It was only a matter of time before Brian Emmett opened his own bar considering he started "clubbing" at the tender age of eight. Well, okay, not nightclubbing exactly, but he was a regular at local roller rinks, which he describes as "night clubs for kids."

"Professor Wheelie from Skate University was my babysitter," says Emmett. "My parents would drop me off and I would hang out there for hours."

At age 12, Emmett got a job cleaning Craig's, a bar on Hwy 100, and by age 15, was DJ-ing at Skate University. He went on to book and promote bands at a slew of Milwaukee venues, most recently Reed Street Station, and is also the head DJ at Bar Milwaukee.

Now, it's Emmett's turn to run his own venue. He and partner Ian Pesch kick-start their new club, The Rock Shop (6330 W. Greenfield Ave.), with a grand opening party on Fri., Aug. 1 and Sat., Aug. 2.

"I always wanted to own my own place," says Emmett. "And here I am."

Emmett and Pesch, former owner of the Globe East, wanted to open a bar that offered quality live music at least five nights a week. Rock Shop will primarily host Milwaukee bands but will fill gaps with regional and national acts.

Emmett, a heavy metal fan at heart who once fronted the hard rock band Charlie Porn, says the music at his new club will be primarily rock, but diverse rock, meaning anything from indie to emo to heavy metal to roots rock.

The Buzzhorn, Head On and Sketchy will play at the grand opening on Fri., Aug. 1 and White Knuckle Trip, Wings of Scarlet and One Body Too Many play Sat., Aug. 2 Other popular Milwaukee bands, like The Lovelies and The Probers, are scheduled for later in the month.

The space, formerly Metropolis teen club and the Globe West, needed little work, except a new look. Emmett says the interior has a "workshop" feel with exposed metal décor.

The Rock Shop will feature free pool on Mondays and an open jam on Tuesdays. Wednesdays bring the Kamikazee Showcase with four to six bands and free beer from 9 to 11 p.m. "3-2-1" Thursdays will offer three bands and 2-for-1 drink specials, and Fridays will feature four bands, aptly called "4-Band Friday."

Eventually they will fire up a grill and offer a variety of bar foods, but for now are sticking to snacks.

"Milwaukee is lacking a good live rock and roll club and we plan to take things to the next level," says Emmett. "We want to open a place that's way too fun for anyone's good."

For more information, call (414) 771-SHOP