A dark Western ballad tells the story of Dave Rudabaugh, from his controversial days wearing a marshal’s badge in New Town to the San Miguel jail incident, his association with Billy the Kid, his escape, and his violent end in Parral.
Dirty Dave — The Devil of Las Vegas
The name Dave Rudabaugh is remembered in this Western ballad as “Dirty Dave,” a figure whose story became intertwined with the turbulent history of Las Vegas, New Mexico.
The song opens east of the tracks in New Town, where Rudabaugh arrives with a reputation already following him. He takes the Dodge City Gang and turns the marshal’s badge into his shield, creating a picture of law and outlaw life becoming difficult to separate.
The story then moves across the river to Old Town and the San Miguel jail, where Webb is being held.
Rudabaugh rides to the jail in an attempt to free his associate. Deputy Jailer Antonio Valdez attempts to stop the confrontation. Gunfire follows, and Valdez is killed. The song specifically states that Allen fired the fatal shot, while Dave nevertheless took the blame for the murder.
The attempted jail break fails, and Rudabaugh flees.
The story later brings Rudabaugh together with Billy the Kid at Stinking Springs. After surrendering in the snow, Rudabaugh is back in confinement with Webb. The two eventually escape through a hole chiseled through the jail wall.
The final verse takes the story far from Las Vegas, to Parral, where Rudabaugh meets his violent end.
The result is a dark Western ballad portraying Dave Rudabaugh as a figure moving through the dangerous space between frontier law, outlaw life, violence, and escape.
Watch the video and experience the story through the atmosphere of a classic Spaghetti Western.
For more stories, history, music, and local content from Las Vegas, New Mexico, visit The Original Las Vegas and explore the local directory and community resources.
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