Alrosa Villa
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The Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road, Columbus, Ohio, United States is a nightclub that regularly features heavy metal and other rock bands, located on the city's north side. The Alrosa opened its doors in the 1970s and continues operation to this day. A family owned and operated establishment, The Alrosa Villa was an outgrowth of a then popular nearby bar known as Pandora Lounge, located at 5405 Byers Circle East, which operated from the 1960s through the 1970s.
The Alrosa is well-known as a stop for bands looking for a more cozy atmosphere than that provided in a traditional rock concert. It regularly hosts a stream of well-known musical groups. The Alrosa Villa has sometimes been tagged as a venue for rock bands which are fading away in popularity, although a review of the acts booked at the club suggests this is an unfair assessment. Many bands got their start on club tours that featured the Alrosa Villa in their touring schedules before becoming multi-platinum acts, including Sebastian Bach of Skid Row, Pantera, Limp Bizkit, Damageplan, Korn, Black Label Society, and countless others.
Located in a blue-collar neighborhood with a history of petty and occasional violent crimes, the Alrosa has seen more than its fair share of trouble, including several shooting incidents.[citation needed] The Alrosa Villa was the location of the December 8, 2004 murder of Dimebag Darrell, 38, lead guitarist for the heavy metal band Damageplan and former lead guitarist for Pantera. Also killed were Jeff "Mayhem" Thompson, 40, Nathan Bray, 23, and Erin Halk, 29, by Nathan Gale, 25. Gale was confronted and killed by Columbus police officer James D. Niggemeyer while attempting to take a hostage following the murders.
Since the club's reopening in 2005, the venue has seen national acts and many local acts supported by the local fans.
