Have you ever wondered how the guardian of a club sees and oversees a night in the club? We were curious to find out, so we sat down with Bootshaus’ famous doorman, Andrea, for some stories. Germany’s treasure club in Cologne, Bootshaus, has a history of over 22 years, hosting exclusive, top-notch parties, artists, and fans, setting cultural impulses and pushing creative boundaries. What started in a warehouse more than two decades ago now stands in the global top clubs. Insane lineups for EDM, techno, hardstyle, bass, dubstep, and more, with incredible production from sound-system to visual production, spinning ceiling turbines, flame throwers, CO2 cannons and much more, plus the heartbeat of the club – the crowd and its unique energy. So, no wonder that Andrea has unmatched stories to share in our exclusive interview with him.
- Hey, Andrea! It’s a pleasure to talk to you. I bet you have a lot of cool stories to share. First, tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Andrea Giarrizzo, I’m 50 years old. My main passions are my family, strength training, dogs, and fashion.
My philosophy in life is to do everything with calmness and patience. That doesn’t mean slow or inactive, but staying focused on what you’re doing, not letting yourself get distracted or stressed, and accepting situations in a relaxed way.
- Do you remember your first night in Bootshaus? What felt different from other clubs back then?
What immediately stood out to me was that most of the guests already knew each other. It felt like a small family. Many people came from far away, not just to party, but to meet friends who shared a similar lifestyle and who they might not see regularly otherwise.
- You’ve seen everything, and you’re basically the club’s subconscious. If Bootshaus were a person, how would you describe its personality?
Bootshaus has always stayed true to its original identity. At the same time, it continuously embraces new developments and tries to integrate them in order to stay at the highest possible level.
- And how would you describe a night in Bootshaus?
Loud, fun, and always a unique experience.
- Who was the most unexpected person who wanted to get in?
The fox that lives on the shipyard.
Apart from that, nothing really surprises me anymore. Our guests are incredibly diverse, from 18 to over 70 years old, students, celebrities, and even DJs who come here privately just to party.
- Probably, people think you “decide who gets in.” Do you see yourself more as a gatekeeper or a guardian?
Of course, I have the authority to decide who enters and who doesn’t, but that’s not really the point. At Bootshaus, everyone is welcome as long as they come to party and don’t behave in a way that could ruin the night for other guests.
- How is it to see people coming in the early evening and leaving late in the morning?
Sometimes funny.
- Do you ever know if it’s going to be an easy-going night or a challenging one?
Depending on the event, you have a good idea of what kind of crowd to expect. You prepare accordingly and sometimes need to be selective, so that every night remains relaxed and enjoyable for the guests.
- What’s the biggest difference between how people dress and party now versus 20 years ago?
Yes, a lot. In the past, certain parties attracted very specific crowds, and people would only attend those events. Today, everything is much more mixed. The main focus is having fun. Dress codes used to be an essential part of certain events; today, that matters far less.
- Now let’s get to some other stories… Top 3 craziest things you ever saw at the club – before or after the entrance.
Number one: A guest tried to enter the club via the roof, fell down, and luckily only walked away with a few scratches.
Number two: A guest who had been thrown out repeatedly tried to climb back in over the fence, got lightly injured, and still attempted to get in again.
Number three: Guests who get rejected or kicked out, then change their outfit or styling and try to re-enter the same night.
- Top 3 funniest stories, before or after the entrance.
Heavily intoxicated guests who we turn away and who keep coming back to the entrance, often not even remembering that they were already there a few minutes earlier.
- Last but not least, have you ever turned away someone who later became a big artist?
No.
Bootshaus stands in Germany’s tops and also the global tops of clubs and nightlife. You can show your love for it and vote here. The voting for Top Clubs 2026 is open until March 18.
A Techno Ballet Odyssey, Maddix presenting Extatic, Luke Madness All Night Long 360, Liquicity Take-over Party, and UNREAL weekends are some of the insane parties scheduled for the following months at Bootshaus, with more to come.
