Poker News

Wayne Newton

It is only fitting that I start this column off talking about Mr. Las Vegas, the Midnight Idol, Wayne Newton. As you already know, Newton ended his run at the Stardust this past April, halfway through his 10-year contract with the resort.

Rumors had been swirling for several months, as I had mentioned in earlier columns, that the singing star would take advantage of the exit option of the contract. This was hastened when the singer chose the New Frontier as the site for his induction into the Las Vegas Walk of Stars. Not that he was going to appear at the New Frontier, which was an even greater slap in the face to the Stardust. From there, he took a bit of a break before signing on to do a 6-week gig at the Las Vegas Hilton, which began June 14.

By opting out of his contract, billed as the richest contract in Las Vegas history, which he signed with the Stardust in October 1999, he gave up the potential of earning $25 million a year. In response to his decision to end it after five years, which the contract allowed him to do, the 63-year-old entertainer said, “The time had come to move on to new challenges. I wouldn’t change the experience I’ve had at the Stardust. Bill Boyd (Boyd Gaming chairman) and his people have provided one of the most rewarding times in my life both professionally and personally, and I wish them only the best.”

His choosing the New Frontier site for his Walk of Stars imprint, which is directly next door to the Stardust, hardly supported his glowing remarks about the hotel that had given him such a lucrative contract. But, as they say, that’s showbiz.

My personal feelings are that whether the reason he gave was the truth, the fact remains that Newton’s voice is gone and eventually his fans will turn away, which I hear has been happening. To continue to survive in this business, you have to rely on repeat business to a great degree and certainly getting new fans through word of mouth. Without it, you’re doomed, and I thought Newton was smart enough to realize this.

He is the heir to Bob Hope’s USO shows around the globe and he has an interest in producing new shows, something that I think he would be very successful doing. He is a Las Vegas icon and his name alone still carries a lot of juice.

But now rumor has it that he is getting ready to sign on with the Flamingo. I hope that’s not true. I like Newton and so do millions of fans around the world. They all would like to see him go out on top, with class and his head held high. He does not have to leave the business that he loves. He simply has to find another niche within it that he enjoys.

And when he steps down from the stage for good, there is no question he will be missed, particularly here on the Strip. Newton, without doubt, was the epitome of a Las Vegas performer. The ultimate showman. It will be an end to an era, but one whose time has come.

Comedian Jerry Seinfeld will be appearing Dec. 3 at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in California, in one of his infrequent appearances since wrapping up his highly successful television show. Although he certainly doesn’t need the money, Seinfeld says he enjoys going out on the road periodically. “I love standup, always have, and I like to practice new routines, new material.” His laidback style and good-natured humor about what he observes in his daily life, make for some very funny moments. Seinfeld is one of those likable guys, which is one of the keys to being successful. An audience has to like you, or you might as well fold your tent, no matter how good your material is. Of course, being on television every week for 11 years, then having reruns of the Seinfeld show running nightly on a zillion channels doesn’t hurt either. But give credit where credit’s due. He puts on a helluva show. Don’t miss it.

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