K-Shake nightclub in Vorarlberg closes after 37 years

The K-Shake nightclub in Röthis will close permanently after its final party this weekend, ORF reported. Operator Thomas Krobath said the large venue is no longer financially viable and will move his party concepts to Rankweil.

The club has operated under several names over almost four decades, including Starlight, Kiew, K-Shake, Vabrik and, most recently, Shake. It also hosted several well-known performers. Krobath particularly remembers concerts by Fääschtbänkler and DJ Antoine’s appearance in the K-Shake car park.

He said the club’s best years were between 2007 and 2012, when its Sunday Sunrise Session continued until 8 a.m. The way young people spend their free time has since changed. While some used to visit the nightclub twice a week or more, their interests are now different, he said.

After Saturday’s final party, including the Sunrise Session, the club will close for good. The venue can hold 1,300 people, but filling it is no longer as easy as it once was. Visitor numbers had already been falling before the Covid-19 pandemic and did not recover afterwards.

The building’s future has not yet been decided. Krobath is only the tenant, while any further use is up to the owner. He said he had heard that the building could be completely gutted or rented out, and that demolition was also being considered. One thing is certain, he said: it will no longer be a nightclub.

Krobath’s youth dance events and clubs for people over 40 and over 60 will in future be held at the Echoclub in Rankweil.

The K-Shake concept also received several awards over the years, including the SME Prize and recognition as one of Austria’s Leading Companies. Through the K-Shake goes Charity campaign, more than 98,000 euros was raised for Licht ins Dunkel between 2004 and 2014.