One drag queen in the doc explains: For the most part there was a strict dress code applied to the revelers at the club. Picture this: Elton John partying the night away with drag queen Divine on the instantly recognisable parquet dancefloor. Disco was all the rage back in the 1970s and Studio 54 was the place to be if you were in New York. But in the '70s it was just another night at Studio 54. For major actresses like these, visiting Studio 54 was a must while in New York City. A couple relaxes next to a comatose man, 1978. Not only was he keen on wearing loose fitting Hawaiian shirts, but his down coat was packed to the gills with money and drugs. Studio 54 produced many star-studded photo opportunities. Cold hard cash, baby, even professional provocateur Andy Warhol. Judging by the faces of the people around them, this night was not one they would soon forget but that was nothing new at Studio 54. In this picture, well-known English actor Michael Caine is laughing and dancing with his wife Shakira, while partygoers frolic on behind them. People partook in various questionable substances, and in this photo, theyre inhaling laughing gas in the middle of the dance floor. Getty Images. She sued Warhol's estate because she said that she was made to look "dumb." Regardless of how hot and sweaty it got in the club he wore the coat around in case he needed to hand out a party favor.. According to Dustin Pittman, a photographer who was there, the sickening smell of the flowers couldnt cover the scent of all the nefarious activity that happened there throughout the years: With Studio 54 being the hottest ticket in town for 33 months there was an overwhelming amount of people who wanted to get in. Ian Schrager is still proud about what he and co-owner Rubell did: What does everyone want for their birthday? CREATIVE. Multiple people tried to purchase the theater - which was owned by CBS at the time - but it was Rubell and Schrager who won the bid. Vote up the Studio 54 snapshots that make you want to queue up and bribe a doorman. Trudeau frequented the nightclub more than once and earned herself a bit of a reputation among partiers. Here she is pictured in front of her cake and alongside famous designer Halston. According to bartender Scott Taylor, there were only a few bartenders doing the work of an army. This photo shows a man dressed in drag with fake (and appropriately sequined) breasts on his chest. While it lasted, many photographers flocked to the bacchanal to capture the celebrities and other lucky denizens as they danced and snorted and frolicked under that iconic Man in the Moon with the coke spoon sculpture. Performers drop down from the ceiling, held by nothing but a cord connected to their legs. Not only did she love a good time, but she also knew how to master the dance floor. Select from premium Studio 54 Party of the highest quality. Here's why it became so famous. Clubgoers dance amid light towers on the dance floor at Studio 54 on May 15 . When Williams visited Studio 54, he joined a fleet of other actors such as John Travolta, Richard Gere, Al Pacino and John Belushi, who all set foot in the iconic destination to see what it was about. She explained that they were shoving their party in everyones face because America needed to have their own excesses reflected back at them. Park Avenue hostess Nan Kempner said that Capote punched her in the face one night, nearly starting a brawl. The two are almost unrecognizable, however, thanks to the cream thats been smeared all over their faces and clothes. While these two women may not have been the craziest partiers, they certainly appreciated a good night out. Originally opened as an opera house in 1927, Studio 54 became a popular nightclub in 1977. Even if someone made it into the club that doesnt mean they were allowed to go to the basement because thats were celebrities and the super wealthy went to have sex. Before the co-owners went to jail they threw a party to end all parties called The End of Modern-Day Gomorrah. They only invited a small crowd of about 2,000 revelers many of them A-list celebrities. It wasnt just actors and singers who showed up to party at Studio 54 sometimes it was political figures. Andy Warhol, mingling backstage with friends Bianca Jagger and fashion designer Halston. For more New York drama, be sure to check out what the city looked like in the 1970s. Her hair is blonder and bigger than ever. As a mood-boosting tonic, and at a time when our festive calendars have been curtailed by social-distancing measures, Vogue delves into Studio 54s world of excess and extravagance. A pair of clubgoers dressed in . Debbie Harry sticks out her tongue, while Steve Rubell is sprawled out on top of her and friends. Here he is enjoying an anniversary party for Andy Warhols magazine, Interview. Suddenly the IRS were interested in going clubbing. At this time, Fawcett had recently hit it big with her role in Charlies Angels, while MacLaine had just starred in The Turning Point. Sometimes the venue hired dancers or had fashion models walking the crowds. The nightclub was typically packed full of people. She explained: There was always something crazy happening at Studio 54, whether it was snowing, or there was a bridge for dancers to use so they could groove in the air, it was. As long as you acted like you were supposed to be there youd probably get back in the next night to party with even more celebrities. Toosii Brings Roses and Your 'Favorite Song' to Tonight Show, Justin Bieber Shares Heartfelt Message to Frank Ocean After Coachella Set. One of the many famous faces to grace the dance floor of Studio 54 was that of legendary singer Diana Ross. They told Vanity Fair. Date: 11/03/1979. Pictured here are some of the A-list celebs who frequented the infamous, one-of-a-kind club known as Studio 54. Even if you werent having sex with someone every night, you felt like you could, says former editor of Interview, Bob Colacello. Elizabeth Taylor shimmering in a glamorous iridescent bodysuit while chatting to legendary fashion designer Halston. Left: A man dressed in nothing but a clear plastic sheet dances with a topless woman at a Studio 54 Halloween party in 1978. A pair of topless women parade across the dance floor during Folies Bergre night, circa 1977. However, its likely that the club wouldnt have made the front page of the post if it werent for Cher. Usually these special nights happened when someone wanted something specific for their birthday. Rather than just put her on the payroll, Horowitz worked on a sliding scale that rated celebrities. Studio 54 furthers the nostalgia that people still have about '70s New York, as pointed out by Goldberger, a period of time that has been revisited recently, from Patti Smith's book Just Kids to . All of that pent up stress can make someone blow a valve, Studio 54 served as a way for people to escape; it was the perfect place for someone to cut loose as long as they could get through the door. Right: A costumed partygoer hits the dance floor in 1981. When youre a wealthy celebrity, youre going to want to have the best of the best. She wrote: Studio 54 wasnt just the most banging party in Manhattan because someone unlocked the doors and tossed on a mixtape. Michael Jackson and Steven Tyler at a Beatlemania party. Author and party attendee Anthony Haden-Guest told Rolling Stone that there were only about 150 people at the party initially, but it grew into a wild event. Both Rubell and Schrager were arrested and charged with taking millions of dollars off the top of the clubs gross. Groove on! Apparently Studio 54 had a way of changing people. These two people, covered in silver, dance for onlookers inside Studio 54. The duo partied often at Studio 54, but Bianca had no idea that Warhol was taking notes the entire time they were hanging out. (AP Photo/Quinto) Date: 02/04/1979. The club also had doves and a snake present for visitors on different nights. This was an era when the ID was in control. As Netflix's Halston reminds us, Studio 54 was a fever dream of excess. As the main party starter at Studio 54 it was up to Steve Rubell to keep everyone happy. 30. A club-goer exposes a bare chest, garters (with keys attached to them), and a mask as a woman pops her gum and a man seduces the camera in his costume. Who knows if that's really what Warhol meant to do? One agent told CBS that the book had a skim column so that you had a daily record of everything that they took in and what they took out as skim and didn't report. Co-owner Schrager explained his dalliance as a part of the ridiculous intoxication, I suppose, we were suffering from, like, what were we thinking?". He captured that era in my lifetime, and I hope someone is having that type of fun again. All That's Interesting is a Brooklyn-based digital publisher that seeks out stories that illuminate the past, present, and future. Imagine walking into a nightclub and seeing this group of people having drinks you might not believe what youre seeing! Mattresses in the basement were frequently the site of trysts, while the infamous balcony was designed complete with easy-to-clean surfaces as a place for couples to get it on. A playful, intimate moment between a pair of partygoers, circa 1978. Inside Studio 54, you could smoke just about whatever you wanted and sit however you liked. Even if Bowie was in the normal person phase of his career, he was always looking for new sounds. Not that theres anything wrong with that. Studio 54 was the place to be in its heyday. What was interesting is that women felt secure enough to dance nude in the place. According to one of the doormen in a documentary about the club, they made sure that the club at least have 20% gay men, 10% lesbians and trans people, and the rest of the crowd could be whoever. After Lowen uploaded digital versions of the photographs to a secure vault, POBA staff helped crop and curate the material, highlighting the value of his artistic eye. Lifelong memories were made within its walls every night. Franco Rossellini and Steve Rubell (producer and owner, respectively) are pictured here in front of what appears to be a giant birthday cake. Once inside people were allowed to be whoever they wanted to be, cutting loose and grooving with everyone, it was the place to go when someone needed to escape. Debbie Harry, dressed in a black turtleneck and black glasses, sticking her tongue out for a photo; a tuxedo-clad Sterling Saint Jacques swinging around Shirley Bassey. Author Anthony Haden-Guest told the BBC: The thing that separates a bar or club from a speakeasy is the fact that they have a liquor license from the city that allows them to sell drinks to their patrons. In the liner notes of Sound and Vision Bowie explained why he was drawn to the club and dance music: There was a theatrical quality to Studio 54 that club goers had never seen before. Aside from the dancing and debauchery, one thing that everyone remembers about Studio 54 is the clubs interior design. We think of him as a gentleman of the paparazzi [of that era], she says. From all the stories about the club it sounds like everything was dusted in a fresh layer of cocaine. The black-and-white photographs included scenes from iconic clubs like Studio 54 and Xenon; shots of Carrie Fisher, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Mary Tyler Moore and Robert Redford; as well quirky New York City street life tableaus in the 1970s and Eighties. Gene was able to capture how celebrity rubbed up with regular folks in the most unpretentious and remarkable way that was the wonder of Studio 54, she explains. According to a 2018 documentary about Studio 54 Rubell and Scrager skipped out on getting their liquor license by applying for multiple one day licenses that were used by catering companies. Elizabeth Taylor shimmering in a glamorous iridescent bodysuit while chatting to legendary fashion designer Halston. Footage shows co-founder Steve Rubell cherrypicking on the door, reprimanding one hopeful with the immortal line: Dont ever come here with a hat. Doorman Mark Benecke was charged with deciding on the chosen ones. Throughout its three-year lifespan under Rubell and Schrager, Studio 54 served as a lab to experiment with everything from illicit drugs to gender. Both famous celebrities and regular bystanders alike managed to have a rockin good time at Studio 54. Actor and author Chris Lawford shares a dance with Mick Jagger's wife, Bianca. The pop artist, model, Blondie lead singer, writer, and fashion designer all bonding at Studio 54. Mick Jagger at the club for Bianca Jagger's birthday party. Once you see the pictures of the famous faces and outrageous antics that took place inside, it wont be too surprising that Studio 54 was able to reach such high success. Warhols friend Bob Colacello wrote in his memoir: To create a club that lives up to the theatrical standards of the Rocketman himself, Rubell and Schrager did everything they could to turn the former theater into an experience. Rolling Stone is a part of Penske Media Corporation. What made Studio 54 different, however, was that drugs were practically encouraged inside. Left: A performer on stilts manages to bust a move in 1981. This way they avoided the extreme fees that came with a liquor license while still being kind of legal. May 14, 2021. Throughout its three-year lifespan under Rubell and Schrager, Studio 54 served as a lab to experiment with everything from illicit drugs to gender. A photograph of Yoko Ono and John Lennon by Gene Spatz (year unknown). Send us a tip using our anonymous form. It first opened its doors on April 16th, 1977 and stayed open for a short but eventful 33 months. She said that she spent a large part of her day arguing over the cost of certain A-listers. In 1978, Studio 54 was lucky enough to host her 46th birthday party. It was a mix of gay, straight, rich and poor . It was, after all, her fun yet insightful personality that won over the hearts of her many fans. Its immersive atmosphere and coveted location on West 54th street in Manhattan made the spot an instant hit. Bokfrlaget Max Strm/Hasse Persson Studio 54. One of the men on the scene was Gene Spatz, a pioneering paparazzo and street photographer who most people have never heard about. Grace Jones wrote about it in her book, saying: Rick James of Super Freak fame was a legendary party monster throughout the 70s and 80. A woman in a bustier and garters finds her partner the "punk" behind her, at Studio 54's 1977 Halloween party. If you wanted to dress in next to nothing and wear lots of makeup, you were encouraged. While speaking with Harper's Bazaar, Hall admitted that she was incredibly overwhelmed with the level of celebrity in the dance club: Things came to a halt for the original incarnation of Studio 54 on December 14, 1978, when the IRS sent dozens of agents to the club. For 33 short months the club was the height of cool in Manhattan, with club goers who managed to get past the velvet rope falling into a deluge of drugs and debauchery. For 33 short months the club was the height of cool in Manhattan, with club goers who managed to get past the velvet rope falling into a deluge of drugs and debauchery.Even after the original owners went to prison for skimming millions of dollars, the club . Doorman Marc Benecke told the BBC: According to people who were there, one of the biggest misnomers about the scene inside Studio 54 is that everyone was on drugs all the time. Right: A woman gets low on the dance floor in 1977. Thats right the King of Pop did indeed attend a gathering or two at Studio 54. New York Daily News Archive / Getty Images. But, thanks to photographers who were in the right place at the right time, we can get glimpses of what a crazy night out at Studio 54 was truly like. Nothing would compare to the nightclubs glory years in the 1970s and 80s. Not only was this accepted, but one of the biggest suppliers was the co-owner Steve Rubell. She was such an important part of the club for its first year that they tried to make a part of their one year anniversary celebration. Studio 54 is remembered as the first non-judgmental, queer-friendly mainstream nightclub, which was not unlike an adult amusement park. Fans would say she had eyes the color of lavender, and her performances in films like Cleopatra and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof will forever go down in cinema history. According to Rolling Stone there were horses and donkeys and mules running through the club. Attendee Kevin Haley told Vanity Fair: Supposedly Parton wasnt as into it as the owners thought she should be and she just sat quietly for most of the night. When a nightclub is as hot as Studio 54 the place is going to be crawling with celebrities. Studio 54 photographer Hasse Persson said of this photo: "This may sound unusual today, but if you wanted to make love with somebody, people were making love on the balconies, and they were making love in the bathrooms. The whole thing cost them $400,000 - thats $1,690,376.24 in 2019. Gene captured that part of history and the exuberance in a unique way. Life of a party (from left): Halston, Bianca Jagger, Jack Haley Jr and wife, Liza Minnelli and Andy Warhol. All rights reserved. Studio 54, arguably the most famous club in the world, was located in New York City on, you guessed it, 54th street. Here, see a selection of exclusive images of Spatzs work for the first time. A man wears a gold costume, eyeliner, and a headdress while dancing. Tabs gifs by your friend Martini Ambassador. People spilled into the streets, they poured over the police barricades and they caused a traffic jam that was so bad that it supposedly kept Frank Sinatras limo from coming within walking distance from the club. According to the 2019 documentary about Studio 54, the co-owners singular fashion sense was less informed by the club scene and more so by function. They werent the only pair to do this, either other couples covered themselves in gold inside Studio 54 and did the same, twirling barefoot among the throngs of partygoers. Clubgoers dance amid light towers on the dance floor at Studio 54 on May 15, 1978. The nightclub threw an annual Halloween party and expected guests to wear the most shocking, over-the-top costumes that you could think of. Lorna Luft, Jerry Hall, Debbie Harry, Truman Capote, and Paloma Picasso at Interview party at Studio 54 . This couple wears scant Halloween costumes resembling a mermaid and some kind of sea creature, and their choice of style was not out of the ordinary at Studio 54. It was hard for some people to get into the club wearing normal club clothes - polyester shirts, gold chains, and the like - but at least one celebrity was able to forgo the normal dress code whenever he wanted, author and playwright Truman Capote. McCarthy, who happened to frequent Studio 54 on occasion, was amazed by his access to the notables in attendance. Bianca Jagger on a white horse for her birthday at Studio 54. Even though it was a well planned business venture, Studio 54 was being constructed right up until the opening day. However, the notorious New York City nightclub encountered a fair share of obstacles while party-goers ravaged the dance floor . In front is famous artist Andy Warhol. She was an actress and human rights activist who was married to Rolling Stones singer Mick Jagger at the time. A fabulous night to revel in being alive with ballet superstar Rudolf Nureyev (far left). The entire night went off around midnight Bianca Jagger made her way through the club on the back of a white stallion. Once the show came to an end the cast had to have somewhere to go - and they went to the Studio. It was relatively common for famous figures to throw their birthday parties inside Studio 54. In the aftermath of the Vietnam war, Rubell said people were tired of being serious everyone went out and went wild. After the studio was raided by IRS agents on December 14th, 1978 they grabbed garbage bags of money, financial documents and five ounces of cocaine. Supposedly while there were drugs floating around, people were mostly just getting amped on dancing and less so on piles of uppers. We want to hear it. 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