Avalon swimsuit won’t make trip to South Point

You still probably picture him in a swimsuit more easily than a tux, but Frankie Avalon's Las Vegas career has run longer than a beach party.

He's been working the Strip almost since "Venus" was a No. 1 hit for the teen idol in 1959; appropriately enough, he performed on "American Idol" two years ago.

Since Avalon started his career playing trumpet onstage with childhood friend Bobby Rydell, he often teamed later in life to perform with Rydell and Fabian as "the Golden Boys" at the old Desert Inn. He still keeps that Golden Boys tag going, even though he's solo at the South Point today through Sunday.

Avalon and Annette Funicello even tried to recapture the magic of their American-International "Beach Party" in co-billed showroom engagements. But at 72, it's probably best that he sticks to the tux these days.

Contact reporter Mike Weatherford at mweatherford@ reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0288.