If there is one thing besides gambling that defines Las Vegas, it’s music.
The nightlife scene draws visitors from around the world to experience music in every form, from residencies for the Backstreet Boys and Kelly Clarkson to megaclubs with global DJs like Steve Aoiki to gritty downtown bars with local legends.
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Some of these venues offer full immersive experiences, with massive LED walls and bottle service.
Others rely on intimacy and authenticity to create unforgettable nights of live music.
That was the case with Count’s Vamp’d Bar & Grill, which opened in 2009 and developed a cult following that kept the place rocking ’til the wee hours.
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But even if you have a devoted fan base, it’s a tough time to be in the hospitality business. Bar owners face increasing costs for ingredients, labor, insurance, and occupancy expenses.
Consumers are feeling the effects of inflation and economic uncertainty, which can make it hard to attract and keep customers.
That appears to be the case for Count’s Vamp’d, the beloved Las Vegas rock club co-owned by “Counting Cars” star Danny Koker and his wife Korie. The venue has officially closed.
Las Vegas has the most vibrant night life in the world but it’s hard to complete with the clubs that are on The Strip.
Image source: David Butow/Getty Images
Count’s Vamp’d Las Vegas Club closes
Located off the Strip on West Sahara Avenue, the venue wasn’t flashy, but it was unforgettable. A hybrid between a biker bar and a rock stage, Count’s Vamp’d became a staple of the Las Vegas live music scene, known for hosting classic rock bands, tribute acts, and hard-hitting touring groups.
Some of the most well-known groups to grace the stage recently include Pat Travers, Loverboy, and Night Ranger, plus tribute bands like Sweet Home Alabama (Lynyrd Skynyrd), Petty and Heartshakers (Tom Petty), and Fan Halen (Van Halen).
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The walls were lined with motorcycles and music memorabilia, giving the space a personality deeply rooted in rock ‘n’ roll culture.
Its dedication to live music and community made the venue stand out. The stage featured sound and lighting rivaling those at much bigger venues, but the vibe stayed local.
Count’s Vamp’d embraced a timeless, gritty charm that appealed to both longtime Vegas residents and music tourists looking for a break from the Strip.
The closure marks the end of an era for this niche but beloved destination. No reason for the closure was given publicly for the decision, but the club is listed for sale.
It’s hard for off-Strip clubs to succeed in Vegas
Running a successful music venue in Las Vegas requires more than a sound system and a liquor license. From rising rents to marketing costs, independent clubs must manage thin margins and venues like Vamp’d often operate without the financial backing of casino resorts, which makes consistency even harder.
On the club’s Facebook page, there were more than 100 comments left by people reminiscing about their nights spent there. “Gutted! You were an incredible venue and made seeing Wednesday 13 here in 2023 when we came over. Thank you for the memories,” wrote one fan. “I went there every time I came to Vegas. Always an excellent time gonna miss it,” wrote another.
The latest closure comes following the loss of The Artifice (a beloved goth club) and Inspire (on Fremon Street in the “old” downtown), which both closed last year. Some Vegas watchers blame a “post-pandemic hangover.”
With the closure of Count’s Vamp’d, Las Vegas loses another locals’ favorite and an off-Strip rock music club where guitars screamed louder than the clanging slot machines.
It’s a reminder that in this city, nothing lasts forever. But it’s also proof that there’s demand for authenticity in Las Vegas nightlife.
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