Numbers Nightclub

Since 1978, Numbers Nightclub has been a home to Houston’s alternative and underground nightlife, becoming one of the longest running dance and music venues in the United States.

Numbers originally opened as a gay disco in the summer of 1978 during Houston’s gay rights movement. By 1980, Numbers transitioned as a more mixed, alternative dance club with the help of former Record Rack owner and DJ extraordinaire, Bruce Godwin, who started the club’s “new wave” nights.

In a last minute turn of events in October of 1981, the club showcased its first live band – Siouxsie & The Banshees. After the success of this historic concert, Numbers went on to exhibit an array of national and international live acts such as Ministry, Bjork, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Grace Jones, Nine Inch Nails, The Cure and many many more.

It was in 1987 that British video artist and Numbers DJ, Robert Burtenshaw aka “Robot” along with Bruce Godwin, took over Numbers and further built upon the legacy of the club as an accepting, all inclusive stomping ground, while exposing Houston to cutting edge music on both the dance floor and the stage.

In 1991, Numbers resident DJ, Wes Wallace, started “Classic Numbers” on Friday nights – a night dedicated to the industrial, goth, post-punk, new wave, and synth pop bands that were played at Numbers in the ’80s. After a huge initial turnout, “Classic Numbers” has become a Friday night ritual for Houstonians ever since.

Throughout the ’90s and 2000s, Numbers continued to be a music destination for major touring acts as well as local bands.

Now in its 4th decade of operation under the ownership of Numbers longtime staff member Rudi Bunch, the club continues to offer weekly dance nights, special events and occasional concerts in a come as you are environment.