"End of an Era: Count's Vamp'd Closes After Years of Rocking Las Vegas"

 The hearts of many fans (Mine Included) have stopped!

My 1st instinct as a writer, journalist & fan is to ask the question: 

Is there anything that the fans (And Local Bands) can do to save OUR Rock Bar?

Count’s Vamp’d Rock Bar & Grill isn't just another bar—it is a sanctuary for rock and metal fans in a city known for glitz, glam, and entertainment. Founded by Danny “Count” Koker, star of the History Channel’s Counting Cars, the venue opened in 2011 in the former home of Feelgoods on West Sahara Avenue. What followed was a 14-year run that transformed Vamp’d into a cornerstone of Las Vegas’s live music scene.

From Grammy-winning artists to local tribute bands, the stage at Count’s Vamp’d has welcomed acts from all levels of the rock spectrum. Fans could catch intimate shows from rock legends one night and discover rising stars the next. The venue's dedication to genuine, no-frills rock music earned it a fiercely loyal following (Me Included).

Over the years, Count’s Vamp’d has played host to unforgettable performances from bands like LA Guns, Faster Pussycat, Enuff Z’Nuff, and even Michael Monroe of Hanoi Rocks. It's become a second home for tribute bands honoring the likes of Van Halen, KISS, Metallica, and more—bringing nostalgia and energy to fans craving classic rock experiences in an up-close setting.

Vamp’d is also unique in offering fans an intimate meet-and-greet environment, often with band members mingling after shows. 

Unlike the sprawling Las Vegas Strip venues, Vamp’d has soul—and it has heart!

There has been no official statement released detailing the specific reasons for the closure at the time of this writing.

The closure of Count’s Vamp’d leaves a HUGE void in the Las Vegas music landscape. As one of the few off-Strip venues catering specifically to rock and metal fans, its absence will be deeply felt by musicians and concertgoers alike.

The legacy of Count’s Vamp’d will echo for years to come. It's more than a bar. It was a heartbeat of a community, a launching pad for artists, and a home for rockers who found refuge in its dim lights and thunderous sound.

In a city built on reinvention, one can only hope that the spirit of Count’s Vamp’d finds new life in another form.

 If there isn't anything that we, the fans and local bands, can do to save OUR Rock Bar....

Come Saturday, June 28th. 

The local music scene will be losing a legend!

Rock in peace, Count's Vamp’d. You will be missed by many !!

GE

Count's Vamp'd Facebook

Count's Vamp'd Official Website

The Local Las Vegas Music Scene Rocks This Friday Night for St. Jude’s Ranch For Children !

 Las Vegas may be known for its bright lights and nonstop entertainment, but on Friday, May 16th, the city’s heart will beat for something far more meaningful. 

Musicians, fans, and community members will gather at The Usual Place for “Las Vegas Music Scene Has a Heart”, a benefit concert supporting St. Jude’s Ranch for Children. More than just a night of great music, the event showcases the powerful role the local music scene plays in giving back, proving that behind the amps and spotlights is a community with deep compassion and purpose.

{About St. Jude's Ranch For Children}

St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, located in Boulder City, Nevada, has been a sanctuary for abused, neglected, and at-risk children and young adults since 1966. Their mission is to transform lives by providing a safe, nurturing environment and empowering individuals to create new chances, choices, and hope within a caring community. Through comprehensive programs—including therapeutic residential foster care, transitional living, support for pregnant and parenting teens, and sibling preservation—they aim to break the cycle of abuse and neglect by mending spirits and renewing hope. The organization also operates The Healing Center, the only residential treatment center in Southern Nevada dedicated to child victims of sex trafficking. St. Jude’s Ranch continues to be a cornerstone of compassion and resilience in Southern Nevada.

Facebook Event Page

The Usual Place

Friday May 16th

Doors 6:30pm

Admission: Free 

Entertainment By: Cascade Effect - High Priest - The Bones - D'Angeled - Chase Grijalva

Hosted By Troy Patrick Farrell 

St. Jude's Ranch For Children.

St. Jude's Ranch For Children Facebook

To Donate Online: < Donate Here >

{My Take}

If you believe in the power of music to heal, unite, and uplift, don’t let this night pass you by. Join the Las Vegas music community on May 16th at The Usual Place and be part of something Really Special. Admission is free, but your presence and your support can make a lasting difference for the children of St. Jude’s Ranch. 

"When Vegas bands come together, it’s more than a show, it’s a statement of love."

GE

Facebook Event Information Page

Between The Voice American Idol And America's Got Talent Which Show Has The Best Talent?

 Being a music journalist. The Voice, American Idol, and America's Got Talent are brought up in many conversations around me. The question of which show has the best talent is the subject of many of these conversations. 

All three shows have launched careers, gone viral, and dominated prime-time TV. But when it comes to pure talent, who reigns supreme? The coached vocals of The Voice, the pop-star pressure of American Idol, or the wild-card spectacle of America’s Got Talent?

Each of these shows highlights different types of talent, so the "Best" really depends on what kind of talent you're looking for. 

Here's a breakdown to help you to compare the shows.

The Voice

• Focus: Singing, judged by celebrity coaches who build teams.

• Talent Quality: Great vocalists, often more technically skilled than Idol contestants, but fewer go on to major careers.

• Pros: High production value, unique blind auditions.

• Cons: Despite strong talent, less commercial success after the show.

Best For: Fans of vocal artistry and celebrity judges (like Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, John Legend).

American Idol

• Focus: Singing (solo vocalists primarily)

• Talent Quality: Known for discovering chart-topping artists like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Jennifer Hudson.

• Pros: Strong emphasis on vocal performance and artist development.

• Cons: Limited to singers, so the variety is low.

Best For: Pop and country music fans looking for the next big music star.

America’s Got Talent (AGT)

• Focus: All types of talent — singers, dancers, magicians, comedians, stunt performers, etc.

• Talent Quality: Wildly diverse; top-tier acts in multiple categories.

• Pros: Variety, global reach, high entertainment value.

• Cons: Not as focused on long-term career development for most acts.

Best For: Viewers who enjoy a variety show format with surprise acts and spectacle.

 So, Which Show Has the Best Talent?

The Voice 

Standout Talent: Jordan Smith, Travis Cormier (Canada "La Voix") & Tessanne Chin

American Idol

Standout Talent: Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert, Daughtry.

America's Got Talent

Standout Talent: Terry Fator, Grace VanderWaal

In the end, American Idol delivers music superstars, The Voice showcases raw vocal talent, and America’s Got Talent offers variety like no other. The “best” show (Talent) depends on what you’re looking for: a future pop icon, a technically flawless singer, or a one-of-a-kind act that defies expectation. No matter your favorite, one thing’s clear: talent has many faces, and all three shows have helped shape the entertainment landscape in their very own way.

GE