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The Big Apple celebrated the arrival of the Hard Rock Hotel in Midtown on Thursday night in glamorous fashion.
Models, musicians, actors, politicians, and other personalities walked the red carpet on 159 West 48th Street to celebrate the launch of the Hard Rock Hotel. Although the extravagant resort had been open since last month, it wasn’t until May 12 that it had its official coming out party.
The grandeur of the affair attracted an all-star cast of celebrities to experience the freshly constructed tower in the heart of New York City, including the likes of Paris Jackson, Logan Paul, John Legend, Rev. Al Sharpton, and many more. Onlookers gathered in the streets while drivers even brought their vehicles to a halt in hopes of catching a glimpse of the prominent guests.
The Hard Rock Hotel not only makes 446 rooms available for those looking to stay in Times Square, but it also brings with it a new entertainment venue hosting live events. This venue was used to officially christen the new Midtown building.
Hosted by Saturday Night Live’s Kenan Thompson, the celebration saw speeches, musical performances, and more. The inside of the Hard Rock Hotel was shrouded in art, with auction pieces and the site homage to rock and roll history with large glass display cases filled with iconic artist instruments, clothing, and other items.
The festivities were kicked-off by a blessing from S.R. Tommie, a member of the S.R. Seminole Tribe from Florida and the president of Redline Media Group (a Native American, woman-owned creative agency).
The intimate celebration included a performance by John Legend who serenaded guest with The Tonight (Best you ever had,) as well as musical entertainment provided by DJ Cassidy, Nas, Fat Joe, and others.
It would not be a Hard Rock opening without the infamous guitar smash spectacle, which was led by Jim Allen, the Chairman of Hard Rock International and included members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Additionally, during the grand opening Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams helped accept two checks of $100,000, one for the South Asian Youth Action and the other for YWCA of Queens.
