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Ten Thousand Motels |
Six Flags over rock ‘n’ roll
By OTIS R. TAYLOR JR.
[email protected]
The State.online
July 9, 2006
A new era in hard rock begins in Myrtle Beach Thursday.
The first Hard Rock Park will be built on the site of the Waccamaw Factory Shoppes, where U.S. 501 and the Intracoastal Waterway intersect.
Hard Rock International, which owns 121 Hard Rock Cafes and 11 hotels and casinos, announced the first-of-its-kind theme park in March. The project’s groundbreaking ceremony is this week.
The nearly $400 million park, to be completed in spring 2008, will be a Carowinds or Six Flags for rock ‘n’ roll fans. If you like eating at Hard Rock Cafes, think of it like this: Unlike the cafe, where you eat your meal and go, you can stay all day at the Hard Rock Park.
More than 140 acres on the lot known as Fantasy Harbor will be used for the park, which will feature six custom-designed zones, more than 40 rides and attractions, and of course, restaurants.
A 15,000-seat outdoor amphitheater will be the main attraction for real rock fans. It could turn Myrtle Beach into a rock ‘n’ roll destination.
Few details of the Hard Rock Park’s rides and attractions, besides the promise of music memorabilia, have been announced, so we put together some things we’d like to do there.
It probably won’t happen, but hey, rock ‘n’ roll is the music of dreamers, so why shouldn’t we dream?
GUITAR SHOP
Hard Rock’s trademark is the electric guitar. When you’re in one of the cafes, surrounded by photos and souvenirs, haven’t you ever wanted to shred on a guitar? Hard Rock Park could have us lined up and willing to pay to make some noise.
JAMES BROWN ROLLER COASTER
The R&B legend, who famously said “I don't know karate, but I know ca-razy,” has had an up-and-down roller coaster of a life. Imagine: a 73-second ride to match Brown’s age, with climbs and drops at the age he took them. It would be, well, crazy.
PARIS HILTON PHOTO BOOTHS
What’s anything without Paris? Seriously, though, she has a CD coming out. That’s so hot.
JAY-Z AND BEYONCE TUNNEL OF LOVE
Go with someone who isn’t your significant other, because they haven’t admitted their relationship, either.
DIXIE CHICKS LOUNGE
Where the talking stops, because nobody cares what you’re saying. And nobody will come see you play. (Signs of patriotism welcome.)
AMERICAN IDOL HOUSE OF MIRRORS
Who’s real and who’s fake? Oh, there’s Tommy Lee. Ouch.
THE NEW CARS GARAGE
There aren’t any cars in here. Just bands that need to be retired to the rock ‘n’ roll garage. There’s a spot for Aerosmith, the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and INXS. Pearl Jam had a space, but someone gave them a new engine.
GUEST DJS
The park is going to have a state-of-the-art sound system, so wouldn’t it be interesting to have amphitheater performers be DJ for an hour? Don’t you want to hear what Nickelback, Nick Lachey or Bon Jovi have on their iPods?
BACKSTAGE ISLAND
You’ve read the stories (the Motley Crue biography “The Dirt” comes to mind) and heard the tales of what goes on behind the curtains. A simulation would get us close enough and probably save someone a hospital trip.
DANCE STUDIO
OK, something practical. Learn how the stars move. Some of you need all the help you can get. And you know who you are. Taylor Hicks should join the class, too.
WHAT’S THERE TO EAT?
The Hard Rock restaurant on the premises should feature the favorite dishes of rock ‘n’ roll’s elite. An early crowd favorite would have to be Elvis’ peanut butter and jelly and bacon sandwich. To drink? Snoop Dogg’s Gin & Juice.
[Edited by Ten Thousand Motels] |
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corgi37 |
Ever since i saw a show on our cable, hosted by the delightful Daisy Fuentes, called "Top 10 U.S. beaches", i have wanted to go to Myrtle Beach.
1 day, i will. |
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