Las Vegas Clubs: Where Have They All Gone
At one time, our city had a very active club scene. So, it begs the question, Las Vegas: where have all the clubs gone? We’re not talking about the clubs in the casinos or on the strip, but for locals. And it’s safe to say that The Mike & Carla Morning Show lived through it all!
Keep in mind, we’re talking back in the early to mid 80s, this city had a lot of things going on. The Strip was not what it is today and locals would actually venture down to catch a show, dinner or even cruise Fremont Street.
So, imagine if you will, local clubs with a very active LIVE music scene. Now and then, names of clubs will pop up in conversation and memories would immediately pop into your mind. Depending of course, how long you have lived here.
What Happened To All The Clubs In Las Vegas
One establishment that was a must stop was The Troubadour. At one time, one of the premier rock clubs in Las Vegas. On Western Ave, had low ceilings and very dark inside, but the place rocked, Two bands that came to mind when you mention this club, Le Jump and Little Sister!
The Moby Grape also comes to mind when this topic comes up. Set back in a strip mall on the corner of Tropicana and Maryland Parkway. This club also rocked each weeknight and throughout the weekends. Not that big, but long and narrow if memory serves me correct.
You add in The Stake Out, Carlos Murphy’s and Captain A’s, all in the general vicinity. Across from UNVL and all featured LIVE music depending on the night.
Some Of The Clubs That Made Las Vegas Fun
On the flipside, as time carried on, people would migrate to nightclubs like Botany’s or The Brewery. Each club would feature food and drinks with the dance music cranked up. And each of these places shared their calendars with promotional nights.
Radio stations would exchange nights to hold contests, giveaways and even bring in a National Recording Artist every once in a while. But one of these places that gets a good reaction is Tramps!
This place was located at Flamingo and Arville. Never a dull moment with it’s sunken dance floors, pool tables and more. It was the place to be come the weekend…just like many of the places mentioned above.
Of course, over time, they started shutting down and a new phase of night life started to begin. If you’ve been in town for any length of time, Tommy Rocker’s, on S. Decatur had people rockin’ every weekend.
Then, just like that, they moved to what is know as Dean Martin Drive, right off the 15 and Flamingo. With it’s open patio and a full view of the Strip, it was the place to meet your friends each weekend. Tommy was always playing and you just never knew who was going to hop up on stage with him. Times have changed, but Tommy’s is still there!
As we continued through the 80s, that’s when it really began to change in Vegas! The Shark Club…taking advantage of the “Tark The Shark” craze from UNLV. Cashing in on those great basketball teams of the late 80s and early 90s at the school, the place was huge.
It’s The Era Of The Big Clubs In Las Vegas
At one time known as Paul Anka’s Jubilation, The Shark Club picked up where other clubs left off. Known to kick off the night with a huge light show and confetti, patrons lined up for hours to get in.
Not to be out done, you then had The Palladium! This was at one time a warehouse turned into a club that was massive. Set behind The Mirage, parking was at a premium, but once you were in, it was indeed a PARTY!
The Palladium featured two levels, with big screen tv’s and a kickoff similar to The Shark Club, but much more intense! The place had a good run before closing it’s doors.
Then the big game changer…The Beach! Located at the corner of Convention Center Drive and Paradise, this place had it all! Music, drinks, food and featured concerts as well. They even had comedy nights in a room on the second level. Quite the place with employees wearing bathing suits…bot men and women!
But like most, The Beach would also succumb to the growth of the city. It shut down and that was pretty much the end of the “local” club scene in Las Vegas. To be honest, the only one that still stands to this day is Tommy Rocker’s. Other than that, all we have left are those blurred memories that we survived!
