Count's Vamp’d Family Resurrection: The Night That Celebrated The Club That We All Called Home!

 

What a killer way to spend a Sunday night in Las Vegas, the city where neon never sleeps and the rock ’n’ roll heartbeat never really dies. Rolling back into Count’s Vamp’d felt like stepping into a time machine tuned to the loudest, rowdiest frequency we ever knew. Catching up with old friends, family, and the diehard Vamp’d tribe reminded every one of us why this place wasn’t just a club; it was home!

First off, massive love to the people who made this reunion roar back to life. Danny and Korie Koker — the king and queen of the Vamp’d kingdom — thank you for all the years of music, madness, late‑night hangs, killer food, cold drinks, and the tightest rock‑family vibes anywhere in Las Vegas. You two don’t just rock… you RAWK!!

And to Valeri Rose, Cathy Alberts, Jen Lynn, and to the YoDog legend himself, Donny DeCecco — the four‑horsemen of Sunday night — thank you for grinding behind the scenes to make this celebration explode the way it did. You all RAWK too!

I’d bet my last poker chip there were a little over 200 rockers packed into that parking lot — swapping stories, hugging it out, laughing loud, and reliving the nights that made Vamp’d the beating heart of the Vegas rock scene for so many years! Music blasting, YoDog serving up the kind of food that keeps the party upright, friends reconnecting, new faces joining the tribe. Memories drifting overhead like the last smoky breath of a midnight encore — hanging in the air long after the stage lights fade.

You could feel the love. You could feel the energy. You could feel the Vamp’d spirit rising again!

It wasn’t just a reunion — it was a celebration of the greatest rock club there ever was, there is, and there ever will be. Count’s Vamp’d lives in all of our hearts forever!

Will we do it again next year? Who knows. But damn… it sure would be nice!

Gary England

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?

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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