The cornerstone of the Los Angeles rock scene and the first live music venue inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Founded by Elmer Valentine, Mario Maglieri, and Phil Tanzini on January 16, 1964, the club was modeled after the Parisian discotheque of the same name. Upon opening with Johnny Rivers as headliner, the club introduced a female DJ who played records from a suspended glass cage and began dancing—birthing the "go-go dancer" phenomenon that became a staple of 60s nightlife globally.
In 1966, The Doors served as the house band, performing two sets a night. Their residency ended infamously on August 21, 1966, when Jim Morrison, under the influence of LSD, improvised the Oedipal section of "The End" and was fired immediately. In the late 70s, it hosted the L.A. punk scene (The Germs, X). In the 1980s, it became the launchpad for glam metal—Mötley Crüe and Guns N' Roses during their formative years. The venue proved remarkably adaptable, pivoting to Seattle grunge in the 1990s.
Historic live music venue that has hosted virtually every major rock movement from the 1960s through today. Known for launching careers of legendary artists across multiple genres.
London, United Kingdom
Nashville, United States
Los Angeles, United States
Austin, United States
Austin, United States
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