The Year 1985 …
“Back To The Future” smashes box office records, Super Mario Bros. become a household name, the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes debuts in 35 newspapers, Microsoft Corporation releases the inaugural Windows. 1.0, Live Aid raises $500,000,000 for famine relief, and in Tampa, FL … local record store owner & club DJ, Gaetano (Tony) Rifugiato and his soon-to-be business partner, Dave Hundley, attend the worst gig of their lives.
The show in the basement of the Cuban Club was a shambles. The doors opened four hours late, just minutes after the sound system finally arrived. By this time, the support had already left to play another club. Just the headliner remained and a dozen of their die-hard fans to watch them play.
On the ride home, the two music lovers came to the conclusion that if the opportunity arose, they could create a much better live music experience.
“The whole thing was a shambles” recalls Tony. “On the drive back, Dave and I started chatting about what would go into properly booking and promoting a show.” “I mean, it seemed pretty simple, right?”
Tony weaned on a mixture of British Pop, Reggae, and World Music, and David—an enthusiast of Americana and Japanese Pop — started talking to local music heads about bringing bands to the Tampa Bay Area. The scene was pretty small and tight so word got around quickly. Within just weeks the pair were offered their first-ever show — Californian hardcore punk band, Suicidal Tendencies!
The show was a huge success. The sellout crowd was happy, the band was happy, and the Tour Manager was happy. He praised Dave and Tony for their professionalism and, thinking that they were seasoned pros, he gave out their number to everyone he knew.
No Clubs was born. A one time event turned into a full time career.
35 years later, No Clubs showcases live and electronic music from all genres — rock, indie, jam, jazz, dance, hip-hop, soul, reggae, world beat — as well as multimedia art events, fashion shows, and video/film installations. They continue to work hard and strive every day to bring noteworthy artists from all genres to local stages. The business has grown but the original mantra stays the same:
The fans and the band are ALWAYS center stage.
Now located at 2430 Terminal Drive S. Side B, St Petersburg, FL 33712, Daddy Kool Records enthusiastically supports its fellow local businesses, and takes part in events large and small, from homegrown music festivals and in-store appearances to the annual Record Store Day event.
Tickets to all No Clubs shows are available with lower service fees online at DaddyKool.com, and in-store at Daddy Kool Records. Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster. Please contact us with any questions or more info.
Daddy Kool Records Hours — Monday – Saturday: 10 AM – 8 PM | Sunday: 12 – 5 PM