TENORS heartthrob rocks on from the scorching desert to the high seas…
Back in 2017, this writer was living in rural Oregon, covering Las Vegas entertainment from what was once a Christmas tree farm. I relied on readers, residents, and show business insiders to keep me informed of the latest talent between my visits to the city. A message from a Harrah’s bartender alerted me to TENORS OF ROCK, a relatively new show on the Strip. “You have to see this one. The guys are incredible and they kill it night after night.”
By the time I returned, TENORS OF ROCK had moved to a different theater inside Planet Hollywood Resort. And sure enough, the boys were excellent. In the summer of 2019, I posted reviews of the show at BestOfVegas.com and my own VEGAS UNFILTERED BLOG. In them, I stated:
“Vegas audiences immediately fell in love with members Dai Richards and Jonathan Williams (Wales), Daniel Schumann (Melbourne), Tommy Sherlock (Liverpool), and kilt-clad extrovert Jimmy Denning (Scotland). The level of experience behind Tenors is world-class,”
Myself (center) with Jonathan Williams (second from left) and the cast of TENORS OF ROCK
Despite its acclaim from both critics and audiences, TENORS OF ROCK fell victim to what I’ve dubbed “The Great Caesars Entertainment Massacre”. In May of 2021, casino giant Caesars Entertainment announced a shocking decision to shut down nearly two dozen productions and showrooms. Vegas mainstays like Anthony Cools, The Bronx Wanderers, John Caparulo, and the legendary Crazy Girls were sent packing, along with Tenors of Rock.
This blow to entertainment was devastating, but to some, it was a catalyst for reinvention. Wayne Newton and Caparulo found new homes and entire productions moved to competing resorts. Determined to continue as Las Vegas entertainers, the men from Tenors branched off in new directions.
Before joining the cast of Magic Mike Live, singer Dai Richards formed ORIGINAL CHAOS, a powerhouse group that I dubbed “The Fastest-Rising Rock Band in Vegas History“. Then drummer Tim Sorbs left ORIGINAL CHAOS to join former Tenors stars Jimmy Denning, Dan Schumman, and Jonathan Williams in REBEL: A Classic Rock Experience.
Williams, Denning, and Schumann (left to right)
The concept of REBEL is a musical journey through the music of AC/DC, Queen, Bon Jovi, Clapton, KISS, and other greats. Williams, Denning, and Schumann share signature powerhouse vocals, along with their U.K. backgrounds. Tim Sorbs provides percussion, along with lead guitarist Chris Dengler, bass player Colin Brodie, and Denning’s wife Yvette Clutterbuck on keyboards.
Truly an international musical event, REBEL debuted in Phoenix a few years back. It is now performing in sold-out venues across the nation and for cruise lines. From the scorching desert to the high seas, accolades for REBEL have been impressive. The band even boasts the admiration of Priscilla Presley, Sharon Osborne, and Bill Medley (The Righteous Brothers).
There’s also talk of a possible Las Vegas residency for REBEL, which would bring the gang full circle. That would be most welcome in the city’s live entertainment climate, where Raiding The Rock Vault continues to thrive and VEGAS ROCK TITANS is set to debut at Alexis Park Resort.
Denning and Williams
Far from “just” a rock singer, Jonathan Williams has a list of credits that most performers would envy. He’s appeared in various roles and productions of Les Miserables, portrayed “Billy Flynn” in Red Hot and Fosse, took on the role of “Elwood” in a production of The Blues Brothers, and even played “Abanazar” in Aladdin. He launched his solo career with Introducing Jonathan Williams, a one-man show that toured throughout the U.K.
Along with REBEL, Williams has been performing in another recent production. Entitled The Jonathan Williams Show: Broadway and More, it’s a showcase of Williams’ broad range of headlining talents. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy the same vocal skills that entertained Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor Castle. The next performance is at the El Pueblo Mirage Golf Resort in El Mirage, AZ on March 8th, 2024. The show starts at 7 pm Arizona time and tickets are available here.
Since moving to the States for Tenors of Rock, Williams has made an indelible mark on the scene. Nicknamed “Sexy Jesus” by his pals, he is part of a brigade of heroes that gives back to the Las Vegas community. Williams is active in community affairs, offering his talents to charity-driven events like MONDAYS DARK. His musical influence has impacted entertainers like superstar Alfie Boe, who mentions Williams in his new biography FACE THE MUSIC: My Story.
One of the side effects of the COVID-19 shutdown was how it ripped through the live entertainment community. Countless singers, acrobats, musicians, and entire performance troupes left the industry, opting to seek more stable professions. Things were even tougher for international artists, who came to the States with a long-term purpose. That is, to share their gifts with American audiences.
Jonathan Williams and his mates aren’t just survivors, but the latest revolution in live entertainment. Those of us who observe and report their efforts are grateful that these ladies and gentlemen have dug in and persisted. Perhaps that’s why REBEL is more than just a band name. It’s a statement. A purpose. And a promise.
Photos by VEGAS 411, REBEL/TENORS OF ROCK social media
