Atomic Saloon Show’s “Abdominal Outlaw” redirects his focus after a devastating onstage injury to make a world of difference…
It was a moment that every acrobat fears. While suspended over the audience and performing stunning feats at Spiegelworld’s ATOMIC SALOON SHOW, acrobat Davide Zongoli felt the tissues inside his arm rip and separate. With years of training deeply ingrained, the Italian athlete switched to his other arm, safely finished the act, then collapsed backstage in intense pain.
Davide Zongoli (right) was highly featured in Atomic Saloon Show marketing
Most guests were probably unaware of what had just happened, but Davide’s ambulance ride from the theater began a journey through surgery, therapy, and months of recovery. Long after the accident, I met the charming performer for lunch and he blatantly confessed “I’m too old for this shit anymore”.
Physical performers know that his statement is an inevitability. The wisest make long-term plans for the next phase of their careers. In Zongoli’s case, the time frame for “moving on” was hastened by the cruel hand of fate, but pieces of future projects were already in place.
Before moving Stateside for Spiegelworld‘s wild west romp, Davide was an international sensation. Swimming championships and dancing in large-scale productions led to acclaim in circuses across Europe. His standing ovation on Spain’s Got Talent secured a finalist position in the global talent competition.
Relocating to Las Vegas might have been difficult for others, but Davide’s charisma and confidence seemed to make the transition easy. Seeing his chiseled cheekbones and physique on Sin City billboards, taxis, and buses only boosted an already large internet fanbase….especially on Instagram, where he has 393K follows.
Photos by @carloscamposphoto for ES Collection
Davide’s carefully-curated internet presence as “Acrodave” grew during the pandemic. Successful side ventures into subscription erotica paired nicely with sizzling ad campaigns for ES Collection, a Barcelona-based menswear company. Other product lines have clamored to have him as their representative.
In 2023, it’s nearly impossible for this gentleman to go places unrecognized. He’s a fixture on red carpets, is sought after for his expertise, and is admired for his professional accomplishments. And even though he’s decided that a regular performance schedule is no longer in the cards, Zongoli is still intensely fit and active.
VEGAS 411 attended Davide’s latest photoshoot for ES Collection in May It took place at a sprawling private ranch home not far from Allegiant Stadium. A number of male models were utilized, including at least one familiar Vegas performer and some international faces.
Throughout the shoot, Davide hustled from dressing the models to guiding their positions and arranging camera set-ups. He eventually stepped in front of Ron Katagiri‘s lens for a series of homo-erotic shots.
Tied into the set-ups were product placements for SERV, a line of flavored vodkas that targets the LGBTQ+ consumer base. Also represented was MISTR, a unique online service that promotes and delivers the HIV-preventative medication PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis).
MISTR makes it easy for sexually-active candidates to receive PrEP free of charge. Online doctor consultation, labwork, needle-free testing, and medication delivery are all provided at no cost. This is especially helpful for members of the LGBTQ+ community that reside in rural and less-progressive locations.
Las Vegas resident Armando Marcias is the Marketing Director for MISTR. He was present throughout the photoshoot and explained how the service worked to me. He is proud of the enormous impact that MISTR’s distribution of PrEP has had on the reduction of HIV cases in just a short time.
At the time of this writing, Davide and his ATOMIC SALOON SHOW aerialist colleague Brandon Grimm are in New York City. They’re donating their time and talent to raid funds for this year’s annual Broadway Bares gala.
Launched in 1992 by iconic theater choreographer/producer/director Jerry Mitchell, Broadway Bares is a sensual showcase of original acts performed by nearly two hundred of the industry’s hottest dancers, athletes, and acrobats.
The show is a benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS:
“Prepare for an epic, fantastical adventure as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS opens the gates to Broadway Bares: Pleasure Park, this year’s installment of the sexiest night on Broadway.”
“Explore a theme park like no other as Broadway Bares pulls out all the stops in a full-out evening of burlesque production numbers on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom.”
Performances take place at 9:30 pm and midnight on June 18th. Tickets can be reserved by clicking here. Davide Zongoli is hoping that his legion of fans will support his charitable performance. You can donate by following this link.
Once he returns to Las Vegas, it’s unclear whether Davide will continue performing. However, the hard-working showman has been cultivating a dream project for several years…a new production for the Las Vegas stage. I’m sworn to secrecy on the details but can reveal that it will be sexy, funny, and candy for the eyes.
The pandemic shutdown had a devasting effect on show business, and many performers left the industry for good. For Davide Zongoli, entertainment is not just a career, but his life. And he’s ready to turn the page to the next chapter.
You can follow Davide Zongoli on Instagram at @acrodave and on Twitter at @AcrodaveFans
