Kenny Chesney’s current residency at Sphere has ignited discussions in the music industry about the potential for a Taylor Swift residency at the venue. Although there is no confirmation, the connection between these two superstars is undeniable.
Louis Messina, a legendary figure among music promoters, is behind both Chesney and Swift’s careers, as well as those of other major artists like Ed Sheeran, Blake Shelton, Shawn Mendes, The Lumineers, and Eric Church. His influential role in promoting Swift’s recent ‘Eras’ tour places her among the select group of artists who could fill the Sphere and meet the criteria for headliners at this unique venue.
Sphere Entertainment Chairman and CEO James Dolan has expressed that any artist capable of filling the venue’s seats is a worthy contender. In a recent performance, Chesney showcased a nostalgic photo of himself with Swift, recalling the early days of her career when she toured with him. It’s a reminder of their long-standing relationship that dates back to when Swift was signed to open for Chesney’s ‘Flip-Flop Summer Tour’ in 2007, a tour that ultimately did not happen due to her being underage.
Chesney recounted on ‘The Tonight Show’ with Jimmy Fallon how he personally called Swift to inform her of the decision to drop her from the tour. “Which now seems absurd, right?” he remarked, acknowledging how much the industry has changed since then. Chesney took the initiative to reimburse Swift for the lost earnings, which he described as “a lot of money,” in an effort to make the situation right.
Later that year, both artists were nominated for the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year, a reflection of the height of their respective careers, with Swift ultimately taking home the award. Chesney praised her, stating, “That’s how hot she was,” reflecting on the extraordinary trajectory they both have followed.
In other news from the music scene, Mark Davis shared an anecdote about a last-minute offer he made to Jim Irsay, owner of the Indianapolis Colts, regarding the Allegiant Stadium. This occurred in March 2023 when Irsay was bringing a classic rock show and memorabilia exhibition to Downtown Las Vegas Events Center. Notable performers included Stephen Stills, Billy F. Gibbons, and Kevin Cronin, but high winds threatened to disrupt the event.
Irsay reached out to Davis to ask if he could secure the Raiders’ home stadium for the concert. Davis confirmed the preparations were made to accommodate this switch, but ultimately it was deemed impractical due to time constraints and equipment requirements. “We would have been happy to do it, but they pulled the plug at the last minute,” Davis said, reminiscing about the day.
In more somber news, the music community recently mourned the passing of Jim Irsay at age 65, who died in his sleep, with no specifics provided regarding the cause. Irsay had long battled health issues rooted in addiction and alcoholism. Davis expressed his hope that Irsay’s impressive collection of rock memorabilia, which he cherished, would remain intact.
Additionally, the legacy of Phil Robertson, the patriarch of ‘Duck Dynasty,’ was remembered following his death at age 79. Although Robertson’s ties to Las Vegas were limited, they were notably established through the brief run of the ‘Duck Commander Musical’ at the Rio’s ‘Wow!’ theater.
The musical adaptation premiered in April 2017 and ended in mid-May, described as an “instant flop” as it launched during the decline of the show’s popularity. Despite his controversial comments, Robertson was an intriguing figure, known for founding the Duck Commander hunting call company, as well as for being a talented quarterback at Louisiana Tech before injuries took him off the field.
One of the highlights of the opening night party was a conversation with a rising country music star, Jason Aldean, who was friendly with the Robertson family. During their exchange, he was encouraged to become a resident headliner in Las Vegas, to which Aldean humorously responded, “From your mouth to God’s ears.”
In summary, the intertwining stories of these influential figures demonstrate the complexities of the music industry, as personal relationships and past experiences shape the careers of artists and promoters alike.
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