Bad Decisions

The song "Bad Decisions" by The Last Vegas from their 2012 album of the same name is a gritty, high-energy anthem that captures the band’s signature sleaze-rock vibe. In an interview with Sleaze Roxx, lead singer Chad Cherry described the track as embodying the band’s raw, unpolished ethos, saying it’s “a little rawer, a little groovier” than their previous work. The song’s lyrics, which touch on reckless nights and fleeting romances, were inspired by the band’s experiences touring and living the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. Cherry shared in a 2012 Metal Forces Magazine interview that the title track was meant to evoke the kind of chaotic, unapologetic energy you’d feel at a wild backstage party. The song’s recording process, handled by producer Johnny K in their hometown of Chicago, leaned heavily on live takes to preserve its raw edge, as guitarist Adam Arling noted on Facebook, emphasizing “no samples, no loops, just five guys rocking.”

Another piece of trivia about "Bad Decisions" comes from its reception among fans and critics. The track was praised for its infectious guitar riffs and AC/DC-esque swagger, with Real Rock and Roll calling it a “sexy, wild, crazy fun-time” that feels like a throwback to ‘70s and ‘80s rock. The band shared on their Instagram in 2012 that the song became a fan favorite during their European tour, often sparking sing-alongs in sweaty club venues. Interestingly, the song’s music video, which the band posted about on X, was shot in a single night in a dive bar, capturing the band’s gritty aesthetic and the song’s rebellious spirit. Fans on the The Last Vegas Fan Club Facebook group have shared stories of hearing the song live, noting how Cherry’s raspy vocals and the band’s tight performance made it a standout in their setlists.

The Last Vegas got their start in Chicago in the early 2000s, born out of a shared love for glam, punk, and sleaze metal. The band, consisting of 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, and Mötley Crüe. According to their bio on AllMusic, they began playing local dives, honing their high-octane live show before releasing their debut album, Lick ‘Em and Leave ‘Em, in 2004 on the independent label Get Hip Records. Their big break came in 2008 when they won Guitar Center’s “On-Stage: Your Chance to Make Rock History” contest, beating out 8,000 other bands. This led to a management deal with 10th Street Entertainment, a recording contract with Eleven Seven Music, and a spot on Mötley Crüe’s 2009 Saints of Los Angeles Tour. Mötley Crüe’s Nikki Sixx took notice, co-producing their 2009 album Whatever Gets You Off, which catapulted them into the international rock scene.

The band’s journey from Chicago clubs to global stages is a testament to their relentless drive. They’ve since toured with heavyweights like AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses, and Buckcherry, headlining shows in over 17 countries. Their official website, thelastvegas.com, showcases their discography and tour history, while their Facebook page keeps fans updated on new releases and live shows. On Instagram, they share behind-the-scenes glimpses of their tours and studio sessions, and their X account engages with fans through quick updates and throwback posts. For dedicated Zoo Freaks tuning into THE ZOO, joining the The Last Vegas Fan Club on Facebook offers a space to connect with other fans, share concert photos, and discuss tracks like “Bad Decisions.”