Matt Goss

Show Review

Viva Goss Vegas

By Kristine McKenzie

Singer Matt Goss is bringing audiences back to the days of vintage Vegas with a swinging band, sexy dancers and a classic casino venue.

The show, at the former Cleopatra's Barge (now dubbed the Gossy Room) at Caesars Palace, features a blend of covers and Goss' original songs. Since the show takes place in a lounge smoking is allowed during the show.

Goss, who recently signed a three-year deal to stay at Caesars Palace, sings familiar tunes like "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder and The Eagles' "Hotel California," which he plays with a unique reggae/ska spin.

Goss' dapper attire, blue eyes and smooth voice have drawn the inevitable comparisons to Frank Sinatra and he pays tribute to the legendary singer and the Rat pack era in his show by crooning songs like "Luck Be a Lady" and "I've Got the World on a String."

While the covers are fun, a large part of the show also includes Goss' original songs.

For those who may not be familiar with Goss and his music, he's an accomplished singer and songwriter. Known by his fans as "The Voice," Goss found fame as the lead singer of the British '80s pop group Bros. With 11 Top 40 singles and three Top 20 albums, Bros was one of the biggest acts in the U.K., selling more than 17 million records worldwide.

In 1992, Goss left the band to pursue a solo career. His debut solo album "The Key" was released in 1995. He has also written hits for other chart-topping artists, including the song "Change Me" for Keri Hilson and Akon. His song "It's The End of the Road" was used as the elimination song on the TV show "So You Think You Can Dance." He released the album "Gossy" in 2009 and the single "Firefly" from the album was remixed by DJ Paul Oakenfold.

Besides great singing, Goss' show also features a nine-piece band including a talented horn section. Goss himself sits down at the piano for a song or two and plays the guitar.

While the women in the audience clearly enjoy watching the handsome singer, there's some eye candy for the guys too. The show, produced by Pussycat Dolls creator Robin Antin, features the Dirty Virgins, a troupe of sexy, scantily-clad dancers who perform on stage and sometimes amongst the audience.

The Gossy Room, also known as Cleopatra's Barge, has a rich history at Caesars Palace (it opened in 1970) and is the perfect spot to enjoy the old Vegas vibe of Goss' show. The room, surrounded by red velvet curtains, was remodeled when Goss opened his show there and features new carpet and furnishings. There are small tables with candles on them and cocktail waitresses in long black gowns bring drinks to guests. There is also a small bar in the back of the room. The Gossy Room is a small venue -- there are only about 175 seats -- but it makes the show feel almost like a private performance that you were invited to. The intimate room also allows Goss to connect with fans as he comes out into the audience on certain numbers.

When the show is over, the party doesn't stop. Goss often sticks around after the show to have a cocktail or two and take photos with fans. The party keeps going in the room with a DJ and dancing well into the wee hours of the morning.