Did you know that The Roxy Theatre’s story began not with rock but with burlesque? This iconic venue on the Sunset Strip wasn’t always a haven for rock legends. Before The Roxy opened its doors on September 20 1973 it was a strip club called the Largo. Imagine the transformation.
The Roxy Theatre is more than just a nightclub. It’s a piece of music history. It’s a place where dreams were made and legends were born. This legendary venue was the brainchild of a dream team. Elmer Valentine Lou Adler David Geffen Elliot Roberts and Peter Asher combined their talents. Their vision transformed a former burlesque club into a music mecca. They invested a whopping $250000 in remodeling ensuring top-notch sound lighting and dressing rooms. The goal was to attract both rising stars and established headliners who craved intimacy. Their gamble paid off big time.
Neil Young and his band headlined the grand opening night. The Roxy was an instant success. It quickly became a hotspot for groundbreaking performances and recordings. This isn’t just hype. The Roxy hosted the first US run of The Rocky Horror Show in 1974. Tim Curry starred bringing the cult classic to American audiences. The venue also hosted Hedwig and the Angry Inch a beloved cult musical. Jane’s Addiction played their first Los Angeles show there in 1985 opening for Gene Loves Jezebel. The Germs recorded their iconic song “Sexboy” at The Roxy. Though their performance was meant for Cheech & Chong’s Up in Smoke it ended in a food fight. Countless artists have recorded live albums at The Roxy including Bruce Springsteen the Eurythmics Patti Smith Social Distortion and Van Morrison. The list goes on and on.
The Roxy wasn’t just about music. In 1981 comedian Paul Reubens debuted his Pee-wee Herman character. An HBO special was even taped live at The Roxy. The upstairs On the Rox club provided an exclusive space for the famous and influential. It was a private members-only area where Hollywood’s elite mingled. John Lennon Alice Cooper Jack Nicholson and Robert De Niro were regulars. Today On the Rox remains a hot spot for up-and-coming artists.
The Roxy Theatre continues to thrive under the ownership of Lou Adler’s son Nic Adler. It’s still a vibrant hub for music and culture. In 2023 The Roxy celebrated its 50th anniversary. Neil Young returned for a two-night stand a fitting tribute to the venue’s rich history. So next time you’re on the Sunset Strip remember the unforgettable story of The Roxy Theatre. It’s a testament to the power of music vision and a little bit of rock and roll magic.