Saw this in the Hard News Letter.

For nearly 22, Warwick Stone has been an integral part of the operations of what used to be Hard Rock America (HRA) and then after that Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas. We are sad to announce that Kingpin has decided to move on with life, as his "to do list is finally complete". He originally started out as an opening staff busboy for Peter Morton's Los Angeles HRC back in October 1982. From there he moved up, taking on special projects concerning the memorabilia collection hanging on the walls. He helped design and develop the VERY FIRST Hard Rock teddy bear with Herrington Teddy Bears, the 1986 Christmas bear released at HRA locations. He was at the forefront of designing the collectable pins with Gift Creations (now GCI, Global Custom Imports), being one of the first to release city specific guitar pins. Under Warwick Stone, the very first DATED Hard Rock pin was released, the 1987 Honolulu World Cup of Surfing pin. He helped create the pure frenzy and excitement there is over collectable casino chips. Few can argue that the value of HRH Vegas chips are nothing short of astounding.

But his talents didn't just end there. He actually designed the looks of many of the actual Hard Rocks today, helping influence the use of old Cadillacs and Harley's over the bars, creating magnificent displays from which guitars and rock outfits were shown. His design credits span from the original San Francisco, the original Chicago, to the old Phoenix and Hollywood Universal locations.

When HRA sold their cafes to HR International in Orlando, Warwick stayed on with Morton and remained working for the HRH Vegas. There again, he is credited with the design elements of most of our Hotel, ranging from the rooms, to the pool, the black jack tables, the retail store to the brand new sports book. Warwick had an influence on everything the Hard Rock was about.

In short, he helped create what Hard Rock is today, whether you visit the HRH Vegas, or any of the cafes. He helped create the culture and the rock n roll spirit that all of us come to expect when we step into a Hard Rock. I have worked with him in some form for the past 7 years now, and in that time I have grown to admire and respect him very much, and I do say he is indeed one of my valued friends. I wish him well, and know he's riding off in the sunset with his rockin' horses and peacocks. All I can say is, the Hard Rock, the Hotel or the Cafes, will NEVER be the same in your absence. We'll miss you Kingpin.