A THUNDEROUS RETURN
The Gold Coast and Australian blokes of Thunder from Down Under have been taking a well-earned break but will be oiling up soon
THE boys from a Gold Coastinspired male revue juggernaut in Las Vegas are working up a sweat to prepare for their mega relaunch.
Due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and physical distancing restrictions in the US, the famous Las Vegas Thunder from Down Under troupe – who were performing to a packed house each night before the pandemic – has been out of action.
Gold Coast’s Thunder founder Billy Cross said coronavirus was a good opportunity for the 28-strong team to “lay low and train” for their sizzling shows, which are scheduled to restart from July 1 at the Excalibur Hotel, where they have a residency.
“Once Vegas is open, we will look at the touring show and when and where they are going to go,” Cross said.
“Some boys have come home to stay with family in Australia but will be flying back for the shows.”
Mr Cross, an ex-Glitter Strip nightclub king who is a now a partner in Nineteen at the Star, started Thunder on the Gold Coast in the 1980s. It has since exploded internationally, with the US crew and also a travelling troupe.
After the death of George Floyd last week in Minneapolis, Mr Cross said he was nervously watching coverage of violent protests in Vegas.
“The scenes are frightening and full-on at the moment,” he said.
“I know there was a shooting but it looks like they are getting it under control in comparison to other cities.”
Despite the chaos, hotels and casinos reopened this week, featuring handwashing stations, masks and plexiglas shields to guard against coronavirus.
Billy’s wife and Cross Promotions boss Jackie Cross said she was confident from July people would “come back to Vegas in droves”.
“From Labour Day onwards, Vegas is going to go crazy,” she said.