The final show at Counts Vamp’d was a blow out, for myself and many others who attended it this was more than just a venue closing, It was the end of an era. Equal parts sad farewell and joyful celebration for a place that gave the hard rock scene in Las Vegas a home.
Sure, the scene will go on and bands will play other venues. But for those of us who love this place there isn’t anything that matches it in a city where there’s an abundance of almost anything you could want. Years of great shows, Great times, Friendships, and memories were made in that place and throughout the night everyone was sharing their stories about times they’ve had there, how it felt to have and lose this place, and a shared feeling of hope that someone will buy it and carry on the legacy of it.
Many of us showed up early, standing out in over 100 degree summer heat and it didn’t even matter. We all just couldn’t wait to get in, hit the bar, and let the good times roll.
The venue was packed, it was a sold out show and they had an area outside for people who didn’t have tickets so they could still be there to give this place a proper send off, even the patio which in any show I’ve been to over the years isn’t usually busy was packed with people.
Vamp’d is general admission and unless you reserve a table you are standing, it’s not a large venue so anywhere you stand is a great view of the stage but my son and I were at the front to the left of the stage and when Counts 77 hit the stage they tore the roof off of the place, That just continued to be the case the entire night.
Counts 77 is great on record but they are even better live. Guitarists John Zito and Stoney Curtis are great as leaders of their own separate bands and are absolutely jaw dropping players, But together in the same band they are absolute wizards and have great chemistry.
You could see the emotion on the faces of the band playing this show and it was awesome to see how much they seemed to be enjoying themselves, these guys smiled a lot more through this show than I usually see bands do.
The band were absolutely on fire during the whole show, the playing was locked in air tight and everyone was bringing their A game. If you ever have the chance to see Counts 77 live you really don’t want to miss it.
The show was divided into a first act and a second act, The first act was the official set which was mostly originals and a few covers and that ran from 9 to 11 PM, The second act started about half an hour later and unfortunately I couldn’t stay after midnight so there’s part of the finale I missed out on.
There were special guests promised for the show and they really delivered with Rob Hussey from Cyanide, Paul Shortino from Rough Cutt and Quiet Riot, Phil Soussan from Billy Idol and Ozzy Osbourne. But the guest that excited me the most was Sebastian Bach who came out to perform a cover of “Watchin’ You” by KISS.
One of many highlights was Counts 77 covering “Ace Of Spades” by Motörhead and I was genuinely surprised by how much singer Danny Koker sounded like Lemmy, Danny’s vocals are usually a bit on the lower to mid range and smooth side so hearing him do Lemmy Justice was really cool.
I’ve seen many bands play Vamp’d and this show definitely ranks up there with the best I’ve seen. As a farewell to Vamp’d I couldn’t have asked for a better night, It was filled with great music, Great drinks, Reconnecting with friends I’ve made through there, and getting to share the memories with others and be there with my son to say goodbye to my rock n home was something truly special.
It was the end of an era and it went out as a triumph, This place will live on in the hearts of those of us who experienced it and with any luck someone will carry it on. My utmost gratitude to Danny, Korie, and the excellent staff of Counts Vamp’d for the years of incredible memories, Great service, and for giving us the coolest venue I may ever see. Cheers to you all.
Editor’s note: I have enjoyed many a great evening over the years at Counts Vamp’d in Vegas and also its previous incarnation as FeelGood’s Rock Bar and Grill. It’s a special place, despite it’s relative youth, and was always so welcoming. When I started venturing back ‘home’ at the end of the 2000’s it was a must stop in Vegas and every time I’ve travelled to the States I’ve always been there and seen many a band. Good food, good people and great music. It would be impossible to name all of those I’ve et there over the years so I won’t try. I just wish Danny all the best and hope that the next owners have the same vision and keep our special place alive and kicking doing what it does best – proving beyond doubt that Rock and Roll will never die…