The last days of the Gold Dollar seem to be bringing out both the best and the worst of what's happening in Detroit. As the deathwatch over this venerable night spot continues I've been witness to some amazing sights. The shows have been great and the Gold Dollar seems to have become the new tourist destination in Detroit.
The news about the Gold Dollar closing has attracted all sorts of attention in the press and now we even have to deal with tourists, who have decided to make their inaugural visit to the dying club. I'm wondering if there are tour buses running down from Oakland County bringing everybody down here. The tourists are easy to recognize: they are the people that nervously scan the crowd and immediately cringe and step back when the bands start playing.
The show last night featured three great bands and host of first-timers to the Gold Dollar. Luckily the crowd seemed to make a magic transformation after the Gore Gore Girls left the stage. A whole bunch of people left and a steady stream of people came into catch the last set by the Lost Kids.
The Buzzards and Gore Gore Girls played absolutely great and it was such a treat to see these bands play at the Gold Dollar one last time. I wasn't sure what to expect from the Lost Kids, but they put an absolute capper on a wonderful evening. After all the music finally ended, I just stepped outside and relaxed in the atmosphere that only Cass Avenue can provide at 2:30 in the morning. I'm really going to be sorry when this place goes away.