Bringing back the magic with all-request hits, original music videos, and unforgettable dance floor energy since 1974. 👑 The Visionary Who Built a Nightlife Legacy – Mr. Russell Robbat 👑
For more than two decades, Russell “Rusty” Robbat did far more than operate a nightclub—he created a cultural institution. When The Palace Entertainment Complex opened in the early 1980s, it quickly became more t
han a place to dance. It became the heartbeat of New England nightlife. Russell’s brilliance came from one guiding principle: constant reinvention. Under his leadership, The Palace was never just one club. It was an ever-changing universe that evolved with the times and the excitement of nightlife. Inside one massive building were seven distinct nightclubs, each room unique with its own sound, style, and energy. Guests could move from The Beach Club to BBC 2000, and even experience a mechanical bull straight out of Urban Cowboy. With legendary rooms like Fenders, Crystals, Uptown, and Wings, along with signature concepts such as Men in Motion, Russell didn’t follow trends. But Russell always understood one essential truth:
🎯 A club is only as strong as its people. From bartenders and security to dancers, managers, and DJs, he built a team that felt like family. Many of us went on to shape nightlife far beyond The Palace but the foundation was built there. The energy, loyalty, and pride we shared were unmatched. Yes, there were challenges media attention, community pressure, and moments of controversy but Russell never wavered. His resilience, integrity, and deep commitment to Saugus created a legacy that continues to live on long after the doors closed in 2005. The end of the Palace building was not the end of the story it was the birth of a legend.
🪩 🎧 The DJ Legends Who Carried the Soundtrack 🎧
For years, the Palace sound was powered by an incredible lineup of DJs who defined an era: Captain Wendell Edmonds, Bobby Hase, Stuie Anderson, Eddie Barnett, Tony Minasteri, Eddie K, and resident DJ Chris Fiore. Countless other talented DJs also passed through our doors, each adding their own magic while spinning on the legendary Richard Long sound system—a sound that shook the walls, filled the dance floor, and became part of Palace history. Together, they didn’t just play music they created memories that still live on today. 🪩
🎧 Some DJs play music. My journey began in 1974 at The PJ Club in East Boston, and it led me to what would become the most defining chapter of my life The Palace Entertainment Complex. For 18 unforgettable years, performing four to five nights a week, I had the honor of being a resident DJ throughout nearly every room at The Palace. When a room needed new energy or direction, Russell trusted DJ Chris Fiore to step in and make it work. That opportunity allowed me to perform and help shape the vibe in Wings, Crystals, Uptown, Fenders, The Beach Club, and The Male Encounter, each with its own unique crowd and identity. Beyond The Palace, I performed at iconic venues throughout New England and beyond, including Celebrations, Narcissus, Fred P. Otts, Who’s on First, The Industry, Legends, Scandals, Night Shoes, and countless special guest appearances. I brought the same passion, connection, and high-energy sound to dance floors from Boston to Manchester, Peabody to Revere, and continued on to New York, California, Florida, and Europe.
🎶 The mentors who shaped me:
Wendell Edmonds, who taught me how to mix
Eddy Barnett, who taught me the heart of music
Vinnie Peruzzi, who opened doors that changed my life by introducing me to Chris Scott and the Palace family
🕺 The Palace Was More Than a Club It Was a Movement 🕺
From Freestyle Fridays to Rascals under-21 nights, from packed Tuesday Singles Parties in Wings to celebrity-filled dance floors, The Palace was a place where everyone belonged. So many famous movie stars, athletes, radio personalities, recording artists, bands, and groups came through our doors to dance, perform, and celebrate.
🏀 Larry Bird on the dance floor
🏒 Bobby Orr in the house
📻 Legendary radio voices like Dale Dorman
🎤 Iconic performers from The Platters to NSYNC, all entertaining Palace guests
🎬 Jay Leno often spotted at the bar
The Palace wasn’t just a nightclub it was where legends came to play. What began as small gatherings grew into weekly events drawing thousands, all dancing beneath the Palace’s iconic chandeliers. For my 40th birthday, Russell hired Tavares to perform live an unforgettable night and one of the greatest gifts of my life.
🔥 The Palace Party / Reunion Keeping the Spirit Alive 🔥
In 2010, alongside my brother-in-beats DJ Eddy Barnett, we brought the magic back with the creation of the one and only Official Palace Party / Reunion, first launched at The Silver Fox in Everett, MA. Since then, The Palace Party has continued to pack dance floors and hearts, celebrating disco, freestyle, and classic dance music exactly the way it was meant to be experienced. Our 2025 Palace Party at Magia drew an incredible 428 guests, reaching full capacity. The fire department required us to stop admissions, and over 100 additional guests were turned away. Cars lined up for more than a mile, all hoping to get in and relive the magic. The demand speaks for itself. The Palace spirit is alive and stronger than ever. Since 2010, others have tried to recreate what I built, often without the original Palace DJs or the true Palace sound, but there is only one authentic experience. If it doesn’t say DJ Chris Fiore, it is not the real Palace Party. There is only one original. Everything else is simply an imitation.
❤️ A Personal Tribute to Mr. Robbart ❤️
This was incredibly hard for me to write because of loss of your brothers, but because of the magnitude of what you gave me and so many others. Russell, you weren’t just the owner of the Palace Nightclub. You gave us a home, a stage, and a place to belong. Because of you, the Palace became family. Generations came together through music, laughter, and unforgettable nights. I was truly blessed to spend 18 years of my life there. Those years shaped who I am not just as a DJ, but as a person. You believed in me, stood by me, and trusted me with your vision, including allowing me to carry the Palace name and the club concepts you created. That meant everything to me. I will never forget the night you surprised me by hiring Tavares for my 40th birthday during my Tuesday Singles Party. “Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel” was always my favorite song, and that moment is one I will cherish forever. I also want to say how much I loved your wife Laura. Creating the video together for your 75th birthday is one of my favorite memories filled with love, respect, and everything the Palace stood for. Thank you for believing in me, for trusting me, and for giving me the gift of a lifetime. Every time a Palace song plays, every time old friends reunite, and every time music brings people together your legacy continues. With love and gratitude,
DJ Chris Fiore
Christopher DiFiore
🪩 About This Page 🪩
This page is dedicated to Russell Robbat, the creator of the Palace Entertainment Complex, and to everyone who made the Palace what it was the DJs, bartenders, security staff, dancers, managers, and every person who came to dance, celebrate, and feel at home. This is an open and welcoming space. Unlike other pages that claim the Palace name but exclude or block people they disagree with, this page is open to all. All we ask:
Respect one another even when you disagree
Keep the focus on Palace memories and music
No politics, no religion, no divisive issues
This page exists to celebrate what united us the dance floor, the music, and the unforgettable nights. Please share this page with everyone who worked at, danced at, or loved the Palace.
🕺💃 Once The Palace… Always The Palace. 💃🕺
