Rock and Roll Las Vegas

Whether you’re looking to check out some of the world’s most iconic music venues, walk in the footsteps of the greats, or venture into the heart of Nevada’s thriving independent music scene, Las Vegas hits all the right notes.

This glittering city is like a mind-melting riff. Intoxicating, exhilarating, and sure to stay with you forever. From the Las Vegas Hilton, where Elvis famously performed 58 consecutive sell-out shows, to the Festival Grounds set to welcome thousands of music fans back this summer, there’s no shortage of spots to catch an unforgettable set.

It’s time to turn the volume up on your next getaway. So, grab your favourite band tee, and tune into the rumbling bass of Las Vegas’ rocking musical scene.

Electrifying Live Events

Elvis may be King around these parts, but did you know Vegas is the home of Panic! At The Disco and The Killers? Both bands have been heavily inspired by the highways, casinos, and deserts of their childhood surrounds, with the latter set to return with a headline slot later this year.

If you want to see The Killers rock the main stage in their hometown on Friday, the 22nd of September, day tickets for ‘Life Is Beautiful’ are available now for $165. The three-day festival will also host the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Kendrick Lamar, The 1975, Cigarettes After Sex, and many other exciting artists, with full weekend wristbands costing $395.

There’d be no Rock and Roll if it weren’t for The Blues, and 2023 marks Las Vegas’ ninth annual Big Blues Bender. Keb’ Mo’, Beth Hart, Jimmie Vaughan, Tab Benoit, and many more will hit the stage at Westgate Las Vegas Casino and Resort from the 7th to the 10th of June. Unfortunately, the ever-popular four-day celebration is sold out, but all is not lost! Vegas is about trying your luck, so why not shoot your shot and join the resale waiting list?

For 30-somethings looking to take a trip down memory lane, the unapologetically untrendy When We Were Young festival is the place to be. This year’s line-up features legendary names like Green Day, Blink-182, Good Charlotte, Thirty Seconds to Mars, and All Time Low – enough to set any pop-punk-loving millennial’s heart alight. This open-air festival will welcome roughly 18,000 people on October 22nd and 23rd, and for $249, you could be one of them!

If you like your rock a little harder, be sure to hit up the Las Vegas Deathfest in June. But be warned; this one’s not for the faint-hearted. In fact, they go so far as to boast about showcasing ‘the most brutal bands from all over the world’!

Must-See Rock and Roll Sights

Are you looking for somewhere with a little edge on the neon-drenched Las Vegas strip? Be sure to stop by the recently renovated Hard Rock Hotel and Casino – a fantastic live music venue packed with memorabilia and mind-blowing audio-visual equipment.

Vegas can break the bank, but rest assured; there are a few places with reasonably priced drinks. One such spot is the locally loved Double Down Saloon. Here, you can enjoy an authentic dive bar atmosphere, live rock music, and – if you’re feeling lucky – a spot of gambling. What more could you want for the price of a tall boy?

If all this has inspired you to pick up an instrument yourself, you’re in luck! But, of course, no vacation would be complete without a spot of souvenir shopping, so ditch the usual cliches in favor of a badass axe to slay at home. Countless guitar shops are located near the strip, but the friendly team at Sixx Gun Music also offers lessons and repairs.

You don’t have to be a rock enthusiast to appreciate Las Vegas, but there’s plenty for hardcore fans to enjoy!

The Final Note

In the words of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley:

“If you see it once, you’ll never be the same again”. We couldn’t agree more – Viva Las Vegas!

Here’s a playlist to sound-track your rocking Vegas adventure:

Sam’s Town – The Killers

Vegas Lights – Panic! At the disco

Viva Las Vegas – Elvis

Sin City – AC/DC

Let’s Go To Vegas – Faith Hill

Ooh Las Vegas – Gram Parsons

Pretty Vegas – INXS