Immersing oneself fully in the story of rock ‘n’ roll is quite different from merely hearing about it. “Amplified” is a fresh exhibit in Las Vegas designed to captivate fans of guitar jams and drum beats. Located just a mile west of the Strip at Illuminarium, this attraction aims to envelop attendees in the essence of rock ‘n’ roll.
Upon entering the L-shaped room, eventgoers find themselves beneath a canopy of 50 projectors, surrounded by a dazzling array of vibrant photos, videos, and animations. The audio smoothly transitions through seven decades of rock ‘n’ roll history, narrated by actor Kevin Bacon. Every inch of the 360-degree theater, even the floor, is utilized to showcase clips from rock ‘n’ roll’s evolution.
Alan Greenberg, CEO of Illuminarium Experiences, collaborated with partner David Rockwell to create a design that avoids the typical box or sphere layout, opting instead for surprise elements around every corner. The exhibit tells the tale of rock ‘n’ roll through backstage footage, recording studio scenes, nods to the civil rights movement, muscle cars, and iconic hairstyles.
Brad Siegel, the executive producer, emphasizes the importance of selecting songs that not only complement the narrative but also enhance the overall storytelling experience. A dance interlude featuring “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan adds a lively touch to the show.
The project, a collaboration between Brand New World Studios, Illuminarium Experiences, and Rolling Stone Magazine, meticulously curated over 10,000 photographs and 250 archival clips to bring this immersive experience to life. The show culminates in a visual journey through all 1,300 Rolling Stone covers, showcasing the profound impact on pop culture.
With over 300 artists featured, including Taylor Swift, the exhibit celebrates the diverse contributions to rock ‘n’ roll. Attendees are greeted by a wall listing the names of every singer and band before entering the gnomon-shaped theater. Throughout the show, Swift makes multiple appearances, culminating in her presence on four magazine covers and a feature in the ending credits.
“Rolling Stone Presents: Amplified” aims to broaden its audience and share the rich history of rock ‘n’ roll. The exhibit is now open to the public, with tickets starting at $39. Plans are in place to expand the show to various locations worldwide.
Originally featured in The Tennessean of Nashville: The story of rock ‘n’ roll comes alive in ‘Amplified’ exhibit in Las Vegas
