When you think of Vegas residencies, heavy metal is not always the first genre that springs to mind. Lounge music crooners and pop artists fill most of the schedules. Yet metal and gambling have always been close bedfellows, and every once in a while, Vegas hosts some of the biggest metal acts of all time. Below, we go through the most iconic Vegas residencies ever played by rock and metal bands.

KISS

Luckily, you do not have to be a rock star to get long-term employment in Vegas. The city is alive with people who provide services, hospitality, and all the systems that keep the city running. A croupier is one of the most sought-after jobs in the city, working big tables at glamorous casinos. It can also get you on a world tour of your own, as you can apply for cruise ship jobs and positions at world locations. Not only that, but if you work in Vegas, you get to live in a city where the best bands and artists are on your doorstep all year round. This guide to becoming a croupier may help you. 

According to Kiss, this abundance of acts can be both a blessing and a curse. The band has had two residencies in Vegas, though the first went much better than the second. A run of nine dates, their first outing took place at The Joint, a section of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Performing in 2014, they would later release their performances as a concert titled Kiss Rocks Vegas.

From December 2021 to February 2022, Kiss lined up a triumphant return to the Nevada city. However, the gigs were canceled before the run even got going. The band cited Vegas as being too busy, with excellent acts on every single night, all competing for an audience. When asked if they would reschedule, they did say that it might happen later down the line. However, the cancellation of a scheduled European tour shortly after suggests this might be unlikely.

Aerosmith

Both Kiss and Aerosmith share another casino link, other than the fact they had Vegas residencies. Both had their slot games, also available at online casinos. The band played in 2019, in a run that lasted from April to June. Playing the greatest hits set from their huge back catalog, most of the shows were sell-outs.

So successful was the event, that the second series of dates at the same Park Theatre, run by MGM, will take place in November and December 2022. At the Dolby Live Arena, it will be the first presented in Dolby Atmos sound. All this technology will combine with the Aerosmith: Deuces Wild production for an immersive rock spectacle.

Def Leppard

Def Leppard Hit Vegas: Sin City Residency was the name of a six-week schedule of gigs in August and September of 2019. Taking place in Planet Hollywood, few venues would have given this stadium-filling band the due they deserve. However, the location right in the center of Miracle Mile provided everything they could want.

In 2022 they will return to the city on an arena tour. This one is a shared headliner taking place away from the casino strip, also performing with Mötley Crüe, Poison, and Joan Jett.