At this time, Fawcett had recently hit it big with her role in Charlies Angels, while MacLaine had just starred in The Turning Point. We knocked on the door. This was taken in the ladies room. One journalist who was there frequently said, "Even if you weren't having sex with someone every night, you felt like you could.". It wasnt until a few years later that Rubell would get busted for tax evasion and end up in jail. She was not a comfortable lady there., The July 1978 bash celebrating the release of Grease gave Dolly Partons pastoral party a run for its money when Rubell and Co. recreated the movies retro set. 29 Wild Photos From The Drug-Fueled Heyday Of Studio 54. It wasnt just actors and singers who showed up to party at Studio 54 sometimes it was political figures. DJ Richie Kaczor dropped the needle on the first record of the night, Devils Gun by C.J. She avoided the task of assessing what she had in her possession for nearly a decade until she began to unearth her brothers forgotten treasures. Highly respected clothing designer Diane von Furstenberg is perched on a couch with media mogul Barry Diller. The club also had doves and a snake present for visitors on different nights. They put up signs apologizing, and everyone enjoyed juice instead. Skimming was standard practice in the cash-flush world of restaurants and nightclubs, but this was an order of magnitude greater than most offenders. Fortunately, there were places they could go to do the most extreme stuff. Perhaps understandably, Rodgers now considers Benecke a friend. On May 2nd, Jagger celebrated in grand style. For Valentines Day, Studio 54 was transformed into a garden with flowerbeds, picket fencing and a group of harpists. The Studio 54 Glory Years When CBS sold the theater, various parties from the worlds of fashion and art began to express interest in seeing it transformed into a nightclub. Under Rubells ownership, however, the strange, the weird and the scary were given a place to flourish beneath the lights of the nightclub. Studio 54, New York. But nothing . We want to hear it. The two are almost unrecognizable, however, thanks to the cream thats been smeared all over their faces and clothes. BuzzFeed News Photo Essay Editor. This kind of debauchery came to be expected of the venue and marked its no-holds-barred approach to nightlife. It was "madness.". His latest book, Studio 54, is a record of hedonism that includes actual swinging from the rafters and a literal procession of men in Dionysian drag. Giancarlo Giammetti threw a circus-themed birthday party for his business partner, fashion designer Valentino. I have. Parton ended up being less than amused and sat quietly most of the night. Not only was this accepted, but one of the biggest suppliers was the co-owner Steve Rubell. He used to joke, If I wasnt the owner, I wouldnt be allowed in. After all, it seemed like everyone was doing it! Typical of the late 70s, the two are smoking. It was closer and we were dead. Once you found yourself inside the hallowed grounds of Studio 54, the next place you wanted to go was the fabled basement; a cavernous, dingy, decidedly unglamorous space decorated with damaged banquets, pillars of rolled carpet and set pieces from past parties. A look back at the epicenter of NYC nightlife, presented by Getty Images. Performers drop down from the ceiling, held by nothing but a cord connected to their legs. When youre a wealthy celebrity, youre going to want to have the best of the best. We were just yelling obscenities: Fuck Studio 54 Fuck em Fuck off Fuck those scumbags fuck them! Ian Schrager may be writing the last word on Studio 54 with his coffee table tome for Rizzoli. This photo shows a man dressed in drag with fake (and appropriately sequined) breasts on his chest. MSN called the drug-taking "endemic." One of the many famous faces to grace the dance floor of Studio 54 was that of legendary singer Diana Ross. At this point, the club had been closed down and reopened under new ownership. Amazingly, this worked, until it didn't. According to Rolling Stone, people would offer him anything to get in. ' Haskell remembered in Anthony Haden-Guests bookThe Last Party. At times it got really hairy outside, he told Haden-Guest. Known for its raucous parties and A-list guests, the first three years of Studio 54's existence were the most exclusive and enticing and that was by design. If you found yourself fortunate enough to make it inside Studio 54 in 1978, you mightve come upon a scene like this one. We had big wine barrels we filled with corn. He told Rubell outright that his uniform was ridiculous for working, and instead he was going to hang out and entertain the celebrities. But we can still try to piece together some of the most messed up stuff that ever happened at Studio 54. Those lucky enough to be in attendance are spotted in the background, watching with drinks in hand. Theres this new club opening tonight. This photograph comes just before the release of Off the Wall, when he was still remembered most for his youthful vocals in The Jackson 5. Here, a woman twirls her hat and two men chat over drinks. Studio 54 had arrived. Within half an hour they composed a song called Fuck Off. After some lyrical tweaking they arrived at a slightly more Top 40friendly title. Originally opened as an opera house in 1927, Studio 54 became a popular nightclub in 1977. They agreed to bring these cars up. Six big-finned classics were parked on the dance floor, but minutes before opening the fire marshal cited a major hazard: The cars hadnt been drained of gasoline. In the four decades since Studio 54 first opened its doors, tales of what went on behind the velvet rope have become modern myths. Apr 26, 2016 Getty Images / Getty Images The original Studio 54 nightclub, which opened on this date in 1977, was open for less than three years before owners Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager were. He and his wife Sasha Stallone are pictured here in Studio 54 in 1978. The setting is quite a departure from his most famous work, but Papageorges keen eye for detail and fascination with his subjects is consistently engaginghe just makes everyone look gorgeous. At the Purple magazine party, a naked couple in a clear bathtub perform for an audience in 1977. Bokfrlaget Max Strm/Hasse Persson Studio 54. Right: Clubgoers inhale nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) on the dance floor during the 1977 Halloween party. A woman holds a makeshift pipe for a man as he attempts to smoke an unidentified substance in 1981. We had a circus ring with sand, and mermaids on trapezes, he told Vanity Fair. We were really totally dejected. She is even said to have enjoyed a night or two out with Mick Jagger and the rest of the Rolling Stones. 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. Frank Sinatra was stranded in his limousine, unable to get near. Copyright 2023 Penske Business Media, LLC. These two people, covered in silver, dance for onlookers inside Studio 54. The crowds only grew as the clubs popularity did. 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. Neither the way he captured it nor the period is replaceable., Lowen says she hopes to exhibit the work at some point, to share it with a wider audience and expose his legacy. A doctor had thoughtfully brought a giant box of Quaaludes with him. Studio 54 Photos And The Debauchery That Ensued 54 Decadent Photos Of Studio A Story Debauchery And Dancing Groovy History E And Disco A Brief History Of Studio 54 Flashbak Studio 54 Dj Reveals The Stars Nights Of S And Boogie At Legendary Club Mirror Studio 54 15 Things We Learned About The Hedonists Mecca From New Doentary Independent The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time In 1977, at the height of the disco craze, the Studio 54 nightclub opened . 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 the clubs first year open, Cher showed up to the scene at Studio 54. Originally opened as an opera house in 1927, Studio 54 became a popular nightclub in 1977. Once they did, a "mad sexual orgy" started. Above our heads. Up above the balcony, there was the rubber room, with thick rubber walls that could be easily wiped down after all the powdery activity that went on. Instead, they would just apply for a temporary one every day they were open. Studio 54 produced many star-studded photo opportunities. Unfortunately, the guest of honor was less than amused. The couple had been enjoying dinner a short time earlier with socialite Nikki Haskell and her date at the iconic Upper East Side eatery Elaines. Still others would try to be sneaky. Indeed, club regulars ranged from Mick Jagger and Andy Warhol to Elizabeth Taylor and David Bowie. 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. The packed dance floor was the place to see and be seen, but not everything people got up to at Studio 54 was necessarily intended for an audience. At that time, our music was fairly popular Dance, Dance, Dance was a big hit but Grace Jones didnt leave our name at the door and the doorman wouldnt let us in. They waited around until the early morning hours. If he liked you enough, he'd give you a little something. According to friends, Warhol said it was the best present he had ever received. The spectacle is complete with their revealing outfits, but by Studio 54 standards, their dress is modest. Diana Ross serenaded the owners from the DJ booth, and Liza Minnelli sang New York, New York. Rubell, donning a Sinatra-like fedora, piped in with a spirited rendition of My Way, which played on repeat during the night, as did Gloria Gaynors Studio 54 anthem I Will Survive. From a mechanical platform high above the dance floor, Rubell addressed his guests with an emotional speech. There is mixed reporting on whether notorious lady-killer Warren Beatty was told to leave or if he gave up on his own. The newly anointed nightclub king got cocky, joking to a radio host that what the IRS doesnt know wont hurt them, and bragging to New York magazine, Only the Mafia makes more money.. My Studio 54 Story. We felt horrible., The men sulked back to Rodgers apartment just a few blocks away. While the nightclubs lifespan may have been cut short, the memories made within its walls live on in countless celebrities and lucky visitors. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. Trans women were welcomed, while eccentrics such as Rollerina, a Wall Street banker by day who rollerskated on the dancefloor at night, and Disco Sally, a 78-year-old lawyer, were cult figures. A kind of unofficial VIP area in an already VIP club, it was where big celebrities went for their private trysts. People openly took poppers on the dance floor, and less openly shot up heroin in dark corners. Not something you see every day, but you could see it at Studio 54. The party went off without a hitch, save for a minor incident. [He] wanted to have a birthday party that Monday for Bianca Jagger. Like many venues, the club closed Mondays for a dark night, but Rubell made an exception. Studio 54 was crazy all year long, but things got especially wacky for Halloween. Gene captured that part of history and the exuberance in a unique way. Creative Breakfast Recipes from Andrew Zimmern, Alton Brown and Sunny Anderson, 14 Destination Races Perfect for Extending into a Vacation, Wild Office Pranks That Evil Coworkers Have Pulled on Each Other, 6 Sites to Design Custom Photo Mugs for Gifts or Keepsakes, Seasonal Sips: Totally Teetotal Winter Mocktails for Dry January. Inside The Real Studio 54 Balconies Liza Minnelli No Hats S Guardian. While some front-door rejects got vengeful, truly tenacious clubgoers tried to find alternate access points to crash the party. He'd gotten stuck and no one knew he was there until it was far too late. Model Bianca Jagger holds doves at a party thrown by fashion designer Halston in 1977. For the younger generations who might not know, Elizabeth Taylor was a star like no other during her time. New York Post columnist Jack Martin found Rubell in the early morning hours. Studio 54 is immensely interesting just in terms of a sociological perspective. Drugs, drinks, and disco -- Studio 54 had it all. What is now a Broadway theater used to be the emblematic hot spot of '70s disco nightlife. Trying to see it. Showing Editorial results for studio 54. The hottest celebrities and wildest outfits could be seen on the dance floor, and illicit substances flowed freely among partiers. They served copious amounts of alcohol, played the loudest music and sometimes had mini food fights on the dancefloor. Both famous celebrities and regular bystanders alike managed to have a rockin good time at Studio 54. If youd gone to Studio 54 in the 1970s, however, this is exactly the type of scene you couldve enjoyed. Please allow ads and let sponsors fund your surfing. With nowhere else to go, the party spilled onto the street. Here, see a selection of exclusive images of Spatzs work for the first time. "I don't have only good memories. Studio 54 co-owner Steve Rubell stands in his office, which he claimed was ransacked by federal agents looking for drugs, in 1978. 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. Some tried to grease palms with thousands of dollars. To many, Rubell and his army of doormen and bouncers appeared to be, in a word, dicks but it was never personal. 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. Left: Outside Studio 54, someone arrives to the club on a horse for the third annual Halloween party in 1978. The head guy, Marc Benecke, was just 19, but his position made him one of the most important people in New York. You could see him, trying to scope out the inside of the club. Then . We had a blast. Getting high low-down, Grace Jones wrote in her 2016 memoir. Youd stumble into half-hidden rooms filled with a few people who seemed to be sweating because of something they had just done, or were about to do. Security men brandishing walkie-talkies discreetly patrolled the area, removing any uninvited gawkers. 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