Return to the Temple One Year Later: A Count's Vamp’d Family Gathering To Remember June 28th 2026

 

This Sunday, June 28th, marks one full year since COUNT’S VAMP’D went dark — the night the amps cooled, the neon dimmed, and an entire era of Vegas rock ’n’ roll swagger slammed its final shot on the bar. #vampdvegas

Read what I experienced that night. "The Night That Count's Lights Went Dim"

This Sunday, June 28th, from 6–9 PM, the Vamp’d faithful are rising like a pack of leather‑clad phoenixes. Everyone that is in the Vamp'd family are invited to gather at the old haunt — not inside, sadly, but out front in the parking lot where half the best stories started anyway. Time to reconnect, swap war stories, and breathe life back into the place that raised us, wrecked us, and rocked us harder than anywhere else in this city.

If you grabbed one of those final‑night Vamp’d shirts — or if you’ve got any Vamp’d gear in your closet — throw it on like armor.

Jen Lynn is shooting a video for a song she wrote, so the cameras will be rolling, and the vibe will be pure hometown rock‑family reunion.

Bring a chair. Bring an appetite. Donny DeCecco is rolling in with the YoDog food truck, stacked with the kind of grub that keeps rockers upright and smiling. Show Donny some love — he’s feeding the tribe!

If you’re coming, hit up Cathy Alberts or Valeri Rose. This hang is open to anyone who ever called Count's Vamp’d home!

RSVP on the thread on Cathy's or on Val's Facebook page, so Donny will know just how much food to prepare.

{My Take}

June 28th isn’t just a meetup in a parking lot — it’s a celebration of the greatest rock club this city ever birthed, the one that raised us, wrecked us, saved us, and stitched us together under its red lights and roaring amps. We gather not out of sadness, but out of pride — because Count’s Vamp’d wasn’t just a venue; it was a living, breathing beast, and every one of us was part of its pulse. On June 28th, we'll be standing shoulder to shoulder, loud and unbroken, honoring the best rock club there ever was, the best rock club there is, and the best rock club there will ever be!

We celebrate Count’s Vamp’d — forever our home, forever in our memories, and forever in our hearts!

You are truly missed!!

Gary England

Eyes In The Crowd: A Great White Night At Count’s Vamp’d LV

A full year later, Count's Vamp’d still finds its way into nearly every music conversation in this town. 

In your mind, what was it about Count's Vamp'd that made it unforgettable?

What were your memories of the club?

To get the ball rolling, I’ll kick things off with one of my favorite memories from Count’s place. This one happened right after catching a Great White concert at the Westgate Showroom.

When the show wrapped, a group of us made the natural migration, straight to Vamp’d. When I arrived, the place was packed wall‑to‑wall. I was standing in that sweet spot between the backstage door to the green room and the VIP area, soaking in the music that was happening onstage, when I suddenly felt that unmistakable sensation… like someone had eyes on me.

I scanned the crowd, checking to see if a friend was trying to wave me down. Then I slowly turned toward the VIP section, and there he was. Brett Carlisle, lead singer of Great White, just a few feet away, grinning. We both lit up. I asked if he wanted to check out the historic green room backstage, and to talk about his life as a rock star. We made our way backstage. Brett remembered the article I wrote about his debut with Great White the year before at the Cannery in North Las Vegas. Brett took his time absorbing every bit of nostalgia on the historic walls! We talked about his whirlwind year with the band, snapped a few photos, and then headed back out—him to enjoy the music, me to get back behind the lens. One of those moments you don’t forget.

Pretty cool memory.

What’s one of your best memories of Vamp’d?

I know you’ve got plenty.

(Comments Welcomed)

Gary England

Count's Vamp'd

Brett Carlisle

Great White Band

The Night That Count's Lights Went Dim

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!

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?

Facebook Page

To Be Continued?

GE

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A Final Encore of Memories Musicians and Milestones For The Legacy That Count's Vamp'd Built

 The countdown has been going on since only mid-May of this year. A little over a month. However, it seems like a lifetime since Vamp'd announced its closing on their Facebook page. Living with the harsh reality that Count's Vamp'd will be turning its lights off for good on June 28th. Less than a week away!

As the lights go dim for the final time, Las Vegas loses more than just a venue; it says goodbye to a cornerstone of its hard rock and metal community. Over the years, Vamp’d has been more than just a stage; it has been a sanctuary for musicians, fans, and the spirit of live rock 'n' roll. From unforgettable album release parties and surprise guest appearances to local legends cutting their teeth under its red lights, Count’s Vamp’d wasn’t just a bar—it was a living, breathing timeline of Vegas music culture. As we prepare to say goodbye, we look back on the memories, the musicians, and the milestones that made Vamp’d an iconic part of the Las Vegas music scene.

Here are a few of Count's Vamp'd memories, musicians, and milestones that stand out to me.

Memories

• Surprise Vince Neil appearance in 2011 sparked an unforgettable jam session.

• Zakk Wylde meet-and-greet and blistering solo show in 2013.

• Weekly Sin City Sinners shows that became the heart of the local rock community.

• Packed tribute nights—Motley Crüe, Van Halen, Ozzy, AC/DC—where the crowd sang every word.

• After-show hangs with rock legends at the bar, blending stars and fans without a velvet rope.

• Epic Halloween bashes and themed costume nights that brought the wild spirit of rock to life.

• Memorial shows that honored lost musicians and united the Vegas music family.

• Final week filled with tears, cheers, and spontaneous reunions of past performers.

Musicians

• Vince Neil (Mötley Crüe) – Surprise guest appearance and Vegas anthem sets.

• Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society/Ozzy Osbourne) – Called Vamp’d “a rock cathedral.”

• George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob) – Frequent performer with firebrand solos.

• Frankie Moreno – Vegas favorite who brought his showmanship to rock nights.

• Cyanide – One of the staple local acts, known for high-energy tribute sets.

• Crashing Wayward – Represented the evolution of Vegas rock in the 2020s.

• Sin City Sinners – Resident legends with revolving celebrity guests.

• Andrew Freeman (Last In Line, Raiding the Rock Vault) – Delivered powerhouse vocals across multiple tributes.

Milestones

• 2010 / 2011 – Count’s Vamp’d opens, founded by Danny “Count” Koker and Corey Bush.

• 2011 – Named Best Rock Venue in Las Vegas by Vegas Rocks Magazine.

• 2013 – Hits 500th live show milestone.

• 2015 – Launches “Vamp’d Unplugged” acoustic series.

• 2020 – Survives pandemic shutdown with livestream concerts and virtual fan outreach.

• 2023 – Hosts “Vamp’d 13th Anniversary Bash” with record turnout.

• May 2025 – Announces final show on June 28th, selling out instantly and marking the end of a 15-year era.

• June 28th, 2025 - Count's Vamp'd Final Show Hosted by Count's 77 Band

These are only a few of my best memories, famous musicians, and dated milestones that come to my mind. 

What's Yours?  Comment below :-)

{My Take}

As the final notes from Count's 77 ring out on June 28th, Count’s Vamp’d won’t just be closing its doors—it will be closing a chapter in the soul of Las Vegas rock history. 

The memories forged inside those walls, the musicians who bled passion on that stage, and the milestones that marked its rise from a neighborhood bar to a legendary venue will echo long after the amps are silenced. 

For fans, bands, and the city itself, Count's Vamp’d was more than a venue—it was a home for many! Including me :-)

GE

Count's Vamp'd Facebook

Count's 77 Band Facebook

"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