Machinegun Kelly's

The original Machinegun Kelly's was the area's most popular live rock-and-roll entertainment establishment during the mid-to-late 1970's. Originally owned by Jack Wing and later sold to Buddy Davis, it was located at 666 Scenic Highway, on the east side of the curve at Cervantes Street in East Pensacola Heights, and previously dba the Scenic Terrace.

Often referred to as "The Gun" or "The Guns", the venue was probably best known for hosting a different touring band every week and for it's "Nickel Beer" Monday night specials. Their limited snack menu included foot-long hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn. Machinegun Kelly's also sold their own logoed t-shirts, and gave away logoed hurricane drinking glasses with the purchase of their famous Flaming Hurricane beverage. They also had a signature drink called the Kelly Killer, along with logoed mini-frisbees,butane cigarette lighters and matchbooks. Another plus was the spacious back terrace which provided a scenic view over Escambia Bay.

The Gun(s) was in business for approximately 14 years between the late 1960's and early 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 operated 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.