When Danny Koker announced (On May 16th) that his Rock-Bar Count's Vamp'd would be closing their doors on June 28th (29th), it seemed like an eternity to many. With over a month of high-toned concerts and events, made the time seem endless!
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But the closing day was finally here. Yesterday, June 28th, 2025,
"The Night That Count's Lights Went Dim"
Me and the wife arrived at the bar around 6:30. We talked with friends and took a few selfies.
We lined up to get into the club a little before seven. As the doors were opened, we all went in to relax and visit with friends. And to wait in anticipation for the show to start.
Then suddenly, a few minutes past nine, the theme song from 2001 A Space Odyssey rang out from the stage. The final performance at Vamp'd was soon to begin!
Here's my Story:
Las Vegas turned the volume all the way up last night, as Count's Vamp’d Rock Bar & Grill roared into music history with one final, unforgettable night of rock and roll music.
Count's 77, led by the ever-charismatic Danny “Count” Koker, took the stage to give the loyal Vamp’d faithful exactly what they came for: a no-holds-barred celebration of music, memories, and the spirit of rock that defined this venue for over a decade (16 Years).
Opening the night with the likes of CC Rider & Burning Love, the band wasted no time bringing the energy meter up to eleven. Danny Koker’s vocals were raw with passion, while sending out his love and admiration to all the fans (Flashing Rock & Peace Signs). Guitarist John Zito let his slide and blues-infused solos fly, igniting cheers from the crowd. Stoney Curtis blistered through licks with his signature precision, while Barry Barnes held down the groove on bass, and Jeff Tortora kept the thunder rolling behind the kit (Drums).
Throughout the night, the stage served as a revolving door of Vegas rock royalty. While many of Vegas' top musicians and rock stars stopped by to be part of the night!
Rock Stars and Celebs in attendance last night included (Sorry If I Missed Anyone)
Rob Hussey, Blas Elias, Carmen & Paul Shortino, Phil Soussan, Sebastian Bach, Cassie V. Lapierre Brady, Christian Brady, Korie Koker, Keith Robert War, Paul Cunningham, Nancy Cunningham, Horney Mike, Derek Wallace, Jason Walker, Chase Grijalva, Greg Gee Silver, Les Warner, Danny Wilde, Zowie Bowie, Sally Steele, Eddie Trunk, Brian Tichy, DJ Ashba, Troy Patrick Farrell, Carol-Lyn Liddle Puffer, Patrick Puffer, Donny DeCecco, Keith Steven Caplan, Jay Cee, Jeff Outlaw, David Reed Watson, Tammy Lynn, Andrew Regester, and John Gist, among others that I might have missed in the darkness of the club, sorry!
But the night wasn’t all just blistering rock; there were heartfelt moments, too. Danny Koker paused many times to thank the staff, bands, and fans who kept the fire burning for all these years. At one time, holding up a glass and declaring, “This place wasn’t just a bar — it was a church of rock 'n' roll,” which earned one of many standing ovations of the night.
The celebration went way into the night (The Next Day)
As the final set drew to a close, many fans began singing every word to every song, with many fans wiping tears from their eyes, knowing this was the last time they’d hear these songs echo off the iconic bar's walls.
The emotional crescendo came when the entire lineup of musicians — past and present — gathered for one final jam. There was laughter, there were tears, and above all, there was unity, the kind only music with friends can deliver.
The final curtain fell not with silence, but with a surge of gratitude and love. Fans lingered long after the amps went cold, hugging staff, swapping stories, and snapping photos in front of the legendary neon sign. Some loyal fans stayed until the sun came up!
Count’s Vamp’d may no longer be a stop on the Vegas nightlife circuit, but it will always live on in the hearts of those who believed in its mission. To keep real rock 'n' roll alive.
And on June 28th, it did just that — one last time, loud and proud!
The end.
Or is it?
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To Be Continued?
GE
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Gary GE, what an awesome blog and writer you are! If you ever want to make New York City your home. You have a job as lead writer waiting. Jim - RS Ent.
ReplyDeleteJim, thank you for your very kind words. Would you believe that New York is on my bucket list? I never say never. Who knows what life brings? GE
DeleteWhat a powerful tribute, Gary. You captured the emotion, energy, and legacy of Count’s Vamp’d perfectly. It wasn’t just a bar — it truly was a church of rock ‘n’ roll. Reading this brought chills and even a tear. Thank you for documenting this historic night for those of us lucky enough to be there — and those who will only get to feel it through stories like yours. Count’s may have dimmed its lights, but its fire will never burn out in our hearts. 🤘🏼🖤 #LongLiveVampd
ReplyDeleteAlicia, glad that you enjoyed my documentation of the music bar's final hours. Many times, you don't know what you've got until it's gone! Many across Las Vegas may be feeling that emotion today. Thank goodness that the music will live on! GE
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