The Hard Rock Hotel Lives Up to Its Name with Absolution

Corey Taylor at Body English. Photo by Hew Burney

Over New Year’s weekend, the Hard Rock Hotel treated guests to its New Year’s Absolution — A Symphony of Sounds — a multi-venue, multi-performance experience that allowed guests to exercise their right to party through a number of different channels including entertainment, nightlife and open bar offerings. The first-ever property-encompassing affair — featuring a diversity of genres from rock and roll, alternative, electronic, hip-hop and more — took place from Friday, Dec. 30 through Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012.

On Friday, Dec. 30, fans flocked to Body English for An Acoustic Evening with Corey Taylor, alternative musician and lead singer of Slipknot and Stone Sour. Across the casino floor, 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Guns N’ Roses rocked out in front of a packed crowd inside The Joint. Vanity Nightclub welcomed dance, electro and crossover deejay and reality star Paul “Pauly D” DelVecchio, who spun his famous beats on the turntables.

Before performing at Vanity Nightclub, Pauly D had dinner with friends at 35 Steaks + Martinis, where he concluded his meal by feasting on the signature King of Desserts.

On New Year’s Eve, Guns N’ Roses once again brought the rock and roll energy to a sold-out crowd inside The Joint. At Vanity Nightclub, revelers were hypnotized by the beats of DJ Stellar, Richard Beynon and headliner Robbie Rivera. Outside at Relax Bar, which offers a unique panoramic view of the Strip, spectators witnessed an unparalleled display of fireworks at midnight, indicating the official arrival of 2012.

Earlier Saturday afternoon, professional athlete and radio personality Jason Ellis was spotted enjoying the music memorabilia in HRH Tower, particularly the famous white glove worn by Michael Jackson. Also that afternoon, actress Holly Marie Combs was seen having a late lunch with a friend at Mr. Lucky’s Café.

On Sunday, Grammy-nominated hip-hop sensation Aubrey “Drake” Graham performed hit singles including, “Headlines,” “Best I Ever Had” and “Successful.” Singer Michael “Tyga” Nguyen-Stevenson had the crowd going wild as he surprised them by joining Drake on stage.
He then made his way to Vanity Nightclub where he hosted his official concert after-party.  VIP guests at Vanity included hip-hop artist Wiz Khalifa and model girlfriend Amber Rose as well as renowned DJ and producer of the club’s new night, Rude Photo, Felix Da Housecat.

That same evening, John “John 5” Lowery was spotted in Paradise Tower.

Additional entertainment included Las Vegas’ favorite band, Sin City Sinners, who performed a complimentary show all three nights inside The Lounge. Roving entertainers graced the casino floor, including artists donned as nuns and priests who handed out Forgiven hangover pills, midgets, clowns, stilt walkers and belly dancers.

Guests took advantage of the resort’s sinful packages, including the Rockabout Wristband that was valid for open bar at all casino bars on Sat., Dec. 31. Limited-time prix fixe menus and specialty dishes were offered at restaurants and lounges such as 35 Steaks + Martinis, Johnny Smalls, Mr. Lucky’s Café, The Lounge across from Pink Taco, LTO and Pink Taco.

With Absolution at Hard Rock Hotel, revelers journeyed into the New Year among an orchestra of hedonism and debauchery of immortal proportions, cleansing their souls as 2012 was delivered.

Click on the photos below to enlarge.

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