Apologize

Zoo Freaks, get ready to crank up The Last Vegas' Apologize from their 2009 album Whatever Gets You Off, a track that’s pure, unfiltered rock ‘n’ roll. This song, a standout on the album, was co-written by Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx and Sixx:A.M.’s DJ Ashba, alongside songwriter Marti Frederiksen, giving it a gritty, sleaze-metal edge. According to a 2009 review by Metal Forces Magazine, Apologize is described as an “epic sounding hair metal ballad” with a dreamy guitar intro and a dramatic, catchy chorus that echoes the emotional pull of Cinderella’s Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone). The song’s lyrics tell a raw story of regret and redemption, with frontman Chad Cherry confessing to his mistakes in a relationship, making it a heartfelt anthem for anyone who’s ever had to say sorry.

One cool piece of trivia comes from its placement in pop culture. Apologize was featured in the 2022 season finale of the HBO series Peacemaker (Season 1, Episode 8, “It’s Cow or Never”), rocking the end montage with its high-energy vibe. This was the band’s first song licensed for a major TV show, marking a big moment for their visibility. On social media, fans on Reddit’s r/hairmetal have praised the track, with a 2024 post noting its release in 2009 as a late but worthy addition to the hair metal scene, showing it still resonates with die-hard rock fans. The music video, directed by Brian Anderson, is another gem—available on YouTube, it captures the band’s raw energy and sleazy charm, perfectly matching the song’s vibe.

The Last Vegas kicked off their journey in Chicago, blending glam, punk, and sleaze metal into a sound that’s equal parts gritty and glamorous. Formed in 2003, the band—Chad Cherry (vocals), John Wator (guitar), Adam Arling (guitar), Danny Smash (bass), and Nate Arling (drums)—drew inspiration from icons like Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses, Mötley Crüe, and Cheap Trick. They hit the ground running with their debut album, Lick ‘Em and Leave ‘Em, in 2004 on the independent label Get Hip Records, followed by Seal the Deal in 2006. Their big break came in 2008 when they won a Guitar Center battle of the bands at the Whisky a Go-Go in Los Angeles, earning them a spot opening for Mötley Crüe on their Saints of Los Angeles Tour. This exposure, along with a contract from Nikki Sixx’s Eleven Seven Music, propelled them to release Whatever Gets You Off, their major-label debut that put them on the map.

The band’s early days were all about grinding it out in Chicago’s rock scene, playing dive bars and building a loyal fanbase with their high-octane live shows. Their 2007 EP, High Class Trash, featured the track Raw Dog, which landed in the video game Guitar Hero II, giving them a taste of mainstream attention. Chad Cherry’s charismatic frontman presence and the band’s unapologetic rock attitude have kept them a favorite among hard rock fans. You can keep up with The Last Vegas on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share updates on shows and new music. Fans also gather on the The Last Vegas Fan Club on Facebook, a great spot for Zoo Freaks to connect and share their love for the band’s sleazy, soulful sound.