Rodney E. Pardey
Rodney Erin Pardey AKA Michael Valentine (born September 14, 1976 in Las Vegas, Nevada) is a singer-songwriter for the alt-country group Romance Fantasy and a part-time professional poker player. Pardey is the eldest son of two-time WSOP bracelet holder and world-class seven-card stud player Rodney H. Pardey. He is also the inspiration for the song, "The Ballad of Michael Valentine", by the Las Vegas band The Killers. Pardey's brother is musician Ryan Pardey, and his father is professional poker player Rodney H. Pardey.
Romance Fantasy
In 2002, Pardey formed and fronted the band Romance Fantasy, which featured Ronnie Vannucci Jr., later of The Killers, on drums. Some of the band's well-known songs include: "I Ain't Ever Gonna Change My Ways", "Blackheart", "Whiskey and Wine", "Mama, Don't Say a Word (Home Used To Be)", and "I Get Down".
In September 2007, Romance Fantasy opened for The Killers three times as the band travelled through Texas.
In the spring of 2008, Romance Fantasy was a sanctioned band at the SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas.[1]
Poker
At the age of 21, Pardey entered the $1,500 seven-card stud event at the 1998 World Series of Poker (WSOP). Despite having never entered a tournament before, Pardey managed to finish fourth taking home $24,030.[2] Pardey finished 52nd in the $10,000 no limit Texas hold 'em main event of the 2005 WSOP, earning $173,880.
As of 2009, his total live tournament winnings exceed $210,000. His four cashes as the WSOP account for $205,680 of those winnings.[3]
Notes
- ↑ http://sxsw2008.sched.org/event/cbca56cd6cc76a3ce54e25408ef809cf
- ↑ Coverage of 1998 WSOP $1,500 seven-card stud event
- ↑ Hendon Mob tournament results