Vegas Rocks! Magazine Awards 2011

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by Julie Kasperson

I had the opportunity recently to attend my first Las Vegas red carpet event. These kind of events happen all the time in L.A., and in Vegas the red carpet signifies a nightclub happening, a movie premiere, or an awards show.

Sally Steele is the publisher/owner/CEO/Editor-In-Chief of Vegas Rocks! Magazine, a local magazine which has been publishing for seven years. This is the second year that she has put on an awards show. Steele performed in rock ‘n roll bands in the ‘80’s, and started hanging out with and photographing top rock bands like Aerosmith and KISS in the late ‘70’s. Her magazine is the only local independent publication to consistently report on the rock ‘n roll scene here in Vegas. She is a big supporter of local talent, as well as a reporter of the activities of more internationally-known bands and artists.

The theme of this year’s show was “Rock ‘n Roll Guitar Heroes United!” In attendance were Steve Stevens, winner of “Rock Guitar Legend” with his wife, Josie. Stevens is best known for being Billy Idol’s guitarist and playing on such hits as “Rebel Yell” and “Eyes Without a Face” among others. John 5 won “Best Rock Guitarist” and after witnessing his performance onstage, I can see why. He has worked with such artists as Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, Meat Loaf, Scorpions, and more.

Sebastian Bach of the rock band “Skid Row” was present to perform during the show and present as well. He proved to be an amusing and talented addition to the show. Wayne Static of metal band “Static X” accepted the “Best Metal Frontman/Performer” award. Carmine Appice was given the “Drum Legend Icon” award. I remember him when he performed with Rod Stewart. Vince Neil of Motley Crue was presented with the “Lifetime Achievement in Rock ‘n Roll” award.

I was one of about 4 women “shooters” or photographers to cover the red carpet arrivals, show, and after-show backstage gathering. I loved being there for all of it: the LucyVegas models escorting the bands down the red carpet; seeing and getting to talk to legends like my favorite Steve Stevens backstage; capturing moments onstage that as an audience member I would have never gotten to do.

Especially sweet for me was when my friends from local metal band Redeemer got to walk the red carpet. I have known the band for over a year, and have followed them, photographed them, and got excited for them when they were nominated for “Best Vegas Hard Rock Band.” They didn’t win, but it was great to be there and cheer them on.

There were a lot of photographers there that do events like this every day. It’s not a big deal to them, just another night in Vegas. To me, well, it was an opportunity to see some local bands perform, watch some rock legends strut their stuff, and to wear my first press pass, proudly. Excited? Yes, I was. A night I won’t soon forget. I’ve been going to rock concerts since I was 15 years old, and an opportunity like this, to go beyond the “velvet rope,” to go backstage, to photograph rock idols in performance, was for me, quite amazing.

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All photo credits: Julie Kasperson,

© 2011 Julie Kasperson - All rights reserved.

-VegasJules ( Julie Kasperson ) can be contacted through her facebook page.

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Vegas Rocks! Magazine Awards 2011