Gotham Nights is a gothic club, but what is "gothic"?

The origin of the word is the Germanic tribes in central Europe that raised havoc for the Roman empire, even being a strong contributors to its downfall. The terms was later used in the Renaissance as a degrading description of the grandeur architecture that followed the romanesque period in the middle ages, namely the gothic architecture. Examples of this wonderful style are breathtaking cathedrals like Notre Dame, Amiens and Norway's Nidaros Dome.

The expression was later used in the Romantic period to describe the dark side of the literary genre, which gave us novels like Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein"(1818) and Bram Stoker's "Dracula"(1897).

All this put together results in a mixture of pomposity and horror, and it is this we try to recreate at Gotham Nights using a lot of artificial smoke, candles and skulls as their holders. All this would practically have no effect if it was not for our audience complimenting it. People who usually visit our club are of all kinds, but have one thing in common: they like to dress up in their finest clothes Some wear velvet, lace and fish nets; top-hats flowing dresses and capes - it is like joining a funeral party from the 19th century, or a vampire movie! Others prefer a rougher goth-punk style, with tight jeans, t-shirts, Doc Martin boots and studded leather accessories.

The environment is no set for the most central part of the experience, namely for what is now known as Gothic rock. This musical style arose from the punk in the early eighties and is still going strong (a thorough description of the early years here). Bands that are frequently played are The Sisters of Mercy, Fields of the Nephilim, The Mission, Bauhaus, Siouxie and the Banshees and so on.

The club is being run as an idealistic club; all income will stay in the club, e.g. to be used when having live acts. So far bands like The Mission UK (UK), Faith and the Muse (US), The Merry Thoughts (D), Children on Stun (UK), Dead Souls Rising (F), Apoptygma Berzerk (N), Funhouse (S), Arcana (S), Elusive (N), The Morendoes (N), Beyond Dawn (N), Eternal Joy (N), Cybele (N) and Anax Imperator (N) have performed.

If this sounds interesting, come and visit us. Gotham Nights has no permanent location, so the venue for each event will be announced. Anyhow, it is being held on a Friday/Saturday once a month, and the age limit is 18 years. Cover charge is about 60 NOK, a bit more when we have live performances.

Note that this club does not have any religious undertones, or "overtones" for that matter.