However, this theatre, which began as an opera house and was later turned into a TV studio, had a shelf life as a nightclub that was as short as it was iconic. From the years of 1977 to 1980, Studio 54 became a nightclub that welcomed the world’s hottest stars.
Club co-founder Ian Schrager explains some of its impact on popular culture: “It was the beginning of the age of celebrity. Now, 40 years later, the idea of celebrity has become a parody of itself.
When we got started, you became a celebrity when you accomplished something. Now, you become a celebrity without accomplishing anything. It’s completely upside down, but I guess that’s the way it is now.”
When the club opened in 1977, it had already been functioning as a TV studio owned by CBS since the 1940s, attracting celebrity attention already. It was somewhat of a smooth transition into the era of the nightclub addition.
“Any celebrity that came into New York made a stop on The Tonight Show, then made a stop at Studio 54,” said Schrager. “That’s just the way it was.”(FaroutMag.)
The halo of magic that surrounded it suddenly disappeared when, in 1980, the owner Rubell was arrested for drug possession and tax fraud. The venue was sold, changed management and remained open until 1986, when it was closed and repurposed into a theater (still working).
Here are some anecdotes and photos that have made the place the most coveted and popular in NY.
Of Bianca Jagger's entrances on the dance floor on a white horse to Andy Warhol, who said: «The secret of Studio 54 is that it is a dictatorship at the door and a democracy on the dance floor».
Parties were thrown for Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote. Thelma Houston once ‘ummed’ and ‘aahed’ her way through the delicious introduction to “Don’t Leave Me This Way” in crimped silver lamé from the balcony. Michael Jackson still sported his Afro there. For the Warhol coterie, Studio was an elite variant of the working men’s club. In its final hours, Diana Ross bid farewell to Rubell and Schrager from the Studio DJ.
Margaret Trudeau, (left pic) deep into the dreamy haze of a Quaalude hit, slumped back on a banquette in Studio’s secret room downstairs, under the stage.
She was an early victim of what is now euphemistically known as ‘the upshot’.
The Canadian prime minister’s wife was papped knickerless. The shot became the hottest news item shared across Canadian news media the following day. Pierre Trudeau lost his seat shortly thereafter.
To achieve the perfect mix of guests, the selection at the entrance was very tough. "«There were McDolands employees who danced with supermodels. It didn't care about their social background, the important thing was that they were dressed in an interesting way, that they wanted to celebrate and that they danced well"
Regular visitors were Andy Warhol, Liza Minnelli, Liz Taylor, Michael Jackson, Truman Capote, Salvator Dali, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, John Travolta. Donna Summer, Stevie Wonder, Gery Hall, the Village People and Gloria Gaynor, among others, performed live.
