A powerful bomb attack occurred Monday evening in the Ilissia area of Athens, causing panic among residents. An unknown perpetrator caused an explosion outside the historic Jacky.O nightclub on Michalakopoulos Avenue, the nighttime venue that left an indelible mark on nightlife and movies of the 1980s.
According to initial reports, the explosive device detonated in the exterior area of the establishment, causing extensive material damage to nearby vehicles and residences. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Police sources report that an unknown individual allegedly passed by the location and threw a hand grenade toward the nightclub premises. Police forces immediately rushed to the scene, while bomb disposal experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit cordoned off the area and conducted searches for any additional explosives.
Why the explosion at Jacky.O nightclub may be linked to the “Greek Mafia”
According to information from parapolitika.gr, officers from the Extortion Squad believe that the so-called “Greek Mafia” may be behind the bomb attack, as part of a score-settling operation. Police have collected remnants of the explosive device, while simultaneously examining footage from security cameras in the area, as many offices and shops in the vicinity have recording systems. The search for the perpetrators is in full progress.
This was a brazen and audacious bomb attack, as the fact that no pedestrians were present at the scene at that moment was either a matter of luck or the bomb was detonated by remote control. However, no one can say anything definitive yet. The legendary disco had remained closed for years. A few months ago, it reopened and had begun to become a hangout for both old and new patrons. Its successful trajectory may have put it in the crosshairs of the “Greek Mafia.” At the time of the attack, the establishment was closed and according to initial reports, has sustained considerable material damage. Police still don’t know the bombers’ route and are seeking eyewitnesses who can help map their movements.
It’s worth noting that vehicle traffic on Michalakopoulos Avenue was heavy due to a demonstration that had been ongoing until recently near the Israeli embassy, and fortunately, the blast wave didn’t reach the street where, if such a thing had happened, there would certainly have been many casualties.
A witness from Ilissia provides a shocking description of the moment the explosion occurred at the famous Jacky.O nightclub, describing the terror experienced by area residents when they heard the deafening noise.
“We heard a deafening noise, an incredible deafening noise. At first I thought ‘thunder? It’s not thunder.’ And then we went outside and saw the fire trucks,” said the woman who emphasized that the explosion occurred around 10 PM. “I was very frightened, no question about it. This must have happened around ten, ten-something or ten to something,” she stated.
The legendary Jacky.O nightclub that defined an era
The Jacky.O nightclub represents one of the most iconic entertainment venues in the capital. During the 1980s and early ’90s, the nighttime center on Michalakopoulos Avenue became a magnet for youth, offering a unique experience filled with lights, music and atmosphere. The characteristic decor with disco balls, neon lights and the era’s aesthetic created an authentic temple of entertainment. There, hundreds of young people danced until the early morning hours, living the most intense side of ’80s nightlife. The fame of Jacky.O nightclub transcended entertainment boundaries, as it evolved into a cult film location. Many of the most popular movies of the ’80s chose the venue as a backdrop for iconic scenes.
The productions that immortalized the nighttime center’s atmosphere include “Kamikazi, My Love,” “The Jackals,” “Wheel, Bag and Truancy,” “Basically, Good Evening,” “The Turn,” “Speak Golden-Mouthed” and dozens of other comedies from the golden age of Greek cinema.
Major names in Greek entertainment passed through the Jacky.O nightclub’s dancefloor, creating unforgettable moments. Stathis Psaltis, Stamatis Gardelis, Kaiti Finou and Rena Pagkrati are some of the faces connected with the venue through ’80s movies. These cinematic appearances transformed Jacky.O nightclub into a symbol of an entire era, filled with humor, emotion and authentic energy that characterized the decade.
After years of absence, Jacky.O nightclub returned to Athens nightlife, maintaining its classic aesthetic. The nighttime center offers visitors a nostalgic experience, combining tradition with contemporary elements. Today’s attack brings this historic venue back into the spotlight, reminding us of its significance in the capital’s cultural heritage and the need to protect iconic locations that marked recent Greek history.
