Aids later hit, of course. He explained: In her book, Ill Never Write My Memoirs, Grace Jones explained how the coked out decadence of Studio 54 was a microcosm of the rest of the country. Throughout its three-year lifespan under Rubell and Schrager, Studio 54 served as a lab to experiment with everything from illicit drugs to gender. Right: A costumed partygoer hits the dance floor in 1981. Come anytime you like, and youll get in. After the invitation she became an institution and showed up whenever she was free. She told Vanity Fair: While everyone else in the club was getting blasted and dancing the night away, the people worked the lights, the DJ, and the sound people were very serious about making sure everyone had a good time. Picture this: Elton John partying the night away with drag queen Divine on the instantly recognisable parquet dance floor. Schrager was released on $50,000 bond and the disco was open the next night. Then she discovered an organization that seemed to offer a way forward and talked with Regan McCarthy at POBA, an online hub and resource thats dedicated to recognizing creative talents who were under-recognized during their life. Pictured here are some of the A-list celebs who frequented the infamous, one-of-a-kind club known as Studio 54. Not only were people consistently agitated with Rubell telling them that they couldnt come in because of the way they were dressed or looked, but there were so many people that it increasingly became hard to keep the unruly crowds in line. Right: A pair of women get funky on the dance floor during November 1977. Not only did she love a good time, but she also knew how to master the dance floor. He may have been America's sweetheart, but at Studio 54 he could do whatever he wanted. 22 photos that show the grit and the glamour of Studio 54, New York City's most infamous club. The club was his concept of 15 minutes of fame to the extreme. Aside from the dancing and debauchery, one thing that everyone remembers about Studio 54 is the clubs interior design. Co-owner Ian Schrager said it was like standing on stardust, and one club goer said: Joanne Horowitz was the clubs publicist and she played a major part at getting celebrities through the door. She made appearances at the nightclub more than once throughout the years and was there on its last day of operation under Steve Rubell in 1980. Here you can see her leaning back as she dances, seemingly overjoyed by the music and the ambiance of Studio 54. Studio 54s peak was intense but short-lived. People would be upset about the cleanliness of the animal and whether or not something was wrong with the horse. The night peaked with Diana Ross singing to Rubell and Schrager from the DJ booth. Then Covid Trapped Them There. Who knows if that's really what Warhol meant to do? And, who can forget the iconic image of Bianca Jagger riding a white horse through the clubs entrance? She explained that they were shoving their party in everyones face because America needed to have their own excesses reflected back at them. 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. Drugs, drinks, and disco -- Studio 54 had it all. A fabulous night to revel in being alive with ballet superstar Rudolf Nureyev (far left). 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. At the age of 7 she regularly partied at Studio 54, opening her up to the debauchery and drugs that were available to every other guest. Lowen recognized some of the celebrities in the photos, but she wasnt sure what exactly her brothers archives contained or its value to the world. At Studio 54, anyone with a good attitude (and good style) was welcome. Inside Studio 54, you could smoke just about whatever you wanted and sit however you liked. It was relatively common for famous figures to throw their birthday parties inside Studio 54. Model Bianca Jagger holds doves at a party thrown by fashion designer Halston in 1977. Not much is known about what his wife got up to, but Williams was known for turning into the life of the party after ingesting certain substances. This crowd is made up of well-known, successful individuals: Fashion designer Halston and actress Bianca Jagger are on the left, followed by film director Jack Haley Jr. and actress Liza Minnelli in the back right. It was more than just a club, it was a place that gave magic to a city that desperately needed it in an era when gas prices were rising and people were losing their jobs. Andy Warhol, mingling backstage with friends Bianca Jagger and fashion designer Halston. The two are engaged in intimate conversation and posed in a relaxed manner, with Furstenbergs stiletto-clad foot thrust over the edge of the seat. (The pair later married but not until 2001). This photograph offers a glimpse into New Years Eve at Studio 54. Relive some of Studio 54's most classic nights in the gallery above. As Netflix's Halston reminds us, Studio 54 was a fever dream of excess. Under Rubells ownership, however, the strange, the weird and the scary were given a place to flourish beneath the lights of the nightclub. We think of him as a gentleman of the paparazzi [of that era], she says. Simply by virtue of being outside the club someone like Streisand could paint themselves as a cool celebrity rather than a stodgy A-lister who sat in their penthouse reading Russian literature all not. The son rose and set inside the club, literally. 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. In front is famous artist Andy Warhol. 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. A nearly naked couple dances together on top of a speaker at the club's first Halloween party in 1977. 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. A woman holds a makeshift pipe for a man as he attempts to smoke an unidentified substance in 1981. They had lights rigged so there was a sunrise and a sunset. Ricky had previously attended the preview of the remake of "The Champ" in which he stars with Jon Voight. However, even after the club had closed its doors the clean up crew would find party favors from the night before. The people in this photograph have costumes and makeup on, complete with pairs of tall stilts that helped them tower over the crowd. Find Studio 54 Party stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. Co-owners Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager were arrested for skimming more than $2 million from the club. The people who worked at Studio 54 were so ill equipped for the craziness on opening night that they broke down under the stress of the crowd. When he was questioned about his dress code on local New York television show he said, The only thing that its not based on is money, and that he lets in Really fun-loving. Studio 54 has gone down in history as the ultimate nightclub, a place where everyone who was anyone went to get down, boogie, and be seen. When Studio 54 closed two years later, on Feb. 4, 1980, Diana Ross was there to serenade owners Rubell and Schrager with one final song. Bianca Jagger on a white horse for her birthday at Studio 54. A man dressed up in leather and an NYU tank chats with his friend, decked out in pearls and garters as two other club-goers look on. A look back at the epicenter of NYC nightlife, presented by Getty Images. It seemed as though thrill-seekers young and old wanted nothing more than to get a taste of Studio 54s soaring reputation. Here he is pictured alongside Liza Minnelli and Bianca Jagger at the New Years Eve party of 1977. A glitter-covered go-go dancer sways in a G-string. It would be decades before New York City's smoking ban forbade smoking in indoor spaces. When she wasnt whipping her legs through the air to the music, she was brushing shoulders with the countrys most famous celebrities. When sone of the party people poured the trash can over his head he freaked out and grabbed al the cash to make sure he got it all. The two went into the basement where she had the bartender handcuff her to a pipe for some extra naughty fun. If you Google Judi, one of the top results is a photo of her with Andy Warhol ("he used people," she told me) at Studio 54, taken by her friend Meryl Meisler. This kind of debauchery came to be expected of the venue and marked its no-holds-barred approach to nightlife. Photographer Gene Spatz captured celebrities including John Lennon, Michael Jackson, Mick Jagger at the iconic New York City 1970s nightclub. This meant plenty of people were rejected at the door, and plenty more stood in lines outside waiting to be appraised. Fair Pay For Women Won't Come For More Than A Century, Rare Rehearsal Photos From Classic Broadway Shows, What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch. Mick Jagger and his then significant other Jerry Hall entering the club. Not something you see every day, but you could see it at Studio 54. You might not think of famous authors as the rowdiest group of people, but Truman Capote didnt fit into any stereotypes. Right: A woman gets low on the dance floor in 1977. It's crazy to think that Studio 54 and Saturday Night Live were both happening in New York City at the same time. Right: People wait in line outside of Studio 54 in 1978. Gene had a special eye for the beauty and the fun and sometimes even the weirdness of the situations. It wasnt until he was gone, and I had brought everything home and put it in storage, that I began to open up these envelopes and discover his work.. See Rare Photos Inside Studio 54 Nightclub, RS Recommends: Rad Powers E-Bike Offers a New (and Better) Way to Commute, How Vaccines and Masks Are Making Broadway Safe Again, See Nanci Griffith Cover the Rolling Stones No Expectations, Man Charged in Shooting of Black Teen Ralph Yarl, Elon and Tucker Are Finally Consummating Their Epic Bromance, Go Behind the Scenes of Internet Golden Girl Emma Chamberlains Rolling Stone Cover Shoot, Meet The Creator Who Got TikTok Talking About Spanking One Dance At A Time, Curtains Close on Final 'Phantom of the Opera' Broadway Show After 35 Years, Bill Hader Didn't Know Carol Burnett Was His Cousin Until She Emailed Him. Here she is pictured in front of her cake and alongside famous designer Halston. Disco was all the rage back in the 1970s and Studio 54 was the place to be if you were in New York. Studio 54 produced many star-studded photo opportunities. What Is Groundhog Day and Why Do We Care? Cher wasnt the wildest partier on the scene, but she was known for being an independent and forward-thinking individual who didnt shy away from a good time. In this picture, well-known English actor Michael Caine is laughing and dancing with his wife Shakira, while partygoers frolic on behind them. New York Daily News Archive / Getty Images. Park Avenue hostess Nan Kempner said that Capote punched her in the face one night, nearly starting a brawl. The duo partied often at Studio 54, but Bianca had no idea that Warhol was taking notes the entire time they were hanging out. Shes just finished with a 1978 concert, following up a Grammy nomination for Best Country Vocal Performance. In fact, some women were often topless at Studio 54 parties, in nothing more than tiny thong bottoms and boots. Robin Williams dancing with his then-wife Valerie in 1979. This potentially dangerous display marked the end of the nightclubs first year open. Diana Ross and Liza Minnelli sang, while Rubell blasted out My Way. Liza Minelli was a mainstay at Studio 54, so much so that it was as if she lived on the dance floor. Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images. MSN called the drug-taking "endemic." It was just as much a part of the Studio 54 experience as the dancing. Ian Schrager is still proud about what he and co-owner Rubell did: What does everyone want for their birthday? That all changed when Bianca Jagger - Mick Jaggers wife at the time - decided to have her birthday party at the club on May 2, 1977. And McCarthy was able to recognize the special collection Lowen had inherited and make sure his creative legacy remained alive. They told Vanity Fair. The whole thing cost them $400,000 - thats $1,690,376.24 in 2019. On finding Studio 54's books, it was discovered that a skim was in operation on up to 80% of the profits. She sued Warhol's estate because she said that she was made to look "dumb." " Cohen told Vanity Fair: Truman Capote, the author behind In Cold Blood, was certainly irascible, but he wasnt a tough guy by any means. (AP Photo/Quinto) Date: 02/04/1979. 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. Doormen didnt let just anyone inside, but if you were lucky, you could get into the club without having connections in high places. Dressed in their best and taking stock of the nightclub, famous actresses Farrah Fawcett and Shirley MacLaine are photographed with club owner Steve Rubell. Written by Jacqui Palumbo, CNNNew York. According to the guy who took over Studio 54 after the original co-owners went to prison, James nearly killed himself while at the club. Rubells connections meant celebrities were some of the first people to set foot inside, and its reputation as an exclusive hub for the rich and famous was sparked. The people who crowded around the club every night came from all walks of life - from bankers to drag queens, but for the few hours that the sun was down they all just wanted to have a good time. Whether its Elton John partying with drag queen Divine or Bianca Jagger riding a white horsehere, Vogue shares the most glamorous and grittiest moments captured at the New York hotspot in the 1970s. Frontman for Sly and the Family Stone in a flashy ensemble. After the arrests of Rubell and Schrager a list of party favors (their code for drugs or anything illicit) that went into the Studio 54s official books was printed in November 1979, Warhol was shocked to find out that the trash can only had $800, not $1,000. While these two women may not have been the craziest partiers, they certainly appreciated a good night out. 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 . A photograph of Yoko Ono and John Lennon by Gene Spatz (year unknown). Usually these special nights happened when someone wanted something specific for their birthday. The manufacturers seemed to think their choice of venue was appropriate enough since all the sounds and colorful lights reminded them of disco. Then, step inside the 1990s rave scene at its neon zenith. 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. Liza Minnelli and Mikhail Baryshnikov. Regardless of the fact that Jagger just took the horse for a spin whether it was just once around the Studio or all the way down the block, it's telling that there was a horse in the club. Steven Stills is playing the drum, and 300 other people are in attendance. Vote up the Studio 54 snapshots that make you want to queue up and bribe a doorman. If there was one person who loved going out to Studio 54, it was Bianca Jagger. The best way to keep being invited inside was to act as if you belonged. June 1, 2017. Rather than show how scared they were, the $1.5 million renovation showed that the co-owners were putting on a brave face. Then . A man wears a gold costume, eyeliner, and a headdress while dancing. Bokfrlaget Max Strm/Hasse Persson Studio 54. He captured it fantastically the fun and wackiness, the sweetness. Studio 54 is remembered as the first non-judgmental, queer-friendly mainstream nightclub, which was not unlike an adult amusement park. 22 photos that show the grit and the glamour of Studio 54, New York City's most infamous club. The rise and fall of Studio 54 happened as if an unseen force was holding down the fast forward button on the clubs success. This kind of tolerance in the 1970s and 1980s was not seen in the mainstream media, but it was alive and well in nightclubs like Studio 54. This photograph was taken at the first Halloween party and shows two men dressed in taboo fetish gear, one man miming cutting the other. Described by some as Sodom and Gomorrah with a disco beat, New York City's delightfully depraved nightclub opened its doors in 1977. For major actresses like these, visiting Studio 54 was a must while in New York City. Studio 54 was the place to be in its heyday. Nothing would compare to the nightclubs glory years in the 1970s and 80s. Williams appears to be accepting a drink from the jolly character. But in the '70s it was just another night at Studio 54. Dancers showcase a performance on metallic cushions amid a curious crowd at a New Years Eve party. The criteria for entry werent clear-cut you simply had to have the look and style they wanted to see inside the establishment. Right: Clubgoers inhale nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) on the dance floor during the 1977 Halloween party. Going to work day in and day out all week can grind a person down. In the aftermath of the Vietnam war, Rubell said people were tired of being serious everyone went out and went wild. Four women in shimmery dresses sit in the club's lounge area. From the moment it opened its doors in 1977, the era-defining club was, says writer Bob Colacello in Rizzolis Studio 54, a sociological phenomenon and a historical event. In a 1996 interview with Vanity Fair, Diane von Furstenberg concurred: I had more fun at Studio 54 than in any other nightclub in the worldwhich says a lot, coming from a doyenne of the New York Fashion Week schedule. Unlike Ron Galellas work which has been exhibited and is collected as fine art after Spatz died in 2003 the archive of images was inherited by his younger sister, Amy Lowen, and packed away in filing cabinets in her Kentucky home. The move this woman pulls off seems to defy her age in every way shes flexible enough to wrap her legs around him and strong enough to hold herself up by his arms. 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. Even if you werent having sex with someone every night, you felt like you could, says former editor of Interview, Bob Colacello. This was taken in the ladies room. 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. 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. Dancer Rudolf Nureyev initiates nine-year-old Ricky Schroder into the delights of disco dancing at Studio 54 in New York on Sunday, April 2, 1979. One of the men on the scene was Gene Spatz, a pioneering paparazzo and street photographer who most people have never heard about. One night when the club didnt have anything specific planned they used some free pieces of clothing that they were given from one of the local brands. Here, gazing adoringly at her husband here is . This exclusive event would have been the talk of the season. Suddenly the IRS were interested in going clubbing. Originally opened as an opera house in 1927, Studio 54 became a popular nightclub in 1977. Even so, he was among the most famous singers in the country. In 2018s Studio 54: The Documentary one doorman explains that the crowd was so intense that the people in the coat check couldnt handle the demand of the people. Studio 54 is known for having been one of the world's most high-profile, exclusive discotheques during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The clubs former publicist explained: It looks that in order to become an NFU a celebrity had to be so hot that it would be a huge mistake to not have them in the club. The photographer that captured the disco and diamond dust of legendary club Studio 54. 29 Pictures That Show Just How Insane Studio 54 Really 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. The pop artist, model, Blondie lead singer, writer, and fashion designer all bonding at Studio 54. The clubs explosive success had attracted attention from authorities, and they thought Studio 54 might be connected to organized crime. 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. This would not be the only time the nightclub had a horse on its premises, nor would it be the only animal ever invited inside. CREATIVE. Gene captured that part of history and the exuberance in a unique way. Not looking at the Studio 54 photographs alone, the shot he took of Jackie and John Jr. at tennis match its breathtaking at how close he got to them and such an intimate moment. Yet, Studio 54s sensibility of inclusion and freedom lives on through the books, films and fashion that it has inspired ever since. Apparently Studio 54 had a way of changing people. A party was staged the night before their sentences began. For many guests (celebrity or not), Studio 54 was a place to dance, discover, and dip into the unknown. May 14, 2021. Part of the lure of a nightclub like Studio 54 is that you went home with plenty of stories to tell about the wacky things you saw go down inside. 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. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories, To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories. While that was a Monday night, the clubs one evening off, they made an exception for the actress and rock star wife. 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. 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. Well the co-owners of Studio 54 didnt really get around to getting a liquor license for close to a year, instead they put together a plan that allowed them to legally sell drinks even if it was a little iffy. A pair of clubgoers dressed in .

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