Originally, nightclubs were venues for the fashionable with live bands, dance floor and refreshments served at individual tables.
During the period of Prohibition in the United States in the 1920’s and early 1930’s, nightclubs went underground and enjoyed increased popularity. Known as a “speakeasy”, alcohol was served in teacups and local officials paid to turn a blind eye. These were the home of jazz bands and gangsters, operating into the early hours of the morning.
After the end of Prohibition, many famous nightclubs underwent a revival and operated openly. Not only in the United Stated, but in all the major cities of the world, nightclubs flourished as entertainment in main for the wealthier members of society.
It was not till much later that nightclubs gained popularity and accessibility for the masses. Prior to the 1950’s those clubs without live bands relied on duke boxes to provide dance music for patrons. The first club to introduce continuous music, by using two record players operated by club owner, was the Whisky a Gogo club in Paris, laying down the foundation for the modern style of club we know today.
Perhaps the most significant development in the history of nightclubs was the advent of the discotheque, which gained popularity from the 60’s and enjoyed it’s heyday in the 70’s where DJ’s had become the kings of the dance floor, and PA systems more powerful than ever. A dancer could dance to a continuous set of music selected by the DJ, resulting in new dance styles which became the rage for all and sundry.
From that time, the continuing metamorphosis of nightclubs has been influenced mainly by changing music styles, and new technology which places no limits on the imagination of those who design lighting and effects to add to the atmosphere and give a club its signature look, which can make or break its success.
During the period of Prohibition in the United States in the 1920’s and early 1930’s, nightclubs went underground and enjoyed increased popularity. Known as a “speakeasy”, alcohol was served in teacups and local officials paid to turn a blind eye. These were the home of jazz bands and gangsters, operating into the early hours of the morning.
After the end of Prohibition, many famous nightclubs underwent a revival and operated openly. Not only in the United Stated, but in all the major cities of the world, nightclubs flourished as entertainment in main for the wealthier members of society.
It was not till much later that nightclubs gained popularity and accessibility for the masses. Prior to the 1950’s those clubs without live bands relied on duke boxes to provide dance music for patrons. The first club to introduce continuous music, by using two record players operated by club owner, was the Whisky a Gogo club in Paris, laying down the foundation for the modern style of club we know today.
Perhaps the most significant development in the history of nightclubs was the advent of the discotheque, which gained popularity from the 60’s and enjoyed it’s heyday in the 70’s where DJ’s had become the kings of the dance floor, and PA systems more powerful than ever. A dancer could dance to a continuous set of music selected by the DJ, resulting in new dance styles which became the rage for all and sundry.
From that time, the continuing metamorphosis of nightclubs has been influenced mainly by changing music styles, and new technology which places no limits on the imagination of those who design lighting and effects to add to the atmosphere and give a club its signature look, which can make or break its success.