The horns intro to “Gonna Fly Now” invariably brings to mind a sweat-stained Rocky Balboa running the streets of Philadelphia.
The classic “Rocky” anthem was played once more Friday afternoon at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. The song ushered in the regal arrival of Balboa himself, Oscar-winner Sylvester Stallone.
The film hero was striding casually rather than running, wearing a popping blue-pinstripe suit instead of workout togs. He and his wife, Jennifer, toured the Center with co-founders Larry and Camille Ruvo.
The Stallones then took part in tasting presentation of Stallone’s Carbonadi vodka for Las Vegas liquor-sales reps at the Keep Memory Alive Event Center.
The brand is running fast to fame. It is to be featured in the fourth season of Stallone’s “Tulsa King” on Oct. 16 on Paramount+.
“I said this season has to be about the pursuit of something, like ‘Rocky’ was, the pursuit of passion,” Stallone said, addressing the dozens of exec. “The entire season is built around he pursuit of this Italian vodka.”
Stallone is in town for Drink Las Vegas, promoting Carbonadi vodka, in which he is brand ambassador and and partner. He is hosting VIP lunch Saturday at Carbone Riviera, overlooking Lake Bellagio (a well-known watercraft is to serve as his transportation).
Stallone is a brand ambassador and an investor in Carbonadi, along with the Ruvo’s daughter Camille Ruvo. The Stallones are also powerful supporters of the Cleveland Clinic. Their names were added to the Memory Wall of distinguished supporters. A-lister’s involvement in the Keep Memory Alive Power of Love is also part of Vegas lore.
In a now-legendary exchange at the ‘25 event at MGM Grand Garden Arena, Stallone steered the bidding of a Lotus Emira live-auction item. In the end, two exotic cars were sold, during a wild bidding competition. Initially a ‘24 Emira went for $500,000. Ruvo then called out that he could get a second car for that price (this was a gamble; Stallone was unaware this upgrade was an option).
Included in the package was a day with Stallone on the set of “Tulsa King.” That upsell made the full bid more than $1 million. In true Stallone fashion, the event was a knockout.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykats on X, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.