Surprising Vegas Acts: Famous Entertainers Who Once Performed in Sin City

Surprising Vegas Acts: Famous Entertainers Who Once Performed in Sin City

By Michael Harrison

January 7, 2025 at 11:13 PM

The history of Las Vegas entertainment features several surprising performers who had brief, often forgotten appearances in Sin City. Here are some unexpected acts who graced Vegas stages:

Bob Marley & the Wailers performed at the Ice Palace on October 21, 1973, as an opening act for Sly & The Family Stone. The reggae legends made such an impressive impact that they were removed from the tour for overshadowing the headliner.

Bob Marley portrait by Dennis Morris

Bob Marley portrait by Dennis Morris

Richard Pryor's Vegas journey began as a clean-cut opener for Bobby Darin at the Flamingo in 1966. His career-defining moment came in 1967 when he walked off stage mid-performance, vowing to be more authentic. He never returned to Vegas.

Richard Pryor publicity photo, black-white

Richard Pryor publicity photo, black-white

Nirvana played a 30-minute set at Calamity Jayne's Nashville on August 16, 1990, before their breakthrough album "Nevermind." They shared the bill with Sonic Youth, The Melvins, and a pre-fame Stone Temple Pilots.

Kurt crashing drums during performance

Kurt crashing drums during performance

Woody Allen performed at Caesars Palace's Circus Maximus in November 1966, returning only once in 1967 to share a bill with Charo.

Woody Allen in Caesars Palace advertisement

Woody Allen in Caesars Palace advertisement

Led Zeppelin's single Vegas performance occurred at the Ice Palace on August 7, 1969. The show is remembered for Robert Plant singing "Dazed and Confused" without a microphone after technical difficulties.

Man outside commercial building entrance

Man outside commercial building entrance

Steve Martin's Vegas debut came in 1970 at the International Hotel, performing an unsuccessful magic show that bombed in front of Elvis Presley. The King consoled Martin backstage, noting his "oblique sense of humor" before showing him his gun collection.

Steve Martin headshot outdoors

Steve Martin headshot outdoors

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