Raiders singer wins $150K on Fox show
DAVID PERRICO’S POP STRINGS expected some additional exposure when it became the Raiders House Band. But singer Fletch Walcott went next level with this concept.
Walcott won $150,000 on the Fox contest series “Don’t Forget the Lyrics!” The series, which debuted Monday night, is a revival of the 2007-2009 series of the same name, hosted by Wayne Brady. A syndicated version, hosted by Mark Mcgrath of Sugar Ray, aired from 2010 to 2011.
Contestants attempt to sing out the correct lyrics to popular songs in several categories. A singer wins $1 million by nailing 10 out of 10; the quality of singing is not important, only the accuracy of the lyrics. The show proclaims, “You don’t have to sing it well. You just have to sing it right.”
But Walcott is a great singer. That’s why he’s in the Raiders band and has been with Perrico’s roster for several years. His callout of Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered
(I’m Yours)” on the show was especially inspired.
On Monday, Walcott had advanced with a half-dozen correct lyrical responses before halting on the Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” Having hit the mark on eight consecutive lyrics, Walcott was offered a shot to complete a sentence in the song to advance to $250,000. That’s two steps away from $1 million.
If Walcott erred by even one word, he would return to Las Vegas empty-handed.
The studio audience wouldn’t have been surprised if the Vegas guy gambled on this decision. But he knows when to fold ’em. Walcott told host Niecy Nash that he has four kids and a wife with whom he wants to share the wealth. A graduate of Las Vegas Academy, Walcott also said he plans to give back to the Vegas community.
“I’m thinking about my family. I’m thinking about my city. I’m thinking about my friends,” Walcott said in the episode taped about a year ago in Los Angeles (and a fist bump to Walcott for adhering to the show’s nondisclosure requirement for a full year). “It’s not worth it to risk this money right now. I’ve got to walk away.”
The correct answer from “Satisfaction” that Walcott didn’t face: “… about some useless information, supposed to fire my imagination.” Add that song to the Raiders’ setlist for the 2022 season.
On Tuesday, Walcott said he knew he was holding his $150,000 prize as soon as he saw the song title.
“I love the Rolling Stones, and I’ve heard that song a million times, but I’ve never sung along to it,” Walcott said. “I’ve never sung it in a show. But if it were ‘Miss You’ I would have been ready.”
Aerosmith sidelined
Steven Tyler is headed for treatment as Aerosmith has pulled out of its June and July dates at Dolby Live.
Tyler slipped in his ongoing addiction recovery. The band issued a statement Tuesday saying the 73-year-old rock icon had relapsed.
The band’s announcement: “After foot surgery to prepare for the stage and the necessity of pain management during the process, he has recently relapsed and voluntarily entered a treatment program to concentrate on his health and recovery.”
Tyler’s manager Larry Rudolph said Wednesday, “The announcement speaks for itself.”
Eight dates from June 17 to July 8 have been knocked off the schedule. Sept. 14 is the next on-sale date.
The band is planning to be back on stage in September and will provide scheduling updates as Tyler works his way back to full health. Tickets purchased through Ticketmaster will be refunded. Otherwise, ticket holders are directed to contact the point of purchase.
From the band: “We are devastated that we have inconvenienced so many of you, especially our most loyal fans who often travel great distances to experience our shows.”
Somewhere, over Rainbow
A few weeks ago, iconic boxing broadcaster (and capable Vegas lounge singer) Al Bernstein mentioned he had tickets to see Randy Rainbow at The Venetian Theatre. Rainbow headlined there May 6. Bernstein was especially excited about this show. It turns out the pugilistic pontificator loves Rainbow’s Youtube series almost as much as the Ali-frazier trilogy.
I remarked to Bernstein that he should try to work a Rainbow reference into his next Showtime broadcast after The Venetian show. He met that challenge at Saturday’s Luis Nuñez-jonathan Fierro bout at Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
During the main event, Bernstein remarked of Nuñez, “His counter right has the same sting as Randy Rainbow’s political commentary.” Nice.
Bernstein said Sunday, “Raúl Márquez looked at me like I was from outer space,” referring to his broadcast partner. That one belongs in the Pop Culture Reference Hall of Fame.
Cool Hang Alert
The Funk Jam is christening the first Cool Hang appearance for the Sand Dollar Downtown at the Plaza. Bass great Anthony James leads the unbroken, improvisational jam from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Wednesday. No cover. Feel the groove. And try the pizza.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section.
His “Podkats!” podcast can be found at reviewjournal. com/podcasts. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal. com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @Johnnykats1 on Instagram.