The Golden Spur, Russell House USC: 1984 57 comments
The Golden Spur was USC's on-campus, University sanctioned (and run) bar. That sounds odd now, but before 1984, there was a quaint notion that you should punish people for public drunkenness or drunk driving, not forbid them access to the means beforehand.
Anyway, the Spur was on the second floor of the Russell House at the top of the stairs that ran from the row of phonebooths on the ground-floor sidewalk all the way to the third floor if I recall correctly. I think the stairwell area was semi-segregated from the upstairs fast-food area by swinging doors and that there was some sort of trail-mix kiosk across the space from the Spur.
I wasn't a drinker, so I only went one time to the Spur that I can recall. They often had lounge acts in there, and I went to see some young female blues singer. The only thing I can recall now is that she sang Bessie Smith's "Gimme a Pig Foot" -- the first time I had heard that song.
In 1984, the federal government (which acknowledged that it had no right to raise or lower a state's drinking age on its own) passed a law saying that highway funds would be withheld from states which did not raise their drinking age to 21. South Carolina gave in to this bit of extortion, and suddenly the majority of college students were too young to drink. The Spur closed as a bar during this period. I believe various things were done with the space, but I don't recall any permanent re-purposing by the time I left grad school.
When I went to check on it recently, I found that the whole upstairs food-area of Russell House had been completely revamped. Gone was the collection of ARA burger & pizza windows and now national brands seem to provide all the upstairs food. The space has been completely remodeled as well, and the old seperate Golden Spur area has been torn out and is copmpletely gone except that a new "private" meeting-room/dining-room occupies the area I'm pretty sure it once did.
The name lives on though. I found that in Carolina Underground the dim and depressing failed retail mall that is in the basement of the Russell House, a new Golden Spur has been set up, as a game room where you can "Wii for Free":
57 Responses to 'The Golden Spur, Russell House USC: 1984'
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marc cardwell
8 Oct 08 at 6:51 pm
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Yep. "The Police" came to the Russell House ballroom. I couldn't afford a ticket, but they were there. I did see George Thoroughgood & The Destroyers when he played the ballroom, and The Duke Ellington Orchestra (conducted by his son by then, but still with many of the old guys).
You're welcome!
ted
8 Oct 08 at 6:57 pm
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I saw Leon Redbone (a regular on SNL in the 70s) there and the Grass Roots. Jerry Garcia played there with his solo band too. I may be wrong but I think REM played there in their early days.
I remember going there often on Friday afternoons and literally staying there for hours with my friends. One of the biggest jokes on campus was about the spur glasses being indestructable. They were also a favorite "souviener" of many students.
Tom
9 Oct 08 at 12:27 pm
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Forgot to add, the Police played at the spur for $1000. They used to display their contract in the CPU office. Other bands that played there included Steppenwolf and Root Boy Slim and the Sex Change Band with the Rootettes, the latter probably holding the record for the longest name of any band to play there.
Tom
9 Oct 08 at 12:28 pm
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I heard Keg of Nails on Rosewood closed. Any truth to this?
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Hmm. Well, their phone has been "temporarily disconnected" -- I'll have to go have a look.
ted
9 Oct 08 at 5:41 pm
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For a while in the interim, the Golden Spur space was available for student orgs to rent for various events. It maintained it's tacky decor and split-level floor design, as well as, the best I can remember, a stage with very gaudy lighting. We held the first BGLA semi-formal dance there ca 2001. It was remodeled in 2004, right before I graduated.
Jeff
10 Oct 08 at 2:35 pm
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The Golden Spur - a young Steve Martin played there...THe Ramones also did the Russell House Balroom...A friend and I spent all day with Johnny Ramone. He was the nicest "star" I've ever met. Marky Ramone basically stayed in a locked room with 2 girls, Joey & Dee Dee were fun and very interested in gong through the music library at WUSC-FM , pucking out their faves and we'd play the Ramones' requests on the air. I remember Joey had written a song on the Holly & the Italians album.
Anyway pitchers of beer in my day at the Golden Spur were $1. Friends a I would catch a good late afternoon buzz and play pinball and chinese checkers.Captain Dave
20 May 09 at 9:04 am
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When I was there, professors were known to hold their Friday afternoon classes there - and pay for all the beer. Mr friends and I entered a "broom guitar" contest there one night while highly intoxicated - placed 3rd, and the Spur paid our tab!
doc
30 Oct 09 at 8:13 pm
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To show how times have changed, when I was a freshman at USC (1980) I had a professor that took the whole class to the spur and bought us pitchers of beer. (Now thats a great teacher.)
Greg
6 Jan 10 at 12:12 pm
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Al Franken and Tom Davis did a show in the Ballroom and re-did many of their skits from SNL. A friend of my who was their chaparone told me that Davis was nice but Franken was a prick.
Tom
6 Jan 10 at 12:18 pm
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Jane, you ignorant slut.
That Franken and Davis show on campus was one of the funniest I have ever seen. I don't find Al Franken at all funny any more. -
The Spur closed the spring before I got to USC. I remember only that the area went unused during my tenure at USC. I went in there once - surreptitiously - with a couple of friends just to see what was in there; there was an old sign with stick-on plastic lettering which seemed to be the message board for those of us who managed to make our way in there. Other than that - it was just dark, dusty and dismal.
PsAustrinus
28 Jan 10 at 11:38 am
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The Spur....saw Leon Redbone, the Swimming Pool Q's, Glenn Phillips Band, the Vectors, the Killer Whales and 10,000 Maniacs there (1983-84). I thought the place was cheesy beyond cheesy, with the quarters on the bar encased in 400 coats of polyurethane. I remember the "air guitar" and "air band" competitions there. Anyone remember "the hand" in the little courtyard behind the Russel House?
Scott Johnson
29 Aug 10 at 10:23 pm
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I am one of those lucky enough - or unlucky enough - to be of the age to remember when you could drink at 18, and boy, drink we did at the Golden Spur. I would like to relate some fabulous anecdote or mention a band that played there, but for me it is pretty much a whirled blur. The only two things that stick with me aside from being able to drink beer in a college sponsored bar at 18 years of age, are the New York City style soft pretzels and the time I looked up from a urinal in a haze to find the blind blues harmonica legend Sonny Terry to my right doing what I was doing. He was at the Spur playing with his musical partner Browny McGhee, both blues legends. What can you say to a blues legend in a case like that? Well, for one thing, YOU DON'T SHAKE HANDS! That wouldn't work in this case even if you did shake hands at the urinal, because HE WAS BLIND! All I could think of to say that wasn't too obvious was, "Dig your harp man." He thanked me, and I walked off after briefly rinsing my hands in the sink next to where his bodyguard/assistant was standing. If the bodyguard hadn't been standing there watching me the whole time, I probably would have walked out without the sink side-trip. YIKES! You know it's true.
29 Aug 10 at 11:23 pm
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I was at USC from 76 to 79 and LOVED The Golden Spur. The only two bands I REMEMBER seeing there are The Marshall Tucker Band and Mother's Finest. I'm sure we saw plenty more but those days are pretty fuzzy in my brain. LOL.
Don Garman
16 Oct 10 at 8:39 am
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Those were some good concerts. Another band that played on the patio was the Goose Creek Symphony.
18 Oct 10 at 3:58 pm
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Saw Brownsville Station there in the very early 70s . I remember the singer made some comment about american indians and there happened to be an indian girl in the crowd . She stood up and railed him . It was like letting the air out of a baloon . he was highly embarresed
Barry
10 Jun 11 at 9:49 am
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I was there from 78-80. Was fortunate to see Steve Martin and George Thorogood w/ The Destroyers. Both $5 cover and nickel beer. Cheap Trick also played the Cola Coliseum and the radio station was begging people to call in and get free tix. We called from the dorm and they asked how many you need ? We told the 12, they said we can give you 20 if you can find more friends. One of the best shows I ever saw.
Rusty
12 Jun 11 at 9:18 pm
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Rusty, Cheap Trick rarely disappoints! Great story!
Jonathan
13 Jun 11 at 9:19 am
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Didn't Andy Kaufmann play their back in the 70's?
joelc
13 Jun 11 at 6:37 pm
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Those were the days... (1982) I met a witch in the Spur one night who provided us with a little magic as we prepared to see the Back Doors concert in the Russell House ballroom...
Jack
23 Jan 12 at 10:43 pm
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and I was a bartender there...1977 and 78...my brother later joined me in 78...had a blast
Lorraine
7 Mar 12 at 1:58 pm
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Ha! Was there in '83 and of course '84 when it closed. As one of the above posts mentioned, I remember Leon Redbone and also the Swimming Pool Q's. The Spur was our gathering spot before heading to 5 Points (Vista didn't exist back then). Nice cheap pitchers and they even had MTV. I saw several bands there, just can't recall...again, nice cheap pitchers!
Matt
28 Aug 12 at 1:20 pm
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If you want to see the Q's in action, click here..
ted
28 Aug 12 at 1:49 pm
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I worked at the Golden Spur from 1980-1983. Lots of good times there. I've been trying to find some of my former co-workers to say hi. Yes, The Swimming Pool Qs. Glenn Phillips, the Killer Whales and the concerns in the Russell House ballroom. It's strange how different college is now.
4 Nov 12 at 7:41 pm
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Today i reflect on the passing of the brilliantly talented music promoter/enthusiast Art Boerke and our time at The Golden Spur Lounge. Thank you Art. You were instrumental in the developement and support of the Columbia music scene in its day. The previous posts can be verified through the numerous posters and flyers i saved during my time at The Spur. REM 10/04/83 $6 students $8 public, The Police in the Ballroom, Michael Jackson :Thriller: debut on the widescreen, Koko Taylor, Nighthawks and more. Great memories!
League Greene Asst Mgr Golden Spur
22 Feb 13 at 3:49 pm
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I was at USC from 76 to 80. I went to the GS a few times. I think I saw the Zassoff Boys there with a group of friends. They were a bluegrass band with a rock and roll side, and it was a wild crowd. I remember a girl dancing on the table we were at. I don't remember how I got home.
You never know what you have until it is gone. Some of the yearbooks from that time have photos of the place.
JHT
21 Mar 13 at 9:11 pm
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Saw The Police at Russell House.Ears rang for three days.
Joe
8 May 14 at 8:21 am
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One night, around 1980ish, someone showed David Lynch's film, Eraserhead, in the Spur and weirded everyone including the staff out. I loved playing pinball there. Lots of good live music and listening to great records like Warren Zevon's Excitable Boy and Elvis Costello's My Aim Is True while drinking cheap beer made for some fun times in the late 70s-early 80s.
K
29 Dec 16 at 1:28 am
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angelhg16 - if you are female, between the age of 25 and 39, please come visit me to produce more videos.
I will charge you by the hour.Rick
4 Feb 17 at 5:29 pm
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@Rick - need a production assistant??
Homer
5 Feb 17 at 4:16 pm
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@Homer - I know better than to make comments like the last one but, I just can't help myself. I am aware that the spam folder will miss some comments from time to time and I actually enjoy reading the comments. I find it SO funny how STUPID the people from other countries are making the comments. To think Americans will be fooled by their illiterate bullshit is a blast. But then again, all Americans ain't no Albert Einstein's. (last sentence on purpose) Maybe the A-Holes will understand that.
Rick
6 Feb 17 at 12:20 pm
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@Hey A-Holes, yea, that means you are 'A' number one. LOL.
Rick
6 Feb 17 at 12:22 pm
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Hey Rick - I saw the original post you were responding to. That's why I had to chime in....
Homer
6 Feb 17 at 8:03 pm
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I think I maybe shouldn't have yanked the data from the commentmeta table trying to get the database down to size. That, or at least *something* seems to have started letting more spam through. Hopefully the filter will repopulate it and get it back down to managable levels soon.
ted
6 Feb 17 at 10:28 pm
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It was Halloween when the Police played to a near-empty Russell House Ballroom.
Bryan Glazer
News Director
WUSC-FM
WLTX-TV
WRAL-TV
KDFW-TV
WOR-TV
CNN-LA/NY19 Mar 17 at 1:47 pm
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Yes, Steve Martin too in the Spur.
19 Mar 17 at 1:48 pm
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The Police played Oct. 11, 1979. Can provide the ad in the Gamecock newspaper upon request.
Midnight Rambler
19 Mar 17 at 7:46 pm
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And let's not forget AL Franken.
Joe Shlabotnik
19 Mar 17 at 8:42 pm
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Does anyone remember when Leon Redbone played the Spur? month and year?
thanks
Al
20 Mar 17 at 6:45 pm
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I'm sure he took a picture of it..
ted
20 Mar 17 at 7:00 pm
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@ Al- The Oct. 28, 1983 Gamecock newspaper advertises an upcoming appearance by Leon Redbone for 2 shows on Nov. 2, 1983. It mentions that he was the Golden Spur's most successful show "last year" (1982).
Midnight Rambler
22 Mar 17 at 10:24 am
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I worked in the Spur from 1980-82. I remember Thorogood was the loudest show ever, and I have worked in the industry for 35 years! I remember working security for the Ramones show in the pit with Barefoot Harry. I stood behind Harry and stayed out of trouble. The bands that played there were incredible, and best of all, we had those enormous Klipsch LaScala speakers hanging form the ceiling. At closing time we would crank 'em up to 11 with Wagner...Ride of the Valkyries. As the last strains were fading away, the bar staff would all yell, "Let's Go to Group!!' and our night was just beginning.
Bob Papke
31 Aug 17 at 5:47 pm
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I heard that Leon Redbone had been to Columbia so often that he had a friend he stayed with off campus. Leon would party with him at his duplex in Melrose Place. His Columbia friend was a college student, probably worked at the Spur or the radio station. He had long straight blond hair. Anyone know him? I am writing a story about the "Man of Mystery". Does anyone have anything to share, or "not" to share. :)
albertoli55@hotmail.comAl
13 Sep 17 at 6:29 am
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You just didnt go to the Golden Spur for a vanilla afternoon or evening...saw Police and also saw REM open for The English Beat with Rankin Roger.
Russ
29 Nov 17 at 8:53 pm
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In the late 70s my mom and step-dad were students and worked at the Russell House. She ran movie at the theatre, he ran sound for the shows. I would run around while they worked and knew everyone from student information to the copy room. When I was about 4, some fancy looking strangers were in “my” Russel House. I introduced myself and met George Thorogood and the Destroyers. George carried me on his shoulders up to the projection room, where I introduced him to my mom. I watched his band get ready and sat on a stool while they played. I can’t remember if that part was soundcheck or the concert, but either way, I was really excited. Really great guys. The stories I could tell about those days...
TM
20 Apr 18 at 11:42 pm
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Hey. Does anyone who worked at the Spur in '83 remember who booked the shows? Who Leon Redbone and his band associated with when they came to town? I'm sure there are some stories to be told. I am writing some freelance stories about musicians who came to the Spur and Five Points. I could use some resources who were there. Thanks
Albertoli
22 Jul 18 at 5:26 pm
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I can remember meeting my fraternity brothers every Friday at noon at the Golden Spur for pitchers of cold beer to get the weekend started after a full week of studies. !978-1982)
Michaelj
10 Oct 19 at 6:12 pm
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I worked at the Spur 77-79 on the work study program/student aid. I met my wife at the Spur during her cousin’s belly dancing performance. I remember working with Bucky, Jake the Snake, Dale, Rusty , Phil, Lorraine, Malcolm, Kim, and a host of others. I remember the after hour sessions vividly. Great times and memories.
Rick
3 Jan 20 at 9:28 pm
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Yes, Steve Martin entertained us with his comedy and music at the the GS. Then the he took us all for a walk into the Cooper library fountains like the Pied Piper. Two years later, he returned to the Carolina Coliseum in front of a sold out crowd- let's get small or excuse me!
Fred C
21 Mar 20 at 8:08 pm
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Saw Leon Redbone there several times as a student in the early 80's
Grace Ammons
30 Mar 21 at 9:50 am
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Have many good memories of hanging out with friends and drinking white wine at The Spur. Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee,fantastic blues singers were the one act I remember seeing there about 1976-77.
Debbie
12 Nov 21 at 4:24 pm
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Saw many great shows there one highlight- Butch Trucks sat with us and drank a few. Great outdoor concerts also . Particularly remember the nighthawks and Bonnie Raitt on the same bill!
John
4 Aug 23 at 8:59 pm
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I enjoyed many afternoons at the Golden Sour my first two years at USC. As I remember, you could get pitchers of beer for $1.25! I tried a few times to see bands there, and believe I saw the Swimming Pool Q's there once, but the place was small and cramped and it was always difficult to get in. Steppenwolf played there one evening, and the line went out the door and down the stairs into the back courtyard. That show became infamous due to a reported knifing, which was later reported that a drunk jerk showed his switchblade while attempting to break in line, then put it back in his pocket without retracting blade, sliced his own leg, and had to be taken to Thomson Medical Center!
Skot
20 Sep 23 at 11:57 am
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I went to USC from 75 to 79. Living in Woodrow and Preston
the Spur and Campus Club South were easy cheap places to go to.
Not only did they have a bar, Residence life used to have hall parties featuring a keg of beer! Always fun lugging those up to the 2nd and 3rd floor. Just rolled the empties down the stairs.Mike Dursse
6 Nov 23 at 12:33 pm
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These comments/stories are amazing! I was at USC from 04-08, so I missed some great times given the anecdotes above. All I can say was I was a kid dealing with culture shock having just come down from the Chicago suburbs and goodies from home in the mail room were always well received. That being said, I’d always look at The Spur and think “I feel like that place probably has some stories to tell”…sure enough it does. I wish I new all of this history back then!
James
24 Mar 24 at 11:25 pm
man, i had me some fun times at the spur and the ballroom. much of the time is forgotten, however. i started at usc in '81, and there were tons of bands and movies to see.
having lived in columbia since '81, i really enjoy this site. thanks for providing it.