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The Gun(s) was in business for approximately 12 years between the early 1970's and 1980's. Several local bands performed there including Flame and The Heaters, Lyman Slack, Slayer, Ringwraith, and Southern Comfort. Touring faves The Raisins, Silverwing, and The Vandals each played there several times to a packed house. Ron Young, a well-known Elvis Presley tribute artist, Joey Dee and The Starliters, and soon to be top 40 recording artists Brownsville Station also performed there.
After the sale of the club to local realtor Douglas Halford, Davis relocated and opened a tack shop in Beulah, and The Gun(s) continued in business for a few more years. Competition from newer clubs such as the much larger Franco's Lounge certainly affected the whole area's entertainment scene, especially those inland from the beach. Soon after, Machinegun Kelly's closed and the building reopened in 1983 as a restaurant. From 1985 to 1986, a second Machinegun Kelly's opened under different ownership at 4520 Mobile Hwy, just north of Fairfield Drive. They hosted touring bands such as Black Oak Arkansas, and allowed local band The Pilots to shoot a music video titled Slip Away, which aired on tv talent show Star Search.
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