Melbourne’s King of Clubs Jamie Nasser dies

News of the death of nightclub king Jamie Nasser has swept across Melbourne’s entertainment scene, with tributes flowing for the King of Clubs, who was always there to back live music and artists.

Nighclub king Jamie Nasser has died.

Melbourne’s “King of Clubs” Jamie Nasser has died.

From the iconic Chasers to Billboard and The Metro to Silvers on Toorak Rd, Club Odeon and Trak, Nasser wasn’t called the nightclub king for no reason.

It’s understood he died after complications post triple bypass surgery on Thursday night at 10pm, following a heart attack two weeks ago.

Byron Finnerty, Jamie Nasser and Scott Yeoman. Picture: Anthony Licuria

Nassar has left behind a heartbroken family, including his wife of 28-years Kerrie and their two children Chanelle, 31, and Blake, 24, who told the Saturday Herald Sun they “are a close family and are devastated by his passing”.

News of his death swept across the homegrown hospitality and entertainment scene on Friday, with many in the industry payingtribute to the King of Clubs who was always there to support live music and artists.

“Jamie wasn’t just a pioneer, he was a friend, a mentor and a beloved member of our community,” posted Melbourne nightclub matriarch Martha Tsamis.

“His influence extended far beyond the dance floors — he brought people together, created lifelong memories, and inspired countless others in the industry.”

Ann Peacock and Jamie Nasser announce their engagement.

Backed by his brother, self-made billionaire and former Ford CEO and philanthropist Jacques Nasser, the former Australian Club Entertainment chairman is credited for creating Melbourne’s nightclub scene during its heyday.

Married back in the day to Melbourne’s unofficial mayor, former Crown executive and Victoria Racing Club director Ann Peacock, before both amicably moved on, Nasser had the black book of Melbourne.

Jamie Nasser. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

His rollcall of former pumping nightclubs is testament to itself, reading like a “who’s who” extract of Australia’s entertainment industry.

In 1978 he opened Chasers on Chapel Street South Yarra — a venue inspired from a trip to the iconic Studio 54 in New York.On the opening night, Olivia Newton John was the special guest for the Australian premiere of her film Xanadu and the venue became an instant success.

Nasser with his partner, Kerrie, at the opening of his new cabaret venue at The Odeon in Toorak.

In 1980 he and business partners, late iconic music promoter Glenn Wheatley and artist manager Gary Spry opened the firstupmarket live music venue, Billboard, in the heart of Melbourne. Performances by international groups Hot Chocolate, The Drifters, Eric Burdon and the Animals and national favourites Renee Geyer, Marcia Hines and John Farnham ensured its success.

Jamie Nasser and Normie Rowe.

By 1983 the Chevron Hotel opened on St Kilda Road with Nasser leasing the venue from well-regarded hoteliers the Kornhauser family. The five-star venue was the talk of the town and boasted the latest dance music, a piano bar and restaurant in artdeco glamour. Rod Stewart, Julian Lennon and Fleetwood Mac pronounced it a favourite destination.

Nasser with with Nicky Whelan and Melbourne Storm footballer Scott Hill.

Suzie Wilks with Nasser at the opening of the Lion Hotel. Picture: Jim Lee

Brian Goldsmith with Nasser. Picture: Nicole Garmston

In 1985, together with business partners and entertainment legend Michael Gudinski, Gary Van Egmond, Frank Stivala, Wheatleyand Spry, Nasser opened The Palace, in St Kilda with international icon Prince and none other than John Farnham, headliningthe opening.

Described as always smiling, unassuming workaholic, his mates and business partners who commonly know him as “Jamie”, said they were saddened by the loss.

“He gave many of us our start,” said another former nightclub guru, Glen Coburn.

“He always had a smile on his face, and he was a wonderful generous man. Even when he was sick he was still helping others, and had plans to work with us on our Young Veterans events going toward soldiers who have died by suicide. He was one of the greats.”