Steven Rogers
Audio By Carbonatix
Scottsdale nightclub The Works was ahead of its time. The infamous dance club that operated in the mid-1990s was a trendsetting and groundbreaking establishment that was a hangout for local club kids and electronic dance music fans, a destination for LGBTQ+ partygoers and a safe space for weirdos and outcasts. They all came to dance, party and go wild.
The brainchild of local nightlife impresario Steve Rogers and onetime business partner Greg Walker, The Works debuted in 1992 and quickly tapped into the Valley’s rave, nightlife and countercultural scenes. It hosted all drag shows, costume parties and after-hours marathon dance sessions.
Big-name EDM talents of the era performed at the club when they passed through the Valley, including Moby, The Prodigy, John Acquaviva and Richie Hawtin. Meanwhile, The Works was helping launch the careers for two of its residents, future DJ superstars Eddie Amador and Markus Schulz.
Here’s a look back at some of the wild nights, colorful patrons and memorable times at The Works.
The Works catered to club kids, ravers and the LGBTQ+ partygoers.
Steve Weiss
The scene inside The Works on an average weekend.
Steven Rogers
An exterior shot of The Works, which was located off Scottsdale and Osborn roads.
Steven Rogers
Club kids gathered outside of The Works.
Steven Rogers
The Works boasted an illicit vibe and industrial decor.
Steven Rogers
A promotional image for The Works, which featured an industrial theme.
Steven Rogers
The sign for The Works’ Smart Bar.
Steven Rogers
Employees and patrons of The Works with the club’s iconic sign.
Steven Rogers
One of the many costumed characters who lurked inside The Works.
Steven Rogers
Steven Rogers (left), co-owner of The Works, with LGBTQ icon and adult-film director Chi Chi LaRue (right).
Steve Weiss
David Van Virden as a ghoulish bride during a party at The Works in the ’90s.
Steve Weiss
The Works was very much a “come as you are” kind of place.
Steven Rogers
Global EDM superstar Markus Schulz helped develop his skills while DJing at The Works.
Steven Rogers
A fashion show at now-defunct Scottsdale club The Works in the ’90s, which catered to the LGBTQ community.
Steven Rogers
An outdoor pool at The Works, which was a first for a Scottsdale nightclub.
Steven Rogers
A side bar at The Works.
Steve Weiss
One of the many costume parties at The Works.
Steve Weiss
A member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence at The Works.
Steven Rogers
Kicking back inside a side room at The Works.
Steve Weiss
Inside The Works during one of its Halloween parties.
Steve Weiss
Patrons of The Works found any excuse to wear costumes to the club.
Steven Rogers
The Works was a groundbreaking nightspot in the Valley.
Steve Weiss
Serving drinks at The Works’ side bar.
Steven Rogers
The main bar at The Works.
Steven Rogers
