VAMPIRICUS - "Calling All Creatures of the Night"

by Dayve Hind
Special to the Long Beach Union November 16, 1998 (pg. 7)

Are you finding that you have a little free time on your hands Monday night? Lacking enough opportunities to wear all your black clothes and leather? Not hearing enough great gothic music? Wanting the opporturnity to hang our with other people who enjoy the dark side of life?

There's a simple solution to all of these problems. Surprise, it's not located up in Hollywood, but right here in our own backyard. The club is Vampiricus, the night is Monday, and the scene is, well... let's just say you won't find Pat Robertson there.

Just because the decor and lighting are somewhat dark doesn't mean that the ambience is the same way. For a club like this, there's a remarkable lack of attitude. There's a friendly feel and an incredible energy in the club. While the crowds are currently on the small side, those that go are there to enjoy the atmosphere, hang out, and dance to the recorded music or the frequent live acts that Vampiricus brings in. And because of the great energy, many of those htat go are there fairly regularly.

Not all of the music is what would be considered hard-core gothic. Depending on who's spinning the tracks, the selection on any given night might range from "Alien Sex Fiend" and "The Sisters of Mercy" to "The Cocteau Twins", even the occasional "Depeche Mode" song. And, yes, they play some Marilyn Manson (though any self-respecting goth knows that he isn't gothic).

But why quibble over Marilyn? There's definitely more positives than negatives at Vampiricus. Heck, even if you don't go to dance, the drink prices are on the cheap side. The cover is only 5 bucks, so it's a not a major financial undertaking to go to this club--and it gives more money with which to drink. Andy when there's live music--how many other places can you see really cool bands for just five bones?

So is you're feeling the need to indulge your inner vampire, hear some great music, or just want to meet a bunch of really cool people who enjoy dressing like the people your mother warned you about, then Vampiricus is just up your alley. Especially since you don't have to drive 30 miles to get there.