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THE SUNSET STRIP
The entire action of the musical ROCK OF AGES happens in a place called the Sunset Strip.
The very name "Sunset Strip" sounds exciting, and romantic. Is this a real place, and if so, just
where is the Sunset Strip?
There is a mile and half stretch of Sunset Boulevard that passes through West Hollywood,
California. It extends from West Hollywood’s eastern border with Hollywood at Harper Avenue,
to its western border with Beverly Hills at Sierra Drive. Some say it is the most famous ten
blocks in America.
The Strip is probably the best known portion of Sunset Boulevard, embracing a premier
collection of boutiques, restaurants, rock clubs, and nightclubs that are on the cutting edge of
the entertainment industry. The Strip is also known for its huge, colorful billboards and has
developed into a popular location for rock stars, movie stars and entertainers to hang out. It
seems every square inch of space is covered with colorful and provocative advertising.
A Brief History:
In the 1920s, a number of nightclubs and casinos moved in along the Strip, which attracted
movie people in droves, especially since the movie studios were not far away. People in the
movie still-new movie industry had looser ideas about enjoying themselves after a hard day of
shooting a film, and they needed a more "fraternal" place to play and let loose.
When Prohibition arrived after WWI, it was in many back rooms that people could be served
alcohol.
By the 1930s and the 1940s, the Strip was known for its renowned restaurants and clubs and
became a playground for the rich and famous. The fashions were high, and so were the
customers, as liquor flowed while cutting edge bands played for people who arrived in
limousines.
By the early 1960s, the Strip lost favor with the majority of movie people, especially as the
studio system was changing. But the restaurants, bars and clubs continue to be popular with
locals and tourists. In the mid-1960s and the 1970s, it became a major gathering-place for the
counterculture: hippies, punks, folk singers, go go's. It was here that the scene of the Sunset
Strip curfew riots occurred in the summer of 1966, involving police and crowds of hippies. Also
at this time, Go-Go dancers performed at such spots as the famous Whiskey A Go Go,
Anita Dloniak & Associates•9306 Behrwald, Brooklyn, OH 44144•P: 216.398.1931•F: 216.661.4645
THE SUNSET STRIP
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wearing white calf high boots and doing the "Jerk" in cages suspended above the audience
and other dancers.
Then, in the early 1970s The Strip became a popular hangout for glam rock musicians and
groupies. The area continued to be associated with having a good time, and now alcohol being
legal for decades, the clientele and performers were partaking of other forms of recreational
substances as well. The Strip became a major focus for punk rock and New Wave during the
late 1970s, and it became the center of the colorful glam metal scene throughout the 1980s
(the time period of ROCK OF AGES).
Rents began to rise in the area during the 1980s, however, which coincided with the decline of
the glam metal scene in the early 1990s, and the Sunset Strip was no longer a major area for
up and coming musicians. With the adoption of “pay to play” tactics, in which bands were
charged a fee to play at clubs like the Whiskey and Roxy, made it no longer appealing for
many rock bands to play there.
Currently bands or performers who want to make it big set their sights on playing "the circuit,"
which is the Whiskey, Roxy and the Troubadour. On any night, one can see music lovers line
up to hear the good, the great and the not-so-great in a musical struggle to make it big in the
area of Sunset between Doheny and La Ciegena.
The Strip also has LA's chic celebrity haunts, places where gaining entrance requires at least
an Academy Award nomination or a few magazine cover shots: the "A" list.
The Whiskey A Go-Go (The Whiskey) is where you go for Rock 'n Roll, punk and heavy metal.
Groups that played there include: The Doors, Guns 'N Roses, and Mötley Crüe. This was the
place in America where the Go Go girl back in the 60’s got her start when the club's female DJ
started dancing to the tunes she was spinning while suspended in a cage above the dance
floor. By the 80s, it gave birth to heavy metal.
The Rainbow Bar & Grill (better known as the Rainbow Room, located next door to the Roxy)
is a hard rocker hangout that does not feature live music at this time, and is essentially a
restaurant. Those seeking good entertainment from the "scene" don't even have to go inside,
but can catch the vibe by standing outside and watching the action. People in the bands, as
well as fans still like to hang out here after shows.
Anita Dloniak & Associates•9306 Behrwald, Brooklyn, OH 44144•P: 216.398.1931•F: 216.661.4645
THE SUNSET STRIP
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The Troubadour is the heavy metal place to go. It is located just off The Strip on Santa Monica
in West Hollywood just east of Beverly Hills. In its early days, The Troubadour gave folk
rockers, such as David Crosby a start at its Monday night "hootenanny.” Mondays are still the
day to rock.
The House of Blues is home to many famous or name bands. Bands are either current popular
groups or those who have history and a fan base. One could also find private functions, VIP
parties, etc. If there are limos parked outside - you just might see someone famous. Another
feature of the House of Blues is The Sunday Gospel brunch that is extremely popular in LA
and in other franchise establishments.
The Viper Room is a home to laid back, casual fans, who want to hear some good old rock 'n
roll. The Viper Room has the big acts that often have guest artists from other bands who will sit
in. Lately one can hear house/techno and pop/rock music. The Viper Room is standing room
only unless you are on the A list. Tuesday night is the night to Rock ‘n Roll at The Viper Room.
The Key Club tries to provide a New York dance club of the 1980’s atmosphere in LA: heavy
metal. It was designed to be a home away from home for bicoastals, and a taste of the East
Coast for locals. Monday is the popular day for rock n' roll.
Although the venues, styles of clothes, and method of listening may have changed - good
music and high times are still associated with the Sunset Strip, now and for almost a hundred
years.
Anita Dloniak & Associates•9306 Behrwald, Brooklyn, OH 44144•P: 216.398.1931•F: 216.661.4645