Best Of Las Vegas Awards Nominations Closing Tonight Wednesday July 29th 2026

Best Of Las Vegas News Flash!

If you didn’t know, Best of Las Vegas voting has been rolling since July 13, and here’s the kicker — it all shuts down tonight, Wednesday, July 29, at midnight. That means the clock is screaming, the fuse is burning, and it’s officially go‑time!

 Fans can still jump in and nominate their favorite bands, musicians, music venues, and shows across a wide range of categories. 

So hit voteBOLV.com, fire off those nominations, and make sure the bands & artists, venues, and shows you love don’t miss out on their shot!

I got mine in!

Gary England

Count’s Vamp’d Memories One Year Later: Celebrating The Legacy That Meant So Much to Las Vegas

 June 28th, 2025

On June 29th of last year, I wrote an article for National News Media, Worldwide Entertainment, and for a group of newspapers, magazines, and entertainment sites across the web, an article I never imagined I’d have to write. You can read that article by clicking on the link below.

“The Night That Count’s Lights Went Dim.”

The night before, June 28th, felt like the world stood still. For so many of us, it was more than a venue closing; it was the end of a chapter in Las Vegas music history. Since then, fans have found comfort in seeing local venues book the bands we’ve always considered family. A handful of bands still perform around Las Vegas. Some bands now tour. Some split time between Vegas, Arizona, and California. Some have moved on.

What I’m proposing now is simple: let’s celebrate the legacy Count’s Vamp’d left us. I’m calling on the fans, the musicians, and the Las Vegas venues that have always supported our scene to step up and host an open‑mic celebration, a night dedicated to the many memories that Vamp'd left us!

{My Thoughts}

Wouldn’t it be incredible to bring our Count’s Vamp’d family back together again for a reunion right here in Las Vegas? Imagine an open‑mic night where the bands and musicians who once owned that stage can step up, plug in, and relive the magic, a full‑circle celebration sometime during the weekend of the 28th (Sunday) this month. A night of memories, music, and the community that made Vamp’d unforgettable. I think it would be absolutely awesome.

Comments and suggestions welcome.

Gary England

Why Local Las Vegas Music Venues Should Start Charging For Their “Free” Concerts In The Future!

 With the closings of Count's Vamp'd in June, and Club Madrid inside Sunset Station Hotel Casino just this past weekend. It raises a few questions for me. Both venues provided free entertainment a majority of the time. While making their profits on refreshments (Plus food sales at Count's Vamp'd) alone. Neither venue mentioned money as a reason for their closings. But as we all know, bands and entertainment don't come cheap! Plus, sound and lighting techs. And the expense of just opening the doors. It Ain't Cheap!

Could charging for free concerts and music keep local Las Vegas music venues alive?

Here's my thoughts. 

In a city known for entertainment, Las Vegas' local music venues are vital to its cultural fabric. These intimate stages are where local talent grows, where loyal fans connect, and where the spirit of live music is kept alive night after night. Yet many of these venues offer live music for free, relying on food and drink sales or casino backing (Hotel Showrooms) to cover costs. But as times change and expenses rise, it’s time to rethink that model.

Charging even a modest cover—$5 or $10—can make a meaningful difference. 

It helps cover the rising costs of sound engineers, security, lighting techs, and the musicians themselves. Many of these bands spend hours rehearsing, hauling gear, and delivering professional-quality performances. A paid ticket signals to the audience that what they’re seeing has value, and encourages more respectful, engaged crowds to attend. There used to be a "2 Drink Minimum" at many venues in the past. What happened to that?

Moreover, charging helps venues stay afloat. The reality is: without revenue from the door, more venues will close. We’ve already seen beloved spots like Count’s Vamp’d and Club Madrid at Sunset Station shut their doors. Cover charges help keep the lights on, the sound systems running, and the booking calendars full.

Lastly, small fees help build a stronger local scene. When venues are profitable, they’re more likely to take risks on new acts, promote original music, and reinvest in better production. That’s a win for musicians and fans alike.

{My Take}

In a city where we tip for valet, pay resort fees, and spend $20 on cocktails, it’s time we also put value on the local music experience. A small cover charge is not a burden; it’s an investment in keeping live music alive in Las Vegas.

I Support Local Las Vegas Music & Bands!

GE

Another Final Curtain Call As Club Madrid Bids Farewell Inside Sunset Station Hotel Casino

 Just last week, local music fans said goodbye to Count's Vamp'd Rock Bar & Grill on June 28th. 

< Blog >

Another one bites the dust (Music Venue) this month in just a few short days with the closing of Club Madrid inside of Sunset Station in Henderson, NV. Two big mainstays in the local music scene are about to be gone!

Club Madrid opened its doors in 1997. With seating for around 500 guests, the intimate lounge quickly became a hub for all genres of live music. It was a beloved fixture in the community thanks to its approachable atmosphere, free live shows, and diverse lineup, which featured everything from local bands to touring acts, national bands, and performers, as well as classic rock tribute artists and bands found their homes here!

However, in June 2025, Station Casinos announced a major redevelopment plan for Sunset Station. As part of this transformation, Club Madrid was to close on July 7, 2025, to make way for a sleek new casino bar inside the venue. 

The closure was paired with a final celebratory weekend featuring free shows in the club.

Thursday July 3rd: Empire Records

Friday, July 4th: The Spazmatics LV

Sat, July 5th: 80's Night

Sun, July 6th: (Final Show Honors Goes To) Yellow Brick Road. 

(No Cover. Doors 8pm Show 9pm)

While Club Madrid had been a cornerstone since the late '90s, the resort is shifting toward a larger entertainment model. The much-anticipated Stoney’s Rockin’ Country venue, set to open in early 2026 will offer a 19,000‑sq‑ft stage, mechanical bull, VIP platforms, and a high-energy country theme, indicating a bold new direction for Sunset Station.

{My Take}

Club Madrid’s closing marks the end of a local lounge institution that brought countless live music memories to thousands! Its replacement with a contemporary casino bar and the forthcoming arrival of Stoney’s Rockin’ Country signal Sunset Station’s pivot toward a more expansive entertainment vision, blending nostalgia with the fresh energy of country music. 

Is country music here to stay? Or will classic rock return one day? 

Your guess is as good as mine!

I love them both!

GE

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

With The Closings Of Two Iconic Local Music Venues Is Classic Rock Music Losing Its Popularity In Las Vegas?

 

* If you're looking for Cyanide 21 Gun Salute Album Release Party Blog, Click < Here >

For the last few music events, there have been numerous discussions among fans about two major music venues in Las Vegas that are set to close. One we already knew about for a while; one was just recently announced. The question arose: "Is Classic Rock losing its popularity in Las Vegas?"

The upcoming closings of Count’s Vamp’d (June 28th, 2025) and Sunset Station Hotel's Club Madrid (July 7th, 2025) mark the end of two iconic local venues that have supported classic rock and live music for years. 

There have been no apparent reasons given why Count's Vamp'd is shutting its doors. 

Sunset Station's Club Madrid management stated that the reason for its club's closing is not due to financial troubles or permanent downsizing, but rather part of a major renovation and modernization of the property. Stoney’s Rockin’ Country: A 19,000 sq ft country-themed venue will open in early 2026 on the northeast side of the casino, filling the entertainment gap left by the closing of Club Madrid.

What do the fans think about Classic Rock losing its popularity in Las Vegas?

I put the question to my friends (Musicians and fans) on Facebook.

Is Classic Rock losing its popularity, and how will the closings and current music trends affect the music and bands in Las Vegas?

{Fans & Local Musicians}

The consensus seems to be that Classic Rock isn't losing its popularity in general. 

Classic rock in Las Vegas isn’t fading, it’s evolving. The stage may be changing, but the music isn’t going silent. Longtime fans will just need to look a little harder (or in different neighborhoods) to find their next great rock n roll night out. Las Vegas is in the midst of a reshuffling of where and how classic rock is presented. 

Some fans mention the fact that the classic rock bands and their fans are reaching their retirement years. Slowing down a bit. It might be why classic rock may be losing its zing.

A number of fans say that many, if not all, bands in Las Vegas play the same set lists over and over. The same songs might be getting boring to listen to. Performing other popular classic rock songs, a greater variety of tunes might be more entertaining and appealing to the fans.

Many say that if more local bands were encouraged to write original (Classic Rock) tunes, it might give a breath of fresh air to the industry. A new generation of Classic Rockers!

Some fans feel that classic rock has run its course in Las Vegas, while many say that old venues close while new venues take their place. It's no Biggy! Only time will tell!

{Experts In The Music Industry}

(Top musicians, producers, business managers, marketing & promotion professionals, agents & venue management)

It may surprise you in what they say.

Experts in the music industry have mixed opinions about whether classic rock is losing its appeal in Las Vegas. Here's how they look at it.

Many industry insiders point to a generational shift in audience preferences. As younger tourists and locals dominate the Las Vegas entertainment scene, demand has grown for genres like pop, EDM, hip-hop, country, and Latin music. Classic rock still draws crowds but often skews toward older audiences. This has led venues to shift programming toward acts with broader or more current appeal.

Some experts argue that the decline isn’t due to classic rock losing its musical appeal, but rather a business strategy to maximize revenue. Rock bands usually require larger production setups, higher guarantees, and don't always translate into big drink or gaming revenue. DJs and pop acts, by contrast, are more cost-efficient and pull in nightlife spenders.

* Some local promoters and musicians believe that fans are still out there, but the spaces to enjoy classic rock are disappearing. Closures like Club Madrid and Count’s Vamp’d indicate fewer mid-size venues are booking classic rock acts, despite continued demand from loyal fan bases.

Others argue that classic rock is simply evolving. Tributes, mashups, and reinterpretations are keeping the genre alive in creative ways. Tribute bands, legacy acts, and rock-centric residencies like Aerosmith and Santana have shown that classic rock can still thrive when marketed right.

Experts generally agree that classic rock isn’t dead, but it’s facing stiffer competition and changing economics in Las Vegas. The audience is shifting, the business model is evolving, and venues are making tough choices. However, passionate fanbases and creative reinvention are keeping the genre alive, even as the Strip turns its spotlight elsewhere.

{My Take}

With the closings of Count’s Vamp’d and Club Madrid at Sunset Station, it’s fair to ask if classic rock is losing its grip on the Las Vegas music scene. While these shutdowns mark the end of two key venues that supported rock and tribute bands for years, they don’t necessarily signal the end of classic rock’s relevance. Instead, they reflect a shift in venue economics and evolving entertainment trends. Classic rock still has a strong following in Las Vegas—but as the city chases newer, younger audiences and high-dollar nightlife experiences, the genre’s presence may move further underground or into smaller, more dedicated spaces. The sound isn’t fading; it’s just finding a new stage to be heard on!

I'd love to hear your thoughts about Classic Rock in Las Vegas. Comments welcomed below.

GE

#Syndicated #NationalNewsMedia #WorldwideEntertainmentNetwork #USAT #LasVegasReviewJournal #LasVegasSun #LasVegasWeekly #VegasInsider #GaryEngland

Count's Vamp'd

Sunset Station 

Club Madrid

Stoney's Rockin Country

"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