Las Vegas casinos are shut down, but the lights are shining bright to honor one of the Strip's former icons.
Following the passing of Roy Horn, one half of the famous Siegfried & Roy duo, several casinos announced they'll be lighting up their marquees all weekend to pay homage to the late magician, who died Friday of complications related to Covid-19.
While Roy was famous all over the world, he and Siegfried Fischbacher became synonymous with Las Vegas. Shortly after the death, fans began placing flowers, candles and photographs at the statue of Siegfried & Roy in front of The Mirage, where the duo performed for 14 years.
Siegfried and Roy's presence on the Las Vegas Strip can't be minimized. In the '90s, long before the influx of Cirque du Soleil and high-profile residency shows, their act was arguably the hottest ticket in town. Unfortunately the show came to a sudden and shocking end in October 2003 when Roy was mauled by the big-cat Mantecore during a live show. Audience members were left stunned when the animal dragged Roy off stage in its mouth.
Roy survived life-threatening injuries, but his ability to move, walk and speak was severely affected for the rest of his life.
"Today, the world has lost one of the greats of magic, but I have lost my best friend," Siegfried said in a statement on Friday. "From the moment we met, I knew Roy and I, together, would change the world. There could be no Siegfried without Roy, and no Roy without Siegfried."
"Roy was a fighter his whole life including during these final days," he continued. "I give my heartfelt appreciation to the team of doctors, nurses and staff at Mountain View Hospital who worked heroically against this insidious virus that ultimately took Roy's life."
In addition, tributes for Roy poured in from fellow Strip performers.
"Having known Roy from the time he and [Siegfried] first came to Las Vegas, words cannot express what he has meant to not only our city, but to those around the world," "Mr. Las Vegas" Wayne Newton said on Instagram. "He worked tirelessly to bring happiness and joy to so many people. Rest In Peace my dear friend. You will be missed but never forgotten."
Penn Jillette, of the famed Penn & Teller duo, added, "We are all mourning the loss of #RoyHorn of #SiegfriedandRoy. S&R invented, created, pioneered the very idea that a magic show could be a full evening in Vegas. If not for S&R there would be no P&T in Vegas. He was so full of life, wild, and unpredictable. We will miss him."