Las Vegas Weekly

June 19, 2009 · 6:46 AM

Criss Angel risks death walking minefield on Mindfreak premiere

By Robin Leach

Criss Angel opens his store in Circus Circus.

Photo: Scott Harrison/Retna/www.harrisonphotos.com

If Mindfreak magician and Believe illusionist Criss Angel ever failed to pull off one of his dangerous stunts, it would just be an embarrassment -- and he could do it over later. But for the debut of his Season 5 of Mindfreak, on Aug. 12 on A&E, if he makes one false move, he could be blown to pieces. Criss will use his psychic powers to tread gingerly over not one or two levels of incendiary devices but seven levels of lethal, explosive mines.

“I’m going to try and avoid literally being blown up by an IED,” an icily calm Angel said of the improvised explosive devices. “This is a life-or-death situation. It’s more dangerous than anything I’ve ever performed.”

Criss will perform the stunt his mother doesn’t want him to attempt at Edwards Air Force Base, which has an Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit, in Mojave, Calif. On a reconnaissance trip, he made a special visit with families of deployed service members. More than 200 fans lined up for photos and autographs, and Criss signed for everybody.

Photo: Scott Harrison/Retna/www.harrisonphotos.com

Criss Angel opens his new store in Circus Circus.

“The men and women who serve this country, not only do they make a huge sacrifice, but their families and friends do, too,” Criss said. “To all the men and women serving this country throughout the world, I say thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sacrifice, dedication and for your love and passion for this amazing country.

“I’m just honored and privileged to be an American and to be here at Edwards, which personifies the future of the military. To me doing a stunt here has always been something that’s been in my mind. I just didn’t know when I would be able to get here. This has been a dream come true because everybody here has been so hospitable and opened their arms to us and what we’re attempting.”

Meantime, E! Entertainment will broadcast its True Hollywood Story bio-doc on Criss on Wednesday, and if you click back here Monday, we’ll have that exclusive sneak peek.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter HERE.

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