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

Ace Frehley: The Pulse Behind the Paint

Yesterday, the world lost Ace Frehley!

My pop art creation, along with what I said on Facebook this morning, pretty much says it all for me.

{My Facebook Post From this morning}

(We) Will Never Forget!

I followed these four amazing music artists, Rock Stars, throughout my media career. It's kind a' like we grew up together. These four amazing people are a big part of why I'm still covering music in my 70's. Yes, you'll always live inside of me #Ace #Ozzy #Tom #Eddie #popart #caricature #painting

{More of my thoughts}

Ace Frehley, known as "The Spaceman," was more than just the original lead guitarist of KISS, he was a cosmic force who electrified rock music with his raw talent, rebellious spirit, and otherworldly persona. Fans connected deeply with his unfiltered authenticity, blistering solos, and the sense of mystery he brought to the stage. 

As a founding member of one of rock’s most iconic bands, Ace Frehley helped shape the sound and spectacle of an era, inspiring generations of musicians and fans alike. His legacy is etched into the DNA of rock history, and his passing leaves a void that reverberates far beyond the music world!

I (we) will never forget you, Ace!

GE

Ace Frehley 

KISS

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