Stayin’ Alive in Vegas: The Australian Bee Gees Show
Every night on the Las Vegas Strip, the disco era is reborn.
The Australian Bee Gees Show transforms Excalibur Resort & Casino into a glittering time machine, whisking audiences back to the golden age of the Brothers Gibb in a breathtaking 75-minute multimedia concert experience. From the falsetto heights of “How Deep Is Your Love” to the driving pulse of “Stayin’ Alive,” every note, every sequin, and every move pays faithful homage to one of the most beloved acts in music history.
This is no ordinary tribute. With more than 6,500 performances across 55 countries and 24 years on the world stage, The Australian Bee Gees Show has earned its place as a genuine Las Vegas institution—voted Best Tribute Show in the city not once, but twice. Since taking up residency at Excalibur in February 2011, the show has captivated over one million fans in sold-out theaters and concert halls across the globe.
The accolades speak for themselves. Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman officially declared July 7th Australian Bee Gees Show Day, honoring the production’s extraordinary contributions to the city and its people. The Las Vegas Review-Journal has crowned it Best Tribute Show, and critics from London to Las Vegas have been equally effusive. “Tribute bands are now a recognized ingredient of the entertainment scene,” wrote Natalie Anglesey in The Stage (UK), “but The Australian Bee Gees Show is a cut above the rest.”
Perhaps the highest praise comes from the fans who know the Bee Gees best. “In my opinion, they are the best Bee Gees tribute in the world,” declares Terri Bridge, president of the Bee Gees Fan Club USA—a verdict that would be hard to argue with once the lights dim and the music begins.
The performers’ uncanny re-creation of the trio’s iconic style, choreography and—most remarkably—their voices, spans five decades of Gibb brothers magic, immersing audiences fully in the spirit of the disco era. Whether you’re a lifelong devotee or a first-time convert, The Australian Bee Gees Show delivers something increasingly rare in live entertainment: pure, joyful spectacle that leaves you wanting more.
The show also tours internationally throughout the year, bringing its celebrated production to stages worldwide.
Casino Player recently spoke to Michael Clift, who plays “Barry” in the show:
CP: How long has the show been playing at Excalibur?
MC: The show has been performing at The Excalibur for 15 years. We just recently had our anniversary on the 1st of February.
How do you explain its longevity?
I think the music of the Bee Gees is timeless; their career spanned five decades. We are finding that our audience is getting younger and this is bringing new fans to the show here in Vegas and when we are on tour.
How has the show changed from when it first started?
When we first started the show in 1996 it was pre-internet (showing our age here), so it was difficult to research and even a challenge to find the songs to learn. There was not one ‘Best Of” Bee Gees compilation in the whole of Melbourne! Our first shows were based on a biography we found and whatever songs we could find. When the “One Night Only” concert video at the MGM Grand came out in 1997 we had all we needed to visualize what we needed to do. We then based our show on that concert. It’s evolved over the years and we now try and think about what the Bee Gees would do if they were still touring.
Have there been many personal changes?
There have—there are only two original members left in the group. We have been together 30 years so changes are expected.
Does the song rotation change?
Yes. There is a core 90% of the big hits that you need to perform to get out of the venue safely!! The Bee Gees had so many great songs that it’s hard to play everyone’s favorites so we rotate a few in to try and include as many songs in the show as possible. We have a few medleys that help with this, too.
Who are the “Australian Bee Gees?”
The Australian Bee Gees are a five-piece tribute act featuring Michael Clift as Barry, Wayne Hosking as Maurice, and Alex Fetzko as Robin, with Tony Richards on bass and Rick Powell on drums.
After all these years of playing, how do the performers manage to keep the show “fresh” every performance?
We have a lot of fun doing the show and even though the music has been a constant the audience is new every night. Even after almost 10,000 shows worldwide and over 2,700 just at the Excalibur, we will have a new audience for tonight’s show. We have never performed for the audience who is coming along tonight and they are a massive part of the show. Tonight is our first show for this group and that is as exciting as our very first show in 1996.
SHOW FUN FACTS
- Performing continuously since 1996
- Over 6,500 performances in more than 55 countries
- More than 2,700 shows at Excalibur Hotel & Casino
- Traveled over 2.5 million kilometers (1,553,427 miles) in the past 20 years
- The word “love” is sung more than 111 times per show
- 27 songs packed into an 82-minute set
- All guitars are Australian-made by Maton
The Australian Bee Gees Show performs Saturday through Thursday at 6 p.m. For tickets, call 702.597.7600. Group reservations of six or more can be arranged by calling 702.701.7778.
