Linda Rondstadt booted from Casino after concert

July 19, 2004

Vegas Casino Boots Singer Linda Ronstadt

LAS VEGAS - Singer Linda Ronstadt (news) not only got booed, she got the boot after lauding filmmaker Michael Moore and his new movie "Fahrenheit 9/11" during a performance at the Aladdin hotel-casino.

AP Photo

Before singing "Desperado" for an encore Saturday night, the 58-year-old rocker called Moore a "great American patriot" and "someone who is spreading the truth." She also encouraged everybody to see the documentary about President Bush (news - web sites).

Ronstadt's comments drew loud boos and some of the 4,500 people in attendance stormed out of the theater. People also tore down concert posters and tossed cocktails into the air.

"It was a very ugly scene," Aladdin President Bill Timmins told The Associated Press. "She praised him and all of a sudden all bedlam broke loose."

Timmins, who is British and was watching the show, decided Ronstadt had to go ? for good. Timmins said he didn't allow Ronstadt back in her luxury suite and she was escorted off the property.

Ronstadt's antics "spoiled a wonderful evening for our guests and we had to do something about it," Timmins said.

Timmins said it was the first time he sent a performer packing.

"As long as I'm here, she's not going to play," Timmins said.

Ronstadt had been booked to play the Aladdin for only one show.

Calls to Ronstadt's manager were not immediately returned.

In an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal before the show, Ronstadt said "I keep hoping that if I'm annoying enough to them, they won't hire me back."

Looks like she got her wish.

July 19, 2004

Excellent.

July 20, 2004

Excellent.

I'm not saying good or bad but it just makes me want to watch this documentary even more. :lol6

I can't imagine a movie stirring up this much controversy since Martin Scorcese's The Last Tempation of Christ.

Sisqouc · July 20, 2004

I wonder what the manager would have thought of vintage Jim Morrison aka the Lizard King.

wndotint · July 20, 2004

where was the uproar over JFK by Ollie Stone? Weren't you all paying attention? BACK and to the left. BACK and to the left. BACK........and ot the left.

July 20, 2004

Well, at least I know where to go spend all of my money next time I am in Vegas. These celebs need to understand that we don't pay them to talk politics. That's why she is called a singer!