Over the years there have been thousands of gay bars across the United States and thousands more across the globe. Most of them are sadly no longer around but the memories survive. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and reminisce about our gay old days!
STUDIO ONE
652 La Peer Drive West Hollywood, CA
The vision of optometrist Scott Forbes, Studio One was described in a Wehoville review as a “debauched Hollywood pleasure palace, if you were lucky enough to be white and have two X chromosomes.” This massive 17,000 square foot industrial space, originally constructed as the Mitchell Camera Company factory in 1927, was converted into “a dynamic spot, a place of prominence” in the local gay bar scene, according to Forbes. One long-time patron remembers the crowd as “3000 of the most beautiful men you have ever seen in one club”. Unlike other discos of its day, Forbes claimed Studio One was “planned, designed and conceived for gay people, gay male people.” This now legendary club opened its doors to the Los Angeles gay community in May of 1974 and was an instant success. The huge 2000 square foot dance floor was outfitted with more than half a dozen disco balls, a myriad of laser lights, several strobe lights and a red neon Pegasus. Open 7 nights a week, you might find as many as 1,000 men gyrating to the pounding beats at any given time.
The men’s restroom showcased another memorable feature. Perched above a circular sink, a FISH TANK dispensed a stream of water for hand washing. Allegedly some patrons thought it was a urinal. The complex also included four large bars, a game room, a TV lounge and a jewelry boutique. The adjacent dinner theater, known as The Backlot, helped launch the careers of dozens of entertainers and featured live performances by such icons as Sylvester, Eartha Kitt, Luther Vandross, Chita Rivera and Thelma Houston. Despite its high ceilings and great acoustics, it maintained a sense of intimacy. Seating more than 200, The Backlot Theater was popular with such celebrities as Liza Minelli, Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks, Anne Bancroft, Tina Turner, Joan Rivers and Patti LaBelle [among many others]. Billed as “the hottest live music venue in town”, the club literally set the standard for gay entertainment in Los Angeles. While not as famous around the world as other discos, Studio One was reportedly the inspiration for Studio 54. As the story goes, Steve Rubell visited Forbes’ club in West Hollywood before returning to New York and planning Studio 54 with Ian Schrager. Rubell’s club took the world by storm but only lasted 3 years. By contrast, Studio One endured for nearly 2 decades. Some patrons may have slightly different memories of Studio One but, to paraphrase legendary comic Bruce Vilanch,“If you say you remember it well, you probably weren’t there.” Fortunately, award-winning director Marc Saltarelli is about to release a documentary featuring vintage photos and video from the heyday of Studio One as well as interviews with performers and employees who want to keep the memory alive. Visit StudioOneForever.com or facebook.com/studiooneforever for more info. Studio One Revival Ad 2019 By MarcSalterelli.com Studio One Logo Designed By Randy Dunbar Archival Images Provided By StudioOneForever.com