Hard Rock Hotel
Pink and Carey Hart at Wasted Space in the Hard Rock Hotel on New Year’s Eve 2008.
Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011 | 2:05 a.m.
After the closing of the Wasted Space nightclub in September, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is being sued by its operator for alleged unseen profits during the club’s run.
The lawsuit by S&H Projects, led by professional motocross athlete Carey Hart, alleges that the Hard Rock “engaged in a series of improper and unacceptable accounting practices” in “an apparent effort to mask serious financial and management problems elsewhere within the resort.”
Hard Rock officials had no comment on the lawsuit.
Wasted Space was designed by Hart, who also operates the Hart and Huntington Tattoo Company inside Hard Rock. The club brought in high-profile investors, including musicians Joel and Benji Madden and baseball star Jason Giambi.
The suit alleges that the Hard Rock “engaged in a systemic pattern of failing to attribute revenues due to the Wasted Space Lounge while simultaneously attributing expenses from other venues at the resort to the lounge.”
S&H was also denied full access to all books and records of revenue and expenses related to the Wasted Space Lounge for accurate accounting, the lawsuit alleges.
Hart’s company is suing for actual and compensatory damages against the Hard Rock in excess of $10,000 and is being represented by the Lewis and Roca law firm.
Branded as Hard Rock’s “anti-club,” Wasted Space opened in July 2008 with the idea of a looser dress code than other nightclubs and a place for performers to play more intimate shows.
The decision to close the club came in August to make room for a new race and sports book, Hard Rock spokeswoman Jessie Pound said in August.
Hard Rock Chief Executive Joseph Magliarditi said then he wouldn’t comment on the closure of Wasted Space or the financial performance of the nightclub because the club is a partnership between Hart and Hard Rock. Hard Rock said Wednesday it has no comment on the most recent allegations.
According to an annual filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission in March, Hard Rock said revenue at Wasted Space increased by $1.6 million in 2009, although other numbers for the club weren’t listed in the filing.
Arguably one the coolest joints in town, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino houses some of Vegas' best entertainment, restaurants and nightlife.
At Hard Rock, it's all about the music. From the light fixtures made out of drum cymbals and guitar shaped door handles to stage costumes and tools of the trade of legendary musicians displayed on the walls, the hotel screams rock and roll. The Hard Rock's Joint has hosted some the biggest names in music — from The Who to Bob Dylan to hometown heroes, The Killers.Aside from the music venues, the pool at the Hard Rock is one of its biggest attractions. Spread out over 4.7 acres, the pool area features swim-up blackjack, a bar and grill, private cabanas, a bevy of secluded nooks, a waterfall and an extensive live music venue with a dance floor. During the summer, the pool transforms into the Rehab club on Sunday afternoons.
The resident nightclub Body English fuses European elegance with a rock star bachelor pad and it often a hot spot for visiting celebs and popular DJs. Vintage rock memorabilia lines the walls at Wasted Space, Hard Rock's anti-club.
Restaurants at Hard Rock are just as hip as the rest of the casino. Pink Taco serves up Mexican dishes, as well as a Central American and Caribbean menu. Nobu, one of five worldwide Japanese-specialty restaurants from famed Nobu Matsuhisa, satisfies a different taste. For round-the-clock cuisine, Mr. Lucky's 24/7, is sure to ease your appetite even after a Vegas-all-nighter.
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