Photo Credit:gish8675309
Simply going off the fact that I am ridiculously tired, my feet are a little sore, my ears are ringing, and I’m slightly hungover - all signs point to SUCCESS for the First Annual Sunset Strip Music Fest.
This has been the weekend of all weekends for all involved - and all the hard work seemed to pay off. The Strip was busier than ever - the clubs were packed - fans were lined up - and everyone seemed ready for a little Rock N Roll. We were able to attend so many epic round tables and presentations reliving history of the Strip over the course of the last few days, and seeing it all come together this weekend was a clear testament that we’re doing something right. Our main man Erik Voake was snapping pics the whole weekend - so stay tuned. Cheers to all the new friends we’ve made…thanks to all the bands who went out on a limb so support us an the Festival…special props to the brains behind the operation (and an extra extra pat for our Nic)…can’t wait to get started for next year!
We’ve all been working so hard in preparation of the SSMF, that it’s easy to lose sight of what it’s REALLY all about. A true celebration! It’s almost impossible for most of us to remember a time before the legendary Sunset Strip existed, but last night we were able to honor the masterminds behind the place we call “home.” The event at the House of Blues was nothing short of amazing. So many legends in the house, wanting to pay respects and tell their one of a kind stories. Cheech and Chong were a highlight, Slash is always entertaining, and the beautiful Michelle Phillips were all very gracious in their intros. The event was hosted by our (always) favorite MC, Mark McGrath. We’ll always be thankful for what Lou Adler, Mario Maglieri, and Elmer Valentine have created for us all - now lets party!
Here’s a few pics so far, credit Erik Voake - more to come!
Here on the Strip, we’re all family. We always take care of our pals at The Viper, Key Club, Whiskey, and Cat Club - and they have our backs too! We all share the common goal of Rock N Roll and making it the best we can. Like any other business, we know that sometimes things have to change, as we ALL try our best to keep the Strip alive and kickin.
With that said, we welcome the new Viper changes with open arms, and even tho we will miss a few of our Viper comrades - we know it’s all for the best. The room looks amazing, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for the new Viper crew! Check out the LAist for the full info.
The Viper Room’s fame sits on the shoulders of a troubled past. River Phoenix’s death at the club branded it for many, but financial troubles, court documents, an alleged disappearance of a part-owner (during the Johnny Depp era) and new owners all became part of the background drama. Despite all that, the club was a scene, an amazing place to be made possible by a group of dedicated staff that made it home.
Then, earlier this year, Pink Taco owner, Harry Morton, bought the club (he is the son of Peter Morton, co-founder of Hard Rock Cafe, and his grandfather is Arnold “Arnie” Morton, founder of Morton’s Steakhouse Chain. Gossip mongers might better know him as Lindsay Lohan’s ex boyfriend). Morton announced plans to expand the Viper Room brand internationally by opening 300-500 seat venues in cities from Tokyo to New York to London. As to the original Sunset Strip club, Morton said he only planned minor changes such as cosmetic touch ups to the building and sound/video improvements. “It’s staying what it is. If anything, we’re trying to restore it to its heyday,” he told Billboard Magazine.
