. Ms. Palin? No. That will go in in her purse.
I have no idea how Clinton will go over in Vegas, but he makes a killing here in Canada every time he opens his mouth. I believe crowds average about 2000 and he gets between $100,000 & $200,000 per speech. News reports that I have read say he makes Millions of dollars every year from his public speaking.
Not really my cup of tea and given the choice between Fat Elvis and Bill both for free it would be Fat Elvis every time.
Never mind Bill Clinton what about the lovely Matt Goss moving to Ceasars Palace woo hoo!!!!!
He’s got a Pretty big following of fans, probably bigger than anyone else in his party (probably a push with Obama), so I think they booked this knowing he would sell out just about any venue. He’s also heck of a stage presence, so it will go over well for those in attendence.
Why would anyone assume any of the money Bill makes would go to Haitian relief?