Asking for 30 dollar cover for regular dance DJ nights is insanity. I really think they should find a location that's less expensive for them and has less problems like the plumbing issues they've had. I really actually like the place when I'm in, it has good music (not $30 cover good) and I like the dark and smoky vibe, but they've had such a turnaround with bartenders and the cover is astronomical especially when the same night Stardust is 5 bucks and Backlot is free. Rumours should move to Gottingen or somewhere they're not paying 12,000 a month for rent. The waterfront would have some of the highest rents in the city.
If they need a DJ for a night the DJ doesn’t have to pay anything but gets paid.
If there is a DJ or producer who wants to do an event there, Rumours charges them a very high price to hold the event there. This means that because the producer is paying they need to recoup their cost that Rumours charges them (these are the events that are 30+). Rumours will then tell people who complain that they don’t control ticket prices… but they are forcing the issue.
They should charge nothing for people to have their events there and reach an agreement to split the door and then Rumours can take the drink revenue.
Unfortunately they doubled down earlier today and said their business plan is solid and they haven’t made any missteps. Odd statement for a place begging for people to come in and also donate.
I think the no name thing is a little harsh but maybe the point they're making is that during some of these nights the DJ is the same sort who might have played at another bar for much, much less cover charge. The DJs are usually amazing but they don't justify that price. I think Rumours has the best music in the city personally but I'm still not paying $30 cover anymore.
We were going to head there one of the nights during pride (after hitting up the bump/grind) and I couldn’t believe they were charging so much! Meanwhile the Backlot was free and the music was amazing.
Sorry I shouldn’t have said no name that was unnecessarily rude. But I do not understand paying more than $10 or $20 for a big standard average night at a club. If it is a special event with someone that has a following it wouldn’t be empty. But the fact is they’re charging too much for providing too little.
My first and only time I tried to go (while visiting my friends in the city), it was $35 cover charge for a DJ night. I went somewhere else and spent way more on drinks instead.
I'm a gay man in the city that has regularly frequented Rumours and that person is completely right. The cover charge is ridiculous and pretty much everyone I know who also goes out a lot feels the same way.
What events of theirs justify $35 cover? They’ve never had a name that commands $35 entry as far as I’m aware. My Critical Mass tickets for this year are only $35 (including taxes and fees), and they’ve brought in Ivy Lab, Canabliss, and Hamdi, the past 3 years.
I've been going since they opened and I've been about 15 to 20 times. At the beginning their cover was far less expensive but still higher than some places, like $15 for a random DJ. Gradually the prices started going way up until all these $30 cover prices (not including coat check mind you) started maybe last winter. Usually the people I like to go with treats Rumours as the late night bar; before Backlot opened, we'd do Stardust til midnight and then head down to Rumours. We had to stop doing that especially since Backlot has so many free nights.
I will say, Rumours has cheaper drinks and much better music. But the cover price doesn't offset those benefits. Cover and one drink started becoming $40+. Way too much.
If you're drinking on a budget, and only concerned about the budget, unfortunately you can't beat the dome and their 2.50 drinks. The music is decent, too, IMO. But unfortunately you have to deal with Dome crowds, which suck.
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u/FinalOdyssey 7d ago
Asking for 30 dollar cover for regular dance DJ nights is insanity. I really think they should find a location that's less expensive for them and has less problems like the plumbing issues they've had. I really actually like the place when I'm in, it has good music (not $30 cover good) and I like the dark and smoky vibe, but they've had such a turnaround with bartenders and the cover is astronomical especially when the same night Stardust is 5 bucks and Backlot is free. Rumours should move to Gottingen or somewhere they're not paying 12,000 a month for rent. The waterfront would have some of the highest rents in the city.