I played bass for a band called, "Stanley Mitchell and the People's Choice". In the early seventies, we played at the Pompeii Lounge in Dearborn, Mi., on Michigan ave. near Greenfield Rd. The facade of this bar was like a very low rent Caesar's Palace. Complete with cheesy Roman columns. Now, this place was unique for many reasons. The inside was divided. On one side was a topless strip club.
The other half was set up for young people to drink, dance, socialize, etc. Our band was on this side. The music was piped in to the strip club side, as well. Where the fun began is, the dividing wall did not go to the end.The restrooms were used by both sides; and, people wandered.
The cast of characters included, Marty Green- blond, single mother, stripper, and Heroin user. "Count"- Drug dealer. So named, because he was always counting his money. Dressed very dapper, and polite.
One time Count asked where we could meet every day. I said "Why"? Seems he thought I was an addict, and would need some "Boy" supplied. "Boy", meaning Heroin. I explained that I was not a drug addict, but thanked him just the same.
Cheri was a brunette stripper who claimed she was a witch. She once asked me for a pair of my socks, so she could cast a "Spell on me". I complied. Not sure if it worked.
Part 2: The club was also open after hours. At about 2AM, on weekends, we would go across the street to eat, come back, and jam with musicians that dropped by. Yet, another different type crowd in attendance.
Among the "cats", sitting in were, Jabo, Robert, and Clyde. All former members of James Brown's Band. We would play well into the night. Probably my biggest thrill in music. Playing with these guys, was like a baseball fan throwing the ball around with big league hall of famers.
They would tell us what it was like playing with James. No matter how long you were with him, he had to be addressed as, "Mr. Brown". "Yes, Mr. Brown", " No Mr. Brown". On tour, the band would zig-zag across the country in a bus. Mr. Brown used a Lear Jet.
The real Pompeii was buried by lava from a volcano, in 83 B.C. Excavated in 1748, (pictured above).
I don't know what happened to the Pompeii Lounge.
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