Why Rascal Flatts Are Vowing No 'Monkey' Business in Their New Vegas Show

The trio have found inspiration for their new show in some surprising places (hint: tights might be involved!)

Published on February 25, 2015 11:45 AM

When Jay DeMarcus, Joe Don Rooney and Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts started planning the new stage show for their nine-day residency at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, they looked for inspiration in some unexpected places.

“We love Penn & Teller,” DeMarcus told PEOPLE of emulating acts who’ve had long-term success in Sin City. “We might add some illusion. We might also borrow some stuff from Carrot Top. We’ve been in talks with the Cirque du Soleil producers, so expect skimpy costumes, acrobats and a trapeze. Maybe even a Blue Man Group thing if we can find tights that fit.”

All kidding aside, there is one thing that is off the table for the trio: “There will be no monkeys,” vowed LeVox. “We shot the ‘Why Wait’ video out there and it was a lot of fun but that monkey bit the fire out of me and I still have the scars to prove it. Monkeys are banned for life.”

All three guys are making it a family affair for at least part of the time they’re in Vegas. “Anywhere that is warm and has shopping, my family is there,” joked LeVox. “My three girls have it all planned out, they’re already spending my money.”

LeVox is not a gambler, so he won’t be spending his money in the casinos, but DeMarcus will happily take up the slack. “I love blackjack and craps, but they don’t always love me back,” he confessed. “In fact, the other guys don’t know this, but thanks to my previous Vegas trips we are actually doing this for free. But I get to live, so it’s worth it.”

Rascal Flatts Las Vegas Riot! at The Joint begins tonight.