Organize, control, distribute and measure all of your digital content. Also next to her are fashion designer Halston, on her right, and on the left is one of the co-owners of Studio 54, Steve Rubell. You pair the guest list up with the rampant tales of complete debauchery that was going on inside the club how could people not be curious? You see, not only was this club open to those a little on the weird side and those who wanted nothing more than to express themselves freely, it was also frequented by many A-list celebrities. Gaines was threatened with $20 million in . Here is modelBrooke Shields sitting next to designer Calvin Klein. Source: Studio 54 never went to any great lengths to hide what happened within its walls. Studio 54, arguably the most famous club in the world, was located in New York City on, you guessed it, 54th street. It's a little strange to picture political figures, environmentalists, authors, and champions of art and education all showing up to a club with rampant drug use and a room upstairs that's completely rubber for "easy cleanup" purposes. Life is a cabaret, old chum. Yul Brynner starred in movies like The Ten Commandments and the (original) Magnificent Seven. Jones was one of the many glamorous celebrities who went club hopping in New York City on a regular basis and she could most often be seen at Studio 54. Here is a collection of photos from only a few of the many successful events thrown at the venue, providing a glimpse into the nocturnal thrill that was Studio 54. Marc Benecke can, he was the head honcho calling the shots in front of Studio 54 back in the 70s. This photo was taken back in 1977, during Bianca Jager's birthday party at Studio 54. Tom Snyder interviews Steve Rubell, co-owner of Studio 54, in front of the club's infamous "Man In the Moon With a Cocaine Spoon.". He went on to star on the sitcom Silver Spoons and has continued acting as an adult. Tabs gifs by your friend Martini Ambassador, Trump on trial. However, we have a variety of soft drinks and juices, and you are welcome to drink as much as [you] like at no charge. This sixties screen goddess got her start in the 1950s but it wasnt until her performance as Cesira in Vittorio De Sica's Two Women that Loren' talents were recognized. As you can see they are in clown-like attire. But that certainly was not the case. Absolutely everything was done in excess. Another of the most iconic Studio 54 photos of all time: at a party for then-husband Prince Egon von Frstenberg and his new book The Power Look, Diane stretches her long long legs up against a table against a banquette as hairstylist Ara Gallant (left) looks on. She declined his invitation to dance because of his ugly shoes. Gene Wilder carried out her personal wish to use information about her illness to help other cancer victims. The successful actress and producer is just one of many famous faces that could often be seen getting down on the infamous dance floor at Studio 54. Let's take a look back at some of Studio 54's most memorable moments. I pushed myself to the limit and started from there.. Here you had the Woodstock generation that was literally thrust into this memorizing new world of 70s disco. Pictured, is Dame Rollerena, a very famous (at the time) New York City Drag Queen, who was known for skating along the streets in the city. It's impressive that anyone even remembers these crazy parties and all the debaucherythat transpiredWhen asked what those chaotic nights at Studio 54, Hollywood talent manager Sandy Gallin said, In my mind, I remember it as a 10-to-15-year period. The club was the location for Biancas 30th Birthday party and it ended up being one of the most notorious events held there! Enjoy or the opposite of that! You pair the guest list up with the rampant tales of complete debauchery that was going on inside the club how could people not be curious? So unlike most of the celebrity regulars, she didn't have to fly in for a night out. At the end of the night she rode out on stage atop a white horse. Everything just came together as a reflection of the times on those mirrored strobe-lit dance floors, in a way that it never will again. Their marriagecertainly did not end on a high note, as Williams found himself caught between his wife of nine years and the nanny she hired to help take care of their son. Getty Images. Like most clubs, Studio 54 alternated between DJs and live performances with DJs being the more frequent of the two. With Justice Ginsburg presiding. that and the tales of the complete debauchery that was going on inside the club on a regular basis. Mercury is credited with writing numerous hits for Queen, including "Bohemian Rhapsody", "Killer Queen", "Somebody to Love", "Don't Stop Me Now", "Crazy Little Thing Called Love", and "We Are the Champions". I apparently never got the memo that the Me generation had ended.". Here's a shot of Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones at his wife Bianca's birthday party, May 1977. The more scandalous or out there the people dressed, the more likely they would be chosen to enter its doors. Everyone flocked to Studio 54 when they were in town, actors, writers, musicians from all different genres were able to kick back and have some fun within the walls of this iconic club. Celebrities like Dan Akroyd, Michael Jackson, Woody Allen, Rod Stewart, Olivia Newton-John, and Andy Warhol among countless others, all helped build the club's glamorous reputation. According to Bianca she knew the marriage was over about a year into it, though they stayed together for the sake of their daughter, Jade. Hemingway began acting at age 14 with her breakout role in Lipstick (1976). Send us a tip using our anonymous form. The head of the State Liquor Authority closed them down for a night but Studio 54 opened up shop the next night anyway because the party must go on. Sure, disco reigned supreme at Studio 54, artists like Donna Summer, Grace Jones, and Gloria Gaynor were asked to come in for live performances. The first wasin April of 1977after the building that once housed a prestigious theaterwas converted into a dance hall; the newclubsuddenlybrokeonto the NYC nightclub scene with noidea of what the future might hold. It's because of this, that Studio 54 was always packed to capacity. The Rockettes wheeled out an enormous birthday cake that was actually baked in the shape of Elizabeth. Bill Bernstein's photographs of 70s clubland, many of which have never been seen before, illustrate disco's glamour and decadence. Two things can be true at once: Police should not arrest reporters doing their jobs, even if they work for the Daily Caller; and how's it feel to be the Enemy of the People, dicks? Her professional stage debut was in the 1963 Off-Broadway revival of Best Foot Forward. The whole place was combustible with energy." Source: Grace Jones seen at Steve Rubells Studio 54 party in January 1978. NPR, Radley Balko knows a couple things about no-knock police warrants. The Birth of Studio 54. He is flocked (as usual) by beautiful models and adoring fans, set on enjoying the atmosphere provided by the infamous Studio 54. Strange color combinations, costumes, face paint, elaborate headpieces it was hard for any one person to secure the spotlight inside Studio 54 for very long. Unclear as to why everyone was sitting on the floor, though. Even at 52-yearsold she happily slipped back into her Calvins for yet another sexy ad campaign. Six of the Temptations (Edwards, Franklin, Kendricks, Ruffin, Otis Williams and Paul Williams) were all inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989. This is probably one of the most iconic Studio 54 images in all of existence. Jones was, according to a 1978 issue of JET , an usher at the wedding of his cousin, Suzanne de Passe, who made Ross her maid of honor. Source: Andy Warhol and his entourage were among the regulars at Studio 54. The storied nightclub wasn't fated to have many more after 33-months it was shut down and its owners incarcerated for tax evasion. Even retired athletes came to Studio 54. until Jagger destroyed their domestic bliss by having an affair with modelJerry Hall. From the moment it opened its doors in 1977, the era-defining club was, says writer Bob Colacello in Rizzoli's Studio 54, "a sociological phenomenon and a historical event." Pictured here is the Jamaican model, actress, singer, and Bond Girl, Grace Jones. Diana Ross personally serenaded Rubell and Schrager goodbye. For those who don't know, Lucie's parents are Desi Arnaz and the charming female comedic genius herself, the one and only, Lucille Ball. Here he is with themegastar, singer Rod Stewart and they both seem to be having a grand ol time at Studio 54. He had just become comedys darling and he stayed that way. It first opened its doors on April 16th, 1977 and stayed open for a short but eventful 33 months. Diana Ross, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Cher, Truman Capote, and Andy Warhol were all among its regulars, but Studio 54 was more than a celebrity hotspot and beacon of New York nightlife. The hilarious star and wife ofactor Gene Wilder died too young, fromovarian cancer in 1989. Among the regulars at Studio 54 were Drag Queens of all shapes and sizes. The first season was titled The People v. O. J. Simpson and Travolta portrayed one of O.Js lawyers, Robert Shapiro. Studio 54 was almost more Hollywood than Hollywood! Getting in was on many people's bucket list. Now we all know they brought in around $7 million that first year Needless to say, the club was raided. Rock star Mick Jagger and his future wife, model Jerri Hall, arrive at Studio 54 to attend an 'Oscar' party at the disco club. It was a place where anyone could let loose and forget the expectations of the world outside. People came out in so many different kinds of get-ups that it was soon difficult to differentiate between what was real and what was fake. Source: On the night of Bianca Jaggers 30th birthday, the club threw her a soiree complete with costumed staff and professional dancers. Strange color combinations, face paint, elaborate headpieces it must have been like Disneyland to Elton John. From right to left are Betty Ford, Elizabeth Taylor, and his longtime friend Liza Minnelli. Fun fact: He is the father of actress Jamie Lee Curtis. Explore. Pictured here is co-owner of Studio 54, Steve Rubell enjoying yet another night surrounded by celebrities. Described by some as Sodom and Gomorrah with a disco beat, New York Citys delightfully depraved nightclub opened its doors in 1977. Very, very, very bisexual.". Their photos transport us right back to the debaucherous den that all but defined 1970s New Yorks nightlife: And if you liked this post, be sure to check out these popular posts: Finally, step inside some of the most fascinating hippie communes of the 1970s. However, unlike most clubs, the real source of entertainment at Studio 54 was the crowd! Literally no one. Sitemap, Your California Privacy Rights We think of him as a gentleman of the paparazzi [of that era], she says. Minnelli is the daughter of actress Judy Garland and the film director, Vincente Minnelli. Studio 54 so fully embodied its time that it couldnt have lasted beyond the early 80s even if it hadnt been shut down. As one can easily imagine, Halloween at Studio 54 was insane of course. As can be seen, his guests for this particular night included the billionaire record producer and co-creator of Asylum Records and Geffen Records, David Geffen, alongside the Goddess of Pop herself, Cher back in 1980. And I said, 'Just keep moving.'". Source: If you were not already famous you had to stick out from the crowd to get into Studio 54. Studio 54, arguably the most famous club in the world, was located in New York City on, you guessed it, 54th street. She moved to New York City in 1961 and began working in musical theatre. One of co-owner Steve Rubell's strategy to keep his famous clientele coming back was to lavish them with attention and extravagant gifts. Steve Rubell, co-owner of Studio 54, and fashion designer Halston in the club's DJ booth, 1978. 83,473, This story has been shared 34,578 times. When asked why he applied for a pardon, even though he has served his time and business is going great, he said,I wanted it for closure. The club offered a safe haven of sleepless excitement and unconditional acceptance to those who were a little on the strange side. Two young starlets, sitting pretty, all dressed in flowers. Privacy Notice Pictured here is the Terminator himself, back in his body builder days, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Sarah Palin is threatening to run against Lisa Murkowski, I think? The original incarnation of Studio 54 closed with a final party on Feb. 4, 1980, when Diana Ross personally serenaded Rubell and Schrager. Naturally, as wordgot around that A-listers were inside so everyone else wanted in too. Jun 6, 2015 - Iconic Photos From Some of Studio 54's Wildest Nights - Studio 54 Photographs. It seemed the population was torn, they either absolutely loved the club or hated it with the fire of a thousand suns. This photo was captured in 1977, inside the notorious Studio 54. Who knew Elton John spent portions of the '70s not in feathers? (Photo by Bettmann / Contributor/Getty Images) So many celebrities flocked there and not just once in awhile, stars would fly from Los Angeles to New York on a regular basis just to visit the storied club. In 1977 Steve Rubell and Ian Shrager bought a disused theatre on 254 W. 54th St, New York, and turned it into the world's most famous nightclub, Studio 54. People wanted to let loose and express themselves in ways other nightclubs didn't allow. When Bianca finally did divorce Jagger in 1979, he had already moved on with supermodel Jerry Hall whom Jagger had stolen away from fellow pop idol Bryan Ferry. Club co-owner Steve Rubell often brought his favorite clients there to select the songs they wanted to hear. Warhol famously quipped that the key to the club's success was its formula: "a dictatorship at the door and a democracy on the dance floor.". I have. Studio 54 was a club located on, you guessed it, 54th street in New York City. Then . In just under three years, Studio 54 garnered the attention of a variety of celebrities from Michael Jacksonto Truman Capote- as well as some unwanted attention from the FBI. There were many s. Margaret Trudeau, Jacky Kennedy-Onassis, and picture hereRobert Kennedy, Jr. to name a few. Back in 2016 he became knighted, so we should now respectfully call him Sir Rod Stewart! She ended up becoming the editor-in-chief of the latter. Even the late Robin Williams came to Studio 54. Michael Jackson was a frequenter of this hotspot, its said he would often retreat to the DJ booth so he could dance alone. The party was continuously changing. Here, gazing adoringly at her husband here is Sasha Stallone. Pictured is Andy Warhol, Brooke Shields and some other VIP guests getting a tour of the iconic club. Pictured is none other than Liza Minnelli, one of the clubs most frequent celebs. 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