Las Vegas Weekly

November 10, 2008 · 2:58 PM

Strip Scribbles: Michael Jackson receives offer to perform at London’s 02 Arena

By Robin Leach

Michael Jackson celebrated his 50th birthday at Planet Hollywood in Caesars Palace on Aug. 29, 2008.

Photo: Denise Truscello

*The giant AEG Live entertainment conglomerate, who stage the Cher, Bette Midler, Sir Elton John and Celine Dion shows at Caesars Palace, have made an unprecedented offer to on-and-off Vegas resident Michael Jackson. No, he’s not going to play the Colosseum on the Strip, but, according to London newspapers over the weekend, the Gloved One does have a “standing offer with no expiration” to play at the incredible 02 Arena in the British capital. The offer coincides with Michael’s return to the No. 1 slot on Billboard’s Top Pop Catalog Albums chart with his 1982 superhit album Thriller; the 25th anniversary CD/DVD jumped from 41 to 1. Michael has indicated that he’s interested in starting his comeback with a small tour -- and a string of consecutive dates in London might just be the sweetest offer on Earth!

*Indiana Jones star Harrison Ford and his gal pal, actress Calista Flockhart, enjoyed dinner at the Charlie Palmer steak restaurant at the Four Seasons, then went off to party at Prive in Planet Hollywood. Click HERE for our breaking news story yesterday with photos of the twosome partying into the early hours.

*Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee was out and about on the Strip with a new sexy blonde beauty hanging on his arm. First stop was at the new Lavo nightclub in the Palazzo for Veuve Clicquot champagne. Next night it was Tao in The Venetian for sake and Kobe shabu shabu, then onto the Bellagio to watch Cirque du Soleil’s water-themed O show. They joined Emmy Award-winning actress Patricia Heaton, her husband David Hunt and their four sons for a backstage tour after the show to meet the performers.

*Tommy’s rival Dave Navarro stopped at Starbucks in the Hard Rock to pick up some coffee while he went shopping in the Hard Rock retail store. Dave was dressed in all black and sunglasses and also was accompanied by a new blonde beauty -- but not the same one as Tommy’s!

Photo: Tryst

MMA stud Tito Ortiz and Las Vegas-born Jenna Jameson.

*Who knew that retired porno princess Jenna Jameson was born here in Vegas as Marie Massoli? Her XXX-rated moniker came into being by being literally picked out of a telephone book at the same time her brother was drinking a whiskey of the same name! She’s just filed to have her real name changed to make her movie name officially hers on all her records -- and that, too, will undergo a change if she marries Tito after the upcoming pregnancy and becomes Mrs. Ortiz!

*Star surveillance: Over at Lavo, gossip blogger Perez Hilton was with actress Amanda Bynes for supper. Three star choreographers Criss Judd, Shane Sparks and Loraine Gibson ordered up a feast of signature dishes from Chef Ludo Lefevbre’s menu at Lavo. … I sat alongside the strikingly beautiful Miss USA, Crystle Stewart, for dinner at the Asian-themed Koi restaurant just after she’d announced that her pageant would be returning there to Planet Hollywood for at least another two years. … At the table opposite was Mindfreak magician Criss Angel with The Girls Next Door beauty Holly Madison looking charmingly cozy and closerthanthis. … UFC fight fan and comedian Kevin James dined with Octagon champion Randy Couture on lobster tacos, yellowtail sashimi, sea bass and steaks in a friendly group at Stack in The Mirage. … Cincinnati Bengals standout defensive tackle Domata Peko visited nightclub czar Victor Drai’s Tryst nightclub in the Wynn, while Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Eric Byrnes was at a VIP table in the hip-hop room at Victor’s other club, Drai’s After Hours, inside Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall at center Strip. … Venetian headliner Wayne Brady stopped into the gay-themed Krave nightclub at Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile. To celebrate its 4th anniversary next weekend, trans-dresser Frank Marino will celebrate his birthday there with fellow cross-costumer RuPaul, who will host the bash.

Photo: radiantphotography.com

Wayne Brady.

Tonight’s tip

Hard to believe that Alvin & the Chipmunks are celebrating their 50th anniversary and a new CD titled Undeniable. They will be immortalized in wax at 6:30 p.m. in Madame Tussauds museum at The Venetian -- they are the smallest figures ever made by the famed London waxworks. Creators Ross Bagdasarian and Janice Karman will unveil the new figures with musical celebrity Drew Seeley, who was featured on duets with the musical trio. … It’s the Money for Monday party at Prive in Planet Hollywood, and rival nightclub Jet in The Mirage has a $5,000 King Baby bling, bling jewelry prize for a winning lady.

Photo: Courtesy

Alvin and the Chipmunks.

Tomorrow’s tease

Believe it! Luxe Life has not only a candid conversation with Criss Angel and Holly Madison about the “L” word, but we’ve also got a remarkable set of kissy-face photos that prove they are head over heels for each other! The new Aliante casino opens, and Vegas DeLuxe has all the advance details, plus a full video tour before tonight’s 11:11 p.m. fireworks opening. The world’s top chef Joel Robuchon turns a page in his massive 800-recipe book, and we’ll have the Dancing With the Stars viewers’ vote results to determine who is next to go home!

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