I think the post Quarry model was always moving this way. Sinatra /Elvis were the late-career models
Due to M's image being partly an ironic twist on pop culture this works. Vegas is both a natural fit and M taking over a naff played-out entertainment model- the realist in the land of the fake
I myself am excited about this current Vegas stint and I thought the Vegas residency before was quite moving- the first outing since his mum's death. It provided a nice venue for fans to wish him well.
I'm hoping this stint, will be him, saying a "thank you" , and starting the journey into a new stage of his career, offering new songs, Then I hope he is less restrained and rips Vegas apart with a series of shows that puts back on the map. Then never goes back to Vegas again
It's so sad to watch an artistic poet like M, end up becoming a played-out Vegas "performer".
Its such a soulless way to go out
I think he would be better served mixing his old gigging ways with the residency approach
So, like I said before 3 nights in LA 3 nights in San Fran, 3 nights in NY. x 3 nights in Austin
and so on