Alrosa Villa

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The Alrosa Villa.

The Alrosa Villa, 5055 Sinclair Road, Columbus, Ohio, United States is a nightclub that regularly features heavy metal and other rock bands, located on the city's north side. Originally named after the owner's parents Al and Rosa Cautella, the Alrosa opened its doors in the 1970s and continues operation to this day. A major expansion of the building opened in 1982. A family owned and operated establishment, The Alrosa Villa was an outgrowth of a then popular nearby bar known as Pandora Lounge, located at 5405 Byers Circle East, which operated from the 1960s through the 1970s.

The Alrosa is well-known as a stop for bands looking for a more cozy atmosphere than that provided in a traditional rock concert.^{[citation needed]} It regularly hosts a stream of well-known musical groups. The Alrosa Villa has sometimes been tagged as a venue for rock bands which are fading away in popularity, although a review of the acts booked at the club suggests this is an unfair assessment. Many bands got their start on club tours that featured the Alrosa Villa in their touring schedules before becoming multi-platinum acts, including Sebastian Bach of Skid Row, Pantera, Limp Bizkit, Damageplan, Korn, Black Label Society, and countless others. In addition, when the Columbus Agora closed for renovation in the mid 1980s, many local, regional, and national bands played at the Alrosa until The Agora re-opened as the Newport Music Hall. Artists like Ronnie Montrose, Frank Marino, Gary Moore, Accept and Michael Schenker played the Alrosa during that period.^{[citation needed]}

The Alrosa Villa was the location of the December 8, 2004 murder of Dimebag Darrell, 38, lead guitarist for the heavy metal band Damageplan and former lead guitarist for Pantera. Also killed were Jeff "Mayhem" Thompson, 40, Nathan Bray, 23, and Erin Halk, 29, by Nathan Gale, 25. Gale was confronted and killed by Columbus police officer James D. Niggemeyer while attempting to take a hostage following the murders. The events surrounding the murders, venue and staff are now featured in the book A Vulgar Display Of Power: Courage and Carnage at the Alrosa Villa, by author Chris A., foreword by Officer James Niggemeyer.