But the mechanical bull tells visitors they're in the new version of Gilley's, the rowdy honky-tonk made famous by John Travolta's 1980 movie "Urban Cowboy" -- the saloon that made country cool. "People have never forgotten about Gilley's," said Doug Keller, the new club's general manager.
Gilley won the court case, and Cryer was ordered to pay Gilley $17 million. The dispute permanently closed Gilley's, ending an 18-year run that saw country music become mainstream in large part due to the club's widespread fame. On July 5, 1990, a fire quickly spread throughout the main building, destroying the club.
Gilley's store is based in Pasadena, TX not far from the original location of the world famous honky-tonk! Though the club is no longer in operation there are three other Gilley's, in Las Vegas Nevada, Dallas Texas and Durant Oklahoma.
Yes, the movie was filmed in the Houston area, much of it at Gilley's, a honky-tonk that had room for 6,000 people — and one very popular mechanical bull. The entrance to the original Gilley's nightclub in Pasadena. It was named after co-owner and country music star Mickey Gilley.
We Have Sad News For Jimmy Swaggart As He Is Confirmed To Be...
Is Gilley's Bar still in business?
Gilley's, the Treasure Island restaurant with one of the best Strip views of the Formula One Grand Prix, has been closed by the Southern Nevada Health District.
It became known as “The World's Largest Honky Tonk”, where more than 6,000 fun loving folks of all ages could enjoy entertainment every day and night. For over 42 years, Billy Bob's has hosted the biggest stars in country music and classic rock from Alabama to ZZ Top.
Did John Travolta really ride the bull in Urban Cowboy?
John Travolta had a mechanical bull installed in his house two months before production began. He became so good that he was allowed to dismiss the stunt double and do the takes himself.
Where is Uncle Bob's house in the movie Urban Cowboy?
Uncle Bob and Aunt Corene's house scene in Urban Cowboy
The house used for the film is found on Westside Drive in Deer Park, southeastern Houston. This area boasts beautiful views, gorgeous sunsets, quiet streets, and peaceful suburban surroundings. The easiest way to reach 2213 Westside Drive is by car.
Cryer had to give up much of his real estate to pay the debt. The club operated under Gilley briefly after the lawsuit, until the judge ordered it closed in 1989 due to loss of profits.
The memorial service will begin at 1 p.m. Gilley's cousin and fellow music artist, Reverend Jimmy Swaggart, will be delivering the message at the service.
The hype ruined the club for Gilley's regulars and started a rift between Cryer and Gilley. The club closed after the two broke up their partnership and an arson fire later destroyed the huge structure in 1989.
Indianapolis, Indiana - It brings us incredible sadness to say that Greg Gilley, talented singer, writer, & guitarist for MISERY, has passed away. Greg was the son of legendary country music singer and songwriter Mickey Gilley. His untimely passing has been a devastating blow to those who knew and loved him.
How old was John Travolta when he made Urban Cowboy?
In the summer of 1979, the Houston news and gossip circles were dominated by the presence of one John Travolta, who lived in the city while filming Urban Cowboy in nearby Pasadena. It was only the fourth leading role for the 25-year-old actor, but he was already arguably the world's biggest movie star.
The original Gilley's is featured in the 80's movie Urban Cowboy as the place where John Travolta's character Bud struggles to win and keep the heart of Sissy (played by Debra Winger).
Scenes from Bud and Sissy's trailer home in “Urban Cowboy,” released in 1979, were shot at a Pico Rivera trailer park. A scene from the 1988 movie “Tequila Sunrise,” starring Mel Gibson, was shot in a riverbed in Pico Rivera. And a scene from “Collateral” in 2004 was shot in Pico Rivera.
Travolta turned down another movie, American Gigolo, to work on Urban Cowboy. (The Gigolo role went to Richard Gere.) Michelle Pfeiffer auditioned for the part of Sissy before it went to Debra Winger, becoming her first starring role.
The original Esquire article centered on the romance between two Gilley's regulars named Dew Westbrook and Betty Helmer. Westbrook and Helmer's real-life relationship became the inspiration for the on-screen romance between John Travolta's and Debra Winger's characters "Bud" and "Sissy".
Located inside the famous Menger Hotel in San Antonio, the Menger Bar is the longest continuously-operating saloon in the state… and it has plenty of stories to show for it. Voted one of the top 10 historic bars in Texas, the Menger Bar was established in 1859.
For dancers looking for a larger-than-life dance hall experience, Billy Bob's Texas is the place. Located in the historic Forth Worth Stockyards, the world's largest honky-tonk boasts 100,000 square feet of interior space and 20 acres of parking for entertainment and events.
