Check out the neon sign during this video by Gary Allan. It’s from the Holiday Motel on the Strip in Las Vegas — one of the last survivors of vintage motels there.
The song itself has a interesting history. Allan recorded it shortly after his wife committed suicide. Several of the songs from the excellent “Tough All Over” album are emotionally searing like that, and it made one wonder how Allen had the strength to go into the studio and sing those. But Allan said in interviews that it would have been much worse for him to stay at home after the tragedy; he saw the recording process as a cathartic experience.
I just put up a picture of this motel sign on my blog!! It’s a beautiful sign–it looked great even during the day, and I was even more delighted when I saw it lit up, and all the neon was intact. The starbursts light in sequence, and it’s in great shape.
I actually found quite a few signs in downtown Vegas that were in decent shape, and I’ll be putting up pictures soon. They’re hanging on so far, although I definitely wouldn’t want to stay in any of the motels.
We paid a visit to the Neon Museum Boneyard while we were in Vegas, and it is definitely worth the time for anyone who loves signage (I have a slideshow up on my blog). It’s still by appointment only, but it’s a great tour and a great Museum.
All my best,
Beth