DiscoMusic.com

Additional DJs..

Leroy Washington
Frank Corr
Robbie Leslie (Thursday / Sundays) for John Blair Parties
Oscar Padilla (Saturdays)

Those days spinning at Studio were the best times of my life. I'll never forget my "auduition night." It was Memorial Day weekend and I was nervous that no one was going to be there but looking at how packed that place was, was awe inspiring. Captain Midnight had found his home.
It was great being able to play high energy and disco music to people who really appreciated it. Remember such songs as "They Say It's Gonna Rain," "Eat You Up,""Goddess Of Love," "Exotic and Erotic," "I love My Radio," to name a few? Of course what night wouldn't be a studio night without the classics. Hope you guys remember the "I'm A Man/MacArthur Park" mix. How about listening to the Wizard of OZ and hearing The Visitors in the background coming in? Glad to see that so many people still think of those times back at Xenon's and Studio. I still have the video that was shot at Studio, still have my Studio jacket, nad a lot of other memorabilia. The video is filled with an hour of great visuals and songs.

Well, I certainly remember being at Studio 54 the night my grand friend Oscar auditioned with the Legendary CRISCOS DJ, Frankie Corr having had the opportunity to audition the week before....Frankie Corr thought he had the Saturday night gig wrapped up until Oscar played and the rest was history.....Many great memories and Oscar at Studio and me by his side was a wonderful happy time in both our lives.....Anybody remember the SEARCHNG - HAZEL DEAN into SO MANY MEN -Miquel Brown mix??????

How about the night I dared Oscar to mix Haven't Stop Dancing : Gonzalez into Front Page's Love Insurance just because the beat changes were overbearing and Oscar being the HAM he IS, waited for me to get there and did the mix FLAWLESSLY sort of an "IN YOUR FACE, DJ ALEX" kinda look and feel.............

Love those days..............................

I worked a private party at Studio 54 to celebrate the premier of the movie Turning Point in 1977. I was 22 years old and had applied for a job as a waiter. I was told to wear black slacks, no shirt, a vest, and a tie. There were over one thousand people invited yet I and a couple of others served the VIP tables which were for the cast and other invited celebrities. The first two drinks that I served were to Anne Bancroft and Shirley McLaine who were talking about the opening. Mikhail Baryshnikov who was nominated for an academy award for his starring performance in the movie was talking to me about his first visit to New York City. Leonard Bernstein asked what nationality I was and then offered a compliment after I told him saying that it was a very attractive combination. Other guests who had their own tables included Dianne Von Furstenberg and a group of politicians who were their to accompany Jackie Onasis who hosted the event. The female members of the cast danced a ballet to the music as TV cameras captured their steps. The Studio regulars like Rollerina and Disco Sally were there. One very unusual woman dressed only in a cape with a string of ping pong balls from her behind that got shorter as the evening progressed got my attention. All in all it seemed to be a rather elegant and more reserved party than usual yet when the big moon and spoon descended it did snow inside as always. I had a very good time.

Wow! what hasn't been said about "The Club" and rightly so. Having attended after the
Rubel period, I would have to say it still
rang tops with me. I've been to all of them during and since and none have ever compared. The energy, the freedom, the music, everyone was a star their. Dancer: Attended 1980 to 83.

Mr. Rubell, may his soul rest in peace, paved the way for so many of us in that he created and entertainment experience in which the audience became the entertainment, and for that I owe him a debt of gratitude. On the two occasions that I met him (once at his place, and once where I worked) we interacted civilly although we were both intoxicated on our respective drugs of choice at the time. What a pity that his greed took his wonderful world away from not only him but all of us who so thoroughly enjoyed the fruits of his creativity. Finally, I believe it was either Time magazine or The New Yorker who did a little one-column piece on him about two years before his death but after Fleischmann and Blair had closed the place down again. Rubell was walking down Fifth Avenue and turned down a side street and saw a bunch of his old regulars all hanging around talking and smiling. It was about 12:30 in the afternoon. Always wanting to know where the party was, he approached them, but then just grunted "hello" and walked across the street when he realized that all his old buddies were coming out of a church basement and that it was an A.A. meeting!

Don't forget DJ Leroy Washington who worked tirelessly to keep the club going after the star DJs went on to international status.

For someone around 19yrs old Studio 54 in 1979 was a load of old rubbish...sorry to be this blunt but "a second opinion" is most certainly needed here and now! The overall vibe was just so past it, with hideous looking celebs drooling everywhere, unable to dance, looking sad. The music was good, as were the effects, but my god the people were tragic. The Studio was good for one paparazzi laugh, that's all. I went twice during that summer, then repeated my mistake sometime during the early 80's when the joint was already offically pronounced dead.

I'd like to answer JussiK, above. First, you're terribly critical of the experience that was, frankly, a wee bit passe in '79. However, you give yourself away later on in your post. NOBODY went to Studio in the summer, darling. We were either in the Hamptons or on Fire Island. And in the early '80s Red Parrot or Area or Palladium were the spots, IN THE WINTER.

Judy Dearest, if NOBODY was in town during the summer back in 1979, the we both were right all along - those Dianas, Trumans and Andys teetering across the Studio floor that summer never amounted to anything. What the definition of a Somebody was in your no doubt lavish book I have no idea, but there certainly were perfect bodies in other, far better clubs in New York, and lots of them, my god! And yes, you're quite right, come the early 80's the Parrot etc were very good, during the winter. By that time, however, Madrid in Spain was already THE place to party.

Maybe 16 or 17 years old when I got in Studio 54, No ID was asked just the hand of that guy at the door call Steve, He always let me get in without a problem, I am wondering why was so easy for me than the rest of the people, only he knows and cant tell us now, nice guy. what can I say about Studio 54 that other people havent said before, well let me put it this way, no other club after Studio 54 could get together so many celebrities, Royal people from Europe,royal people from the arabians emirat countries, billioners and president's wives , lol , together at the same time and on the same space other than the The Gramys,the Oscars,or the United Nations conventions. it sounds like too much but honestly, if you were famous you had to stop by Studio after your dinner party, other wise the night was not complited.
Thats why when someone tells me oh my God!!! Madonna was at the club last night,I just look at that person for a little while and then I just turn around my head and keep taking a nap.
DO NOT DISTURB ME WHEN i AM TAKING A NAP!!!

I'm a little late but I can't beieve what I am reading, I was at Studio 6 days a week back in the day and I know everyone who has made these comments. "I was the one who sold them all Coke"! and although I don't do it anymore and I am sure they don't either, I want to say that i don't regret the past and every great moment WE ALL HAD!!! THESE ARE THE BEST TIMES OF OUR LIVES and no one today will ever live-out some of the most important times in music and nightlife history.

Falcon

I've only been there once, and it was long after the heyday, when it was just a typical disco. However it was still one of the coolest clubs I've been in.

Besides the hype did I miss something?

STUDIO 54... I just loved going there every chance I got. Its hard to describe it since the atmosphere changed regularly. I felt special being there. I loved dancing all night at all the parties. The music, the people, the lights, the flowers...OK I love flowers. I took my camera sometimes and must say I am very glad I did. I collect music from that period. I love it when I remember something that happened so many years ago there. Just tonight reading all these stories made me recall hearing the WIZARD of OZ... Over the rainbow... I danced to it... imagine STUDIO and no one on the dance floor! So I start dancing ( saying to myself ballet???)... then other guys joined in... some where ballerinas... quite talented... but they must have gotten bored and I was back all by myself! Yet I could see people everywhere! Just not on the dance floor. At the end of the song I took a bow... laid completely face down on the floor... and would not get up until the spot light was off me and the fake snow stopped. Somehow, they had a spot light on me and the snow fell just on me. When I got up, there was a huge pile of fake snow, some of it I still have! I also have the black plastic membership cards ( gold ones, too!) I loved being there so much. It was truly magical in the sense that I felt like I belonged there... I was fortunate to have attended sooooo many parties there. Of course some of the best were HALLOWEEN, New Years Eve, and maybe just a Tueday night. It didn't matter. Those of you who were there know exactly what I mean. I was a loyal regular, greatful to have met Steve and all those wonderful people. I would love to see it re-open, although it could never be the same. I would also love to write a book , yes another book and maybe even another movie...the way it really was. The music alone would be so great so many of us would want to see/hear it. But that was part of its magic. The acoustics. The sleek decor compared to the dingy bars we were accustomed to. It was like a gift. A gift also reminding us to appreciate it and respect ourselves. The fashion ( or lack of it) was also a great draw. I must say I am very fortunate to have collected several items from the club. I even purchased a portion of the sign! I feel I was putting on a show there almost nightly it was my paycheck. Thank you to all of you who complimented me on my dancing... I will never forget that. It was truly my pleasure. I'd go home to recover and then find myself back there that night, and I didn't live in NY. I attended the KTU close the club down/tear the building down which thank GOD they did not do, but so many people recognized me from STUDIOS' GLory "NIGHTS". I am always interested in hearing from people who enjoyed the club as well as collecting memorabillia from it. I read earlier tonight that someone has a video tape from STUDIO. I would love a copy if anyone knows how to obtain one or getin touch with someone here ( if it is allowed) kindly let me know. Before I stop rambling, wouldn't it be great to have a 54 reunion? Lets try. Sure would be fun. I still have some gold glitter and you can wear my leather pants or STUDIO 54 jeans!

The "new" Studio 54 in Las Vegas can never match the old one in New York. Wish New York's 54 would re-open, and show the world what a REAL nightclub is again! Not some place where teens stand around, but a place where you can live out fantasies!

funhouse was like no other club in the world.
seriously it was insane. if you liked the disco,electro era of 1980-1984 then you would of loved this place.
i was only 15 years old and i would say im sleeping over someones house, or sneek out of house and go to funhouse. we would go about 11pm and stay till 830am. they were open so late cause there was no alcohol.
but we were all on mescaline and quaaludes, and dust.
i dont get high now but if i can go back and change time. i wouldnt.
i remember madonna in there dancing.
i remember run dmc performing in 83.
i remember the lights and energy the place had. there was no vibe to describe the funhouse in manhatten.
JELLYBEAN ROCKS THE HOUSE!!!!!!!!!

I am such a fan of Studio 54! Im 32 and wish I was this age when it opened in the 1970s.

I never got in until one day my sister reieved an invitation in the mail for a college reunion party at 54 for 4 people. My sister lived out of town, so I took 3 buddies (guidos from Brooklyn) and finally got in. We had the time of our lives. I just wish I knew there were millions hidden in the walls.

It was truly a "Once in a Lifetime" experience having enjoyed partying with friends at Studio 54 in the early 1980s. I recall dancing to the awesome music as the great DJ Oscar Padilla (Captain Midnight) spun the records. Who can forget the great mixes by DJ Oscar, such as "Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" with "Moscow Disco" and followed by Fun Fun's "Gimme Your Love", or the crowd favorite "Wanna be Starting Something" with "Midnight". There were many other unforgettable memories at XENON as well, where DJ Oscar got his start. I just hope that there is a Studio 54 Reunion Party at some point in the future. There was such a reunion party for XENON in the late 1980's, and it was great!!! It was like reliving my early 20s with the great atmosphere, friends, acquaintances that unexpectedly showed up at the party, and the fabulous music by Captain Midnight that night. It could not have been better! I am all for helping tp organize a Studio 54 Reunion Party. You will probably need a bigger place than Studio 54, however, to accomodate the large turnout!!!

Has anyone heard of Bert Bevans that used to play in Studio 54?
I am jean Pierre and i live in Dubai. Am trying to make one night off in Dubai as a studio 54 night. Trying to find the right people.

Please help.

Thanks

Wow....Studio 54....I can't even begin to tell you about all the wonderful memories I have of Studio. There will never be another like it. It was a magical place to just be yourself and let go. Oscar Padilla (Captain12nite) thanks for the wonderful memories you gave me, you always made me feel like a queen during those special times.

Jean Pierre - don't know when submitted your post about Bert Bevans, but just out of curiosity, did you book him, and if you did, whatever became of the night? This Bert came to Finland for a big budget "Studio 54" party for several hundred people, claiming he had been an original dj of The Studio during it's hottest years - and went on to spin regular nothing-special house stuff and a couple of the most obvious disco classics like I Feel Love, Bad Girls and Relight My Fire. I questioned him about his credentials and he said, well, I did spin at a Studio 54 that wasn't as much in New York really, rather over in Jamaica, the Caribbean...nuff said.

the best club of the music disco in new york, in the 70s

Comment to Jussik!! Yes I do remember you, You were quite rude, decided to interview me while i was working and when I didn't answer your questions fast enough, became quite annoyed. You were a HATER before you got there, didn't do anything to make the party any better and left in a huff. If you do remember our brief converstion, I told you I played Private Parties @ 54, courtesy of Leroy washington. I played 54 in the Virgin Island courtesy of Ritchie Kazor (not Jamaica as you so racistlty implied because I have dreads?) As for the 3 classics you refered to, I played 4.5 hours, Sorry if I didn't play the one's you wanted to hear but I'm sure you weren't in the club all night. I've done enough in my life not to be bothered by "Haters" but I suggest you put your energy to better use.
"Love Is The Message"

Where can I get a copy of Midnight-the song? It always reminds me of Saturday night at Studio and Oscar.

The Studio was so fun! I did lots of drugs and felt like a rainbow celebrity. Anyone remember what was behind the moon? ;oD

Yea, you know. It was alot of drugs. And more importantly, like that "Elena" poster siad, I was a rainbow celebrity. If you were there, you would know what that was.

I know what was behind that moon girl.

We didnt give a s*** about style ,reputations,hedonism,or the drugs even though ludes were cool as we,d never tried anything like that ,it was all about the music first and foremost,convincing steve and mark wasnt hard as we went during the day to apply for jobs ,he had never heard our accents before and thought we had balls,went a number of times after that first encounter which was the new years eve event 1978 with the beautiful silver invites, Great nite great music,I still look at my invite to this day and my complimentary ticket as pride and place on my wall at home, people ask me if i seen this person or that person ,i cant answer because i didnt take much notice and i didnt give a f**k as it was all about the music ,went a few more times during the eighties but when steve went to jail ,he took the stageshow with him, he set the standard that nobody could compete with and to this day steve rubell and ian schrager are still the only two club owners who have a club immortalised in the new york and american history, STEVE RUBELL may you rest in peace and thanks for giving me so many good times ,also thanks to ian ,and a big thank you to mark who could have been a total s*** but he was cool and made our dreams a reality ,i thank you all ,james telfer {THE DANCER} ps celebrity sucks

I have a Studio 54 Satin Jacket in MINT Cindition..I was wondering if anyone knew of anyone interested in buying it. Email me back at babsnj36@yahoo.com Barbara

I was never picked to go inside i guess you had to have a certain style and good looks i guess it was because i looked just like Bette Midler shes bueatiful....:-)

I'm writing a paper about Studio 54 and I can't find the date it was officially opened. Any help?

Ashley...the answer is April 10, 1977...closed 10 years to the day when the lease ran out...don't let anyone tell you different.

I was a good friend of Richie Kaczor back in the day. I was one of the fortunate ones who got into 54 without waiting. On one night in February, 1980. the last night Steve Rubell was in the club, i was fortunate to meet a beautiful woman who dared to take my number and call ME! She arrived as a guest with Frankie Crocker and a bunch of people who were with him that night.
A long courtship began that night and after seven years we were married. We have been together ever since. Thank you 54 for that disco magic!

i was only in the club 4 times, being a teen i remember much more the voyeurism i experienced on the top floor. am I the only person to remember the goings on

during the clubs
2nd incarnation
after Steve & Ian
remember doin C
with Fleishman
Billy Smith & Hank
of Criscos?
if so e-mail me
at duke9555@yahoo

com

ya know the drill

Love,
doc

Hey Jussi, sorry for the late reply, but we didnt end up going ahead with Studio 54 night... Such a shame, but I work for Motorola, and the night had to be more in synch with the brand :) It was too much of drugs and sex and liberism for the brand to handle in an environment like Dubai. Dont get me wrong, Dubai, as you might have heard or seen in television, is a fantasy island in the midst of the Gulf, but still, you have to be cautious of what you promote, and Studio 54 - as much as i would have died to dance one night away in this club - Studio 54 is associated with a lot of CRAZY themes!
Thanks for your reply to my comment!

It's good to know that Bill Jarema is still around. I was wondering when he was going to post something here.

I started going to Studio 54 the first week it opened. I'm a straight female and I used to party with my male gay friends at many NY underground clubs that were the real deal long before 54.
Hate to say this but here it goes: By the time the clubs were being referred to as "Discos" the magic was gone. The original clubs were so much better than 54. Aside from being in the company of the many celebrities that frequented 54 and feeling special that Steve Rubell always let me in, there wasn't much else I liked about the place. I remember meeting too many uptight fakes and phonies that weren't there to party as much as to try to make an impression on anyone that gave a sh--. The original clubs (i.e. Infinity, LeJardin, Barefoot Boy, the original Limelight on 7th) were the inspiration that created Studio 54.

talk about good times.....
we start at Passions in Fairview and end up by Oscar at Studio....
we had a great crew, and a lot of good memories. Studio54 or just Studio to us who were there every weekend...

anyone remembers who was the doorman with only one white glove on standing on a stool hunting for fun and kool people to let inside the club??...I am thinking Mark...I maybe wrong.
His glove ensemble came long before M.J. decided to make it cool in his video.

Capt12nite here. Would love to know those songs that made your nights at Studio so memorable.

Hey Oscar.....ever run into Annmarie P from Hoboken.......

Here are a few of those songs!!!
let the night take the blame, love insurance, last call, unexpected lovers, heaven must have sent you.

RICHIE KACZAR!
One of the greatest,talented and modest people ever.
Missed 4 ever.
Thanks so much for your friendship and all the memories.

I'm doing a social history of drinking behavior in NY.

Does anyone remember the sorts of drinks that were popular at Studio 54 - the beginnings of the whole Absolut and vodka phenom? Someone mentioned the bar there and the glitz being different from the dingy sorts of bars they were used to.

I was a bartender at Studio 54 and DJ Oscar was the s***....He rocked it like no other...Leroy Washington was okay....Robbie Lelsie totally rocked it....But DJ Oscar by far was the king....He always knew how to set off the room after the explosions....

For all those who where not there... Studio 54 was all what you heard and then some....

It was a just fun... and nobody since seems to have gotten that right....

Hi to you all, I am the resident dj of Studio 54 Antwerp and believe when I'm saying that Antwerp is even bigger than the original and still alive...
Check out the web
WWW.STUDIO54ANTWERP.BE

TO Jean Pierre from Dubai : if you want it big and good contact us... you won4t be dissapointed !

I was at 54 right when it had just opened, with my parents. We didn't wait in line, ushered in right away because of Phil Smith, my dear friend and DJ at my parents disco "the golden coach", Harrisburg Pa.Does anyone know him?
Oh, and my memory was kind of a blur. I had root canal that day and ate a whole bottle of codiene, thinking they were like asprin, anyway, there i was surrounded by such glam and I end up with my dad holding my hair back as i proceeded to throw up out in the street. but damn did i look good! my dad had taken me shopping at Fiorucci's, i was dressed in a turquoise glitter halter top with matching skirt trimmed with a leopard ruffle and leopard mules! I was only sixteen.

OSCAR PADILLA! Its been a long time my friend! We need to transfer your old casette tapes to DVD's I'm running out of places to play em. I hope all is well.

Talk about a blast from the past! It's great to hear from you Andy. I can't believe you still have those cassettes. I hope they're still sounding good. Still living in NJ?

Hey Matt E,
Thanks for the wonderful compliment. I'm a high school biology teacher now and my students always want to hear stories about Studio. I had one of my nights recorded on VHS which I later transferred to DVD. Every year, my students want to see it. They can't believe how the nightlife was like back then.

Anymore of those favorite songs from those glory days at Studio?

Oscar,
I still have the tapes but I can't find anything to play em on! High School Biology, its a far cry from the speakers of Xenon but as we all know living La Vida Loca has a limited shelf life? I'm living in Hoboken would love to chat, how do we exchange e-mail adresses?

Andy,
I think Bernie, who owns this site, can give you my email address if you request it. Would definitely be great to hear from you.

54 was a dynamite club not the best but so what....
Does anyone recall the exact date Steve R opened the doors ...
Also does anyone recall where Steve R worked before he opened enchanted garden which was the club he opened and closed prior to 54

Thanks

Anyone from the Studio days wanna ago out and Party?

Billy Smith - Manhattan

Oscar,

You were a mentor to me. My name is Julio. I am a newer cat to disco. Grew up in the 80s when most of the hotter clubs were gone. However, I got to party a Xenon where oscar was kickin just as hard. I used to work at Omni Records and Oscar would hang out sometimes. We would mix and sell records to customers. Disco kept going pretty strong through Euro-imports until late 80s. I absolutely loved spinning disco for an appreciative crowd.

The 1st time I went to Studio %$ I was 14 years old! We were dancing with the best group of queens that you could ever meet. We all became good friends...I was the baby!

Hey Julio,
I still remember those great times at Omni Records. Albert knew what he was doing when he opened that store. I remember Friday nights when his newest imports came in and he told the staff that no one was to take anything until DJ Oscar got what he wanted first. Talk about red carpet treatment. I'm glad I was such an influence in your music. I never knew that before.

Lindsey,
Studio 54 open on a Tuesday, April 26th 1977 and it closed on a gay Sunday night April 6th, 1986. Studio 54 really did not take of until all the Fire Island and Hampton's hotties were back in the city after a great "StarWars" summer in Fire Island Pines summer. You see from April 1977 they did not have a NYS Liquor License and at times they could not have liquor in the club. What they did was to start a Caretering company and went to the SLA and using there companys name applying for daily Caretering license's each weekly. They finely got there Liquor License in the fall of 1977 - just after lobor Day and just in time for their always to be remembered "Hollaween Party" where everyone was something from "StarWars" and put the club on the map. Before that just out of collage his father past away and left him all the "Stake Loft International resturants in the tri staet area of which one he made a disco club called "The Enchanted Garden" in Queens NY for about two years end of 1975 to January 1, 1977.

How i know all this is becaue i did all Steve and Ian's PR and promotions, we first met at La Jardin club on West 43rd Street in 1974 though the owner of the club "John Adison" and at that time I was with 20th Centry Records.

Billy Smith 2/09/2008

How could you not know that? Think about how much time we really spent spinning disco and talking shop. Have you talked to Johnny? Tell him Chuchi says "what's up!". Are you still teaching? I retired from teaching. Let's exchange emails somehow and stay in touch. Julio

Some of those imports were so hot ande somehow got lost in the shuffle like:
Casanova, Love Pains, Hearbeat, and many many more...

This club, no matter how awesome and fantastic it was, became one of the main reasons for the "death" of DISCO. It was tough for the average patron to get in, so he didn't enjoy it at all. Inside, it was another world.Drugs everywhere, out in the open. A crazy a** owner who did too much of his own stuff, and believed he was un-touchable. WRONG!! The lights and sound were amongst the best of its time. The deejays were always talked about, one way or another. Usually they were regarded as the best, that remains argumentative. If Jellybean and Tom Moulton and guys like that weren't there, they weren't THE BEST!! Still as much as they hurt the industry, they helped much more. STUDIO 54 is synominous with DISCO, they helped put the night scene on the map. Of course it gets a strong, solid TEN on my scale from 1 to 10.

Studio 54 was and always will be... with no duplication.

Billy Smith (NYC)

Went to a party at 54 in '78 and was blown away by it. I was only 20 and didn't know what to look at first. I remember going upstairs and seeing what reminded me of the balcony of a movie theatre with hundreds of seats..and people making out in them. Hey - I was still shy and naive then!!!

Studio 54 was always a fantastic time. No matter what day you went, no matter how many people were there, you always went home trilled at the knowledge that you could not have had a better time than the one you enjoyed at 54!! The balcony was a fantastic place, my favorite was the moving catwalk. I bet after you left 54, you weren't shy and naive anymore.

I remember going to Studio 54 at the tender age of 14 with my friend and her mom who was a clothes designer because she had to meet her client at Studio and didn't have time to take us home so we got in with her. Of course we were told to stay in one place - no matter what. Yea right, with the sounds of the beat we ventured off and danced, danced, danced for hours. My mom's friend was tied up with her client and thought we were still waiting for her. The music was amazing we made friends with the bouncer and he let us in whenever we wanted. At Studio when you danced with all those celebrities it was amazing to really see them let loose. I also remember the Funhouse where Madonna danced the night away with her hairy armpits...wish I could of kept those pictures of her she was and still is a great performer....Studio set the road for my club hopping....I even remember going to (someone correct me if I am wrong)One's and when I saw my boyfriend I would leave and go around the corner to Gothams...or was it Bonds?

I wish there was a place like Studio, Bonds, Ones, Gothams, Paradise Garage, the Loft now just to go and listen to music and dance the night away....any suggestions? Of course with the musice from back in the days.....

First we need to know if you still live in New York City?

Still in NY........I even went to Studio 54 when it went freestyle, hip-hop and house....I didn't like it one bit....

Alright DANCING QUEEN, check back tomorrow, I'll have an answer to your question, is there any place in the BIG APPLE like the old Clubs that plays that music? I am in Miami, it will take a little research with my deejay friends tonight, your answer will be here tomorrow!! My pleasure!!

DANCING QUEEN! I got your answer. There are NO clubs like that anymore, there are some that have THEME nights with that music, but nothing on a regular basis. Sorry, but, if you ever go to Disney World in Orlando, they have a DISCO called 8TRAXXS that is a 70's style club with all the fixings including the music. I was there ten days ago. You'd enjoy it!! Keep the music in your heart and soul forever!!

To Oscar (Capt. Midnight),

Glad to see you on the boards. I was a regular at 54 on saturdays and we met few times at OMNI records, XENON and last at OCTAGON. I was a mobile jock from Elizabeth and used to throw parties playing the newest HI-NRG and Classics, great times man. One night prior to opening at XENON, you parked the car in front of the place got out opened the trunk and had nothing but crates of records. No DJ does that now days!

Anyway, great memories and keep the spirit alive.

Santi

Santi,
I still have those records in my home. Even though I burned them onto cd, I just can't let the vinyl go. To many fond memories with them. Some still have the Omni Records Sticker on them.

I must say there were many wonderful nightclubs through out the "BIG APPLE". nightclubs like "THE TUNNEL", "REDZONE", "DANCETERIA", "THE RED PARROT", "VISAGE", "THE PALLADIUM", "XENON", "MARS", "AREA", "THE LIMELIGHT", "CAFE SOCIETY", "1018", formerly known as "roxy", and "CLUB U.S.A.", just to name a few. but "STUDIO 54" was and always will be "KING OF THE DISCOS" I created memories there that will last a lifetime. A BIG SHOUTOUT to MARK FLEISHMANN, JOHN BLAIR, BILLY JAREMA, STEVEN KREY, OSCAR "CAPTAIN MIDNITE" PADILLA, JAY BERNSTEIN, ANDREW EPSTEIN, and JOHN BELLO.

I went to see "Sunday in the Park With George" this past week which was playing at Studio 54. As much as I enjoyed the performance, I have to admit the REAL reason I went was because I wanted to see the inside of the theatre that hosted the historical Studio 54 club of the mid to late 1970's.

I wasn't disappointed...there is definitely an energy to the place and I tried to imagine what it would have been like to have actually been there back in the day. My seat for the evening was the very last row in the mezzanine. It was actually a great seat (and only $36) that gave me a full view of the theatre.

Based on all the photos I've seen online of Studio 54 from the 1970's, I always thought it was a HUGE club, but the space was actually much smaller than I expected. It was fun imagining the notorious events that took place there....the celebrities, the classic music, the drugs and sex, the hot bartenders and busboys, etc.

When I was walking into the theatre this past Friday, I was following two women. One of them said "So this is where it all happened." Obviously many people are still intrigued by the legacy of Studio 54. I for one am envious of those who have personal stories to share...particularly if you were lucky enough to be there between 1977 and 1979. I have the impression the the REAL studio 54 ended when Steve and Ian went to prison. The energy of the place just seemed completed different after that time and it was no longer genuine or original.

If you're interested, I've recently discovered a Studio 54 podcast that's available for free download on iTunes. It's a 31 minute long discussion celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the historical club and discusses the storied history of 254 West 54th Street. Also, there's a DVD documentary about Steve Rubell and Studio 54 available on Amazon.com as well.

I've decided to just post the links to the Studio 54 podcast I mentioned above. Here it is...check it out...it's very interesting (Just scroll down -- It's under the pic of Andy Warhol, Halston & Bianca Jagger):

http://theboweryboys.blogspot.com/2008/04/studio-54.html



And here's a story celebrating the 30th anniversary of Studio 54 that appeared in New York Magazine. There's also a short video you can watch at the end of the article:

http://nymag.com/news/features/31276/

I remember DJ "Kenny Carpenter" at Studio 54 For Mike Stone Productions,in 1980 "the parties were" Awsome" Then came "Leroy Washington" in 1981 who was also greart! from 1982-1984 "DJ Dwayne Holt" did a lot of thursdays and sundays with "Robbie leslie" for john blair parties, the vibe was "Super HI NRG"

I still count my blessing today on getting though the jaws of Studio 54 and living to talk about it today, I feel like I have gone through 11 years of collage all over again after Studio 54 closed ( 11 years with one year off - 1980)..... LOL! - But I had FUN! and being paid for it. I heard the day that Studio 54 closed in April of ’86 that I was ‘the one of the guys’ the made the real big $$$ at Studio 54.

Billy Smith - NYC

The greatest Club ever!!Nobody will ever duplicate or come close, to recreating the Magic that was Studio 54.
I attended studio and I say attended because if you were there in those days you would know what I mean. My first time was around early in February or March of 1978. I did not leave till Steve Rubbel and Ian Schrager went to federal prison two years later.I'm still mad at them for being so stupid.I felt they deprived us of at least two more years of great nights.I was a young kid from jersey barely 17.Mark at the door was the best Club Maitre'D ever period. He made me feel special and part of a very exclusive few.
For a 17 year old from jersey that was still in high school. It was an amazing feeling to expirience.One thing about Mark he never let me come in with anyone else,just me and me alone.I tried bringing people and he would make me wait to long so after a while I stopped bringing anyone with me."I meet you inside your on your own"I would tell friends.Wearing my Sticky Finger jeans Nike sneakers and either Hawaiian shirt in the Summer or Tweed jacket in the winter with same jeans and sneakers.I always came whipping around the southeast corner of ninth and 54th street.I would raise my right arm high in the air with just my index finger showing.Most times Mark would be standing on the hydrant for a clear visual of who was there.Given the mass crowds what else could he do.
He would always point at me within a few seconds.As I got closer and through the crowd. I would say Mark one please and he would repeated one coming in.I would go right through the crown and in the door.My heart would always be racing and my knees weak from the exhilaration of the moment.With always the thought that maybe he will not let me in tonight.As I waited to pay more times than not Steve was hanging with Chuck the bouncer giving people the once over.I saw Steve ask people to leave while waiting to pay.Steve was always on a trip of some kind. My most fondest memory at Studio was the night Steve celebrated his 36th birthday December of 79.Wow what a party!He had Shetland ponies all over the place.Baskin-Robbins Ice Cream carts were strategicly placed through out the club..To top it all a marching
band that came right through the middle of a packed dance floor.They rolled out a fake 30 foot giant cake with stairs for Steve to climb to the top of the cake.A tricky proposition given the amounts of qualudes he use to take.Finally when he got to the top band stop playing and Bianca popped out as "IF MY FRIENDS COULD SEE ME NOW" started to play.The confetti came down and all hell broke loose.He opened the bar that night much to my delight.I can't begin to express how indelibly etched in my memory that club and that night are in my brain.There were so many things that made that club magical.From the time you came in to the awesome Music and most importantly.The mixture of people of all walks of life.Poor,Rich,infamous,famous,Gay, Straight you name it.Movie stars ,politicians,writers athletes on and on.All there to have a great time. Society was a lot more open then not as many restrictions.Anyway that is just a couple of my memories and observations.Favorite bartender there was Dale Sims great guy which I knew how to contact him.He later went to work at Xenon then Heartbreaks downtown.A bunch of us use to go down to Crisco Disco after Studio what a great transition that was and what great music too at Crisco's.
I remember doing lines with Randy the cowboy from the village people in the VIP room at Crisco's one night. Ok that is enough out of me.Like the poet said" it's Ok to visit the pass,just don't bring a suitcase".
Ciao.

i was too young for the best times at the studio..but made up for it later. paladium foxes passions limelight 82 club...still i wish i could turn back the clock..i still have passes for july 28 1984.a party with eddie murphy for film best defense at studio 54...are these worth anything?

Hey Mannyforty,
That was so true, so very true what you said about Studio, you had to a hot teen, i mean with Randy feeding you lines and Mark had an eye on you and Steve must likly had too. Oh yes! I loved Crisco Disco - remember "Hank"!. You had to know me, I did the Saturdays/Sundays and Thursdays nights stage shows for Studio from (1977 - 1986/RIP) Staurdays I had Z100 or WPLJ there.

Stay well not to many of us around anymore.

Billy Smith (NYC)

Billy Smith,I think I remember you Billy. I most definitely remember Hank @ Crisco.He lived in jersey and drove a Rolls.Hank was the owner of Crisco he was a nice guy.By any chance do you remember Dale Sims the Bartender at studio? One of the real people,he use to get me free drinks.Worked the bar upstairs.I hope he made it.Anyway you are absolutely Right Billy,not many of us still standing we are true survivors...nothing but the best...Ciao

I WILL ALWAYS TREASURE THE MEMORIES OF STUDIO.THERE WAS NOTHING LIKE IT.STEVE STARTED HIS LEGACY AT ENCHANTED GARDEN AND MASTERED IT AT 54.THERE WERE MANY OTHER GREAT CLUBS IN NEW YORK BUT STUDIO 54 WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AS "THE BEST"! STEVE; I THANK YOU...MARCO

Hey Mannyforty, do you have any pic of your self when you were coming to Studio 54?

Remember Michael Fesco "Sunday At The Studio" Were the best shows in the city! Even the Thursday bois were showing up.

Let's here what was your best Sunday stories were all about. Billy Smith - Manhattan

Hi, we're having a Studio 54 themed NYE's party and I was wondering what drinks were served there and popular during that time.
Thanks!

What drinks were served at Studio 54:

The majority of the times we were drinking Heineken beer and Absolute and soda or anything with Absolute and Rum & Coke. That all went well with pot and coke and a quaalude all night.

Steve Rubell always had a Heineken in one hand and Quaaludes in the other.

Hope this will help you and your party, Happy 2009!

Billy Smith - NYC

What drinks were served at Studio 54: Heineken,Heineken,Heineken....Only Beer sold in Studios peak..
Drugs:Qualudes/ Rorer 714 later Lemons 714.Coke,Mda,Grass,Ethyl Cloride on a rag,Popers,Mesculine,Black Beuties

Dear Friends - A message from Robie Leslie....

Never Underestimate the Power of Music.

In this time of troubles and uncertainty we gain renewed appreciation for our friends and families. Hope blossoms and fond memories warm our hearts. As a New Year and New Era approach, spirits rise.

In grateful acknowledgement of your kindness, friendship, and support, I offer this complimentary musical bouquet for your enjoyment - HEARTFELT. This session was recorded live in December 1987 and digitally remastered in 2008.

May your holidays be joyful and the New Year bring you wonderful surprises,
Robbie Leslie

Click on the link below for your music file, "Heartfelt 1987"

http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=batch_download&batch_id=TTZsVWRseWFCTW5IRGc9PQ


Happy Holidays
Billy Smith (NYC)

Studio 54
In the seventies there were disco's and the one that "nailed it" as far as an image
of the true disco was concerned, was STUDIO 54.
I never had a chance to go then, and if I did would I have been turned away?
Who cares.
The icon of my past is back as theatre now and just seeing the Studio 54 doors
and a remnant of leopard patterned stair carpet takes you back to when?
To when you strutted your young stuff and imagined being part the zeitgeist
rhythm of your time all revolving around a disco ball in NY Studio 54!!!

STEPHEN; TAKE IT FROM SOMEONE THAT HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET IN; AND DID---THERE WAS NOTHING LIKE IT. 54 WAS THE ULTIMATE--EVERY TIME I WENT THERE I WAS TOTALLY ABSORBED IN THE MOMENT; TRULY HAVING THE BEST TIMES OF MY LIFE. THERE WILL NEVER BE ANYTHING LIKE IT --MARCO

Those july 28th 1984 passes are worth about .0125 each. If I'm not mistaken they were $500/40,000, from Patane printers in NYC. Billy Smith would know best. Sorry Pinchee

ANDY EPSTEIN! OMG! YOU WERE SO COOL AT STUDIO 54: (Jay Berstein) You don't know how many times i have said your name in the last 23 years, how have you been! Hit me back would love to say hi and see what you have been up to!

Billy Smith

wow....billy it's been a long time...good to see that you still going strong....lil robby(82-85ish) here....I was bar back working with Ronny...hope he is still around....god I miss those days...

hello from France and sorry for my english.. but i read all the comments and i think you could try to create another "54": disco, funk, older and young people,... an another old theatre and a help by the City (i think). the new identity of USA (new Pesident)is a good thing for that i imagine. I went to Studio 54 in april 1979. I was 19 y old and i'll never forget it. There was few people this night. the real memorise for me is the sound, i didn't saw any celebrities but i discovered something looking like life... very strange for a french boy even we had the same 54 in Paris: Le Palace. Today, i have a project about memorial disco music, social and nightlife 1975-1980. you can see that on my french blog. welcome ideas... thanks (Paul) http://projet54.weebly.com

It is impossible to put into words what the experience of Studio and the club culture was. The 60's times one hundred! When I think back on those nights, friends, lovers and assorted characters a euphoric rush comes over me and a joyful ear to ear grin.

Oscar "Capt12nite" it's me Manny.
email me at emen0963@yahoo.com

Anyone knows where Danny is? he was the bar back at Studio.

Hey Guys! I have a idea, let's take a roll call of all the guys that worked at Studio 54!

Who's still around?

Than we get an official reunion going!

Billy Smith - NYC

Does anyone know Bob Petti. He was a bartender at the main bar. Any news or info would be appreciated.

Bob Petti live in Florida, that is the last i heard about him about 7 to 10 yeras ago.

billy u mother f--ker i can't belive u r still alive i am sure u might feel the sam about me.
i could say guess who but i won't

this is your boy neil where is the act and when r they going on

Hey Neil! cool to hear from you! I am alive and well and having a great time! I have a house in East Hampton and Lake Placid New York and travel all over the world,Just got back from LA via UK and on the way to my home in the Hamptons. Hope all is well with you. Have a great summer.

Disco Billy Smith

By the way Neil, you very funny. I did a dinner/show at the White House a few months ago for The Liberty of Congress/Stevie Wonder for WETA, there was a guy who worked at the White House in the events dept. and his name was "Neil" and he came into the Green Room near the East Wing and asked me about 3/4 times that afernoon before the show that night "where is the act 'Stevie Wonder' and when are r they going on again?" - Very Very Funny!

Lets be in touch... WSmith7@nyc.rr.com

thought i would add additional djs that spun for us
@ studio
reggie craddock x tech crew started spining private parties and some off nights before moving over to the platboy club.1979

LARRY LEVAN spun some nights for us during the michael stone dazes when the boys were in jail

grand master flash did a couple of nights for us in the mark f dazes

Yes - List all of them- some people never knew about
this.


Billy

hey billy i sent u a e-mail did u get it
w smith 7 @nyc. rr.com

Hi Neil, No not yet - this is the right address:

WSmith7@nyc.rr.com

My first time to Studio 54 was the night of my Junior Prom in 1978. After dropping off my date I boarded an Eastern Airlines flight from Miami to JFK still in my tux. I has just turned 17 and back then you didn't need ID to fly. I took a limo from the airport directly to 54. When I hopped out of the limo Steve Ruebell motioned to Mark Benekie and the velvet rope dropped. Steve opened the center door and I walked right in. Inside was like fantasyland. Celebs all over the place. My most memorable encounter was Andy Warhol and Fred Hughes with whom I remained friends with for years after. Andy and Fred dragged me around that evening introducing me to their friends. Halston, Liza, Peter Allen, Egon Von Furstenberg. I was there till it closed and headed back to JFK for the flight home that morning. I didn't make it back for several years and by this time Steve was out of the picture and John Blair had started promoting. John recreated the closest atmosphere that the original 54 had. One memorable night I was at a loft party and ran into Lester Persky who was a dear friend. I wanted to head over to 54 but he wanted to stay at the party for another hour. When I left the party I saw a limo at the front door of the building. I asked the driver if it was Lesters and he affirmed it was. I told him Lester wanted the limo to drive me to 54 and come back and pick him up. About an hour later Lester comes screaming into 54 saying someone had stolen his limo. I really didn't have the heart to tell him I had borrowed it for the ride over.

davidarias - That is one of the best story's! I am so happy you did that to Lester that is so funny! love hearing stories like that and there were so many of them durning the Studio days, somthing i would have done. I have at airports just to get a ride into the cities I travel to all over the world when i was 18/21.

Thanks!

Billy Smith

May you please tell me every single song that was played in studio 54 in 1977,1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986

Go to: www.Billboard.com

Hi Oscar.....
we all remember your music & still love it!
Would love it if you did a reunion for everyone, there is no place to go dancing anymore like the old days.
I use to go to Omni every Saturday & buy your tapes..anywhere we can buy your music still?
thanks..

By the way..as far a music how about
Romeo & Juliet, France Joli, Jealous Love, There Before the Grace of God, So Macho

Ellena,
You can ontact me at djdisco54@aol.com
Oscar

Can anyone tell me how to reach John Bello he was a bartender at 54 and moved up to doorman, he had a business called JB Tours.We use to be good friends way back and I lost contact with him.

Thanks
Joel.f.friedman@jpmorgan.com

You can also add Willobee from WLIR as a DJ to your "list". Hello Billy:)

Does Billy Smith remember when we used to go to Sparks Steak House b4 work or when Mick Jagger used to visit us and share some "favors" with you and I and Peter Strong???

Billy, John Bello asked me to reach out to you, you can contact me at joel.f.friedman@jpmorgan.com

Hi everybody. I was never a patron of Studio or any other New York disco of the 70's. (I was about a week and a half shy of seven when Studio 54 opened it's doors for the first time.) I have lived my life in the Midwest. I remember my parents subscribing to People Magazine wherein I got my first glimpse of Studio in an article showing Bianca Jaeger astride a white steed at her birthday celebration. Back then, I didn't even know what a disco was, much less that Studio WAS a disco. It just seemed sophisticated and glamourous. Reading everybody's recollections is like traveling in time and when I read them I feel like I was there. Such a fun and glamorous time. My favorite stories are the ones from Studio 54, Crisco Disco, and The Mudd Club. And of course, I have since gone on to my own club and rave and party adventures. Thanks everybody, for laying the groundwork for what was to come.

You are so welcome Spocabo... i just did a PBS Doc on Studio 54 and the Disco's in NYC of the early 60's - the late 80's it will air on WETA in DC in March and scheduled for all PBS TV in early April. It will be a 2 1/2hour special.

Happy Holidays to you and all living souls of Studio 54!

Billy Smith

Got into the Studio Nine times, the first time the "doorman" bouncer whatever pointed to me and I fell into the front door and was picked up my Madame Jaquleine De Ribes, she looked at me and said you are a baby! Come with me and immediately introduced me to Biaca Jagger and Halston. I thought I would just die right there.

when i worked at studio peter strong was my manager and frank corr dj'd they both were from crisco disco peter was the door man.... and on friday night its was WLRI night with new wave and saturtday night was WPLJ hit radio night ..i still have my tee shirts from those days friday was bla shirt and saturdays was a white shirt......

"Studio", as it came to be called, was notorious for the hedonism that occurred within it; the balconies were known for sexual encounters, and drug use was rampant. Its dance floor was decorated with a depiction of a Man in the Moon that included an animated cocaine spoon. Michael Fesco and Billy Smith presented "Sundays at Studio 54", which catered to a homosexual clientèle. John Blair had 50% of Thursdays to blend in his young homosexual people with the Steve Rubell's people.

Billy Smith's (Billy Amato) WPLJ/Z100 radio "Saturday Night Fever" nights...
1981 - 1986 all cash saturday nights was the night of the hot disco nights at Studio 54 with Billy Smith's a/k/a Billy Amato "WPLJ" and "Z100" radio nights. For the record: Billy Smith a/k/a Billy Amato working with Steve Rubell for 11 years from 1977 - 86 at Studio 54 as director of Special Events, Corporate Networking, Theme Parties and In-House Show Producer was responsible for the launch of the career of "Madonna" on Saturday evening June 4th in 1983 when Madonna had her first Studio 54 performance (at no-charge) at one of Billy's Z100 radio nights and had Moadonna's first record added to the the Z100 play list called "Holiday".

Event planner Robert Isabell had four tons of glitter dumped in a four-inch layer on the floor of Studio 54 for a New Year's Eve party, which owner Ian Schrager described as like "standing on stardust" and left glitter that could be found months later in their clothing and homes.[13]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Studio_54

...before there was a Studio 54 there was - ARTHUR


I use to party with Judy/Liza/Peter Allan and Lorna Luft at Sybil Burton's night club in 1965/6/7/8 discotheque called "Arthur" on East 54th Street. That was when I was a hottie club kid.... Other guest were Liz Taylor, Tennessee Williams, Princess Margaret, Lee Remick, Nureyev, Truman Capote, Andy Warhol, Bette Davis, Sophia Loren and the astronaut... Scott Carpenter were all regulars. That was the real Studio 54.

This is so funny! both clubs were both on 54th Street here in Manhattan one on the East side and the other on the West side, hmmm... history does repeats itself like a mirror on a wall...


Billy Smith (Amato) NYC

When Studio 54 re-open in 1981 though the closing April, 1986 - Saturday nights were the hot disco nights at Studio 54 with Billy Amato's "WPLJ" and "Z100" disco radio nights. I have been working with owner Steve Rubell for 11 years from 1977 - 1986 as director of Special Events, Corporate Networking, Theme Parties and In-House Show Producer. I was responsible for the launch of the career of Madonna on Saturday, June 4th in 1983 (invite below) when Madonna had her first Studio 54 performance of "Holiday". Madonna record "Holiday" was added to the Z100 play list on the following monday morning. Madonna in return did two more performances later in that year in gratis, that was the deal. Other Various Artists - Legendary Performers Wham!, Duran Duran, Culture Club, Menudo, Run-DMC, Dolly Parton, The Village People, The Weather Girls, Selvester, Diana Ross, Robert Flack, Eartha Kitt. Some of the world's most famous performers also performed their new songs: Donna Summer,Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band, Grace Jones, Gloria Gaynor, Sylvester, The Village People, Cheryl Lynn, Brooklyn Dreams, James Brown, Phyllis Hyman, Amii Stewart, Chic, The Ritchie Family, Rick James, Stephanie Mills, Roberta Kelly, and Arthur Russell all sang their most famous songs during the partying. There were many many other artists performed onstage before becoming famous.


How Steve Rubel found Billy Smith (Billy Amato) - In-House Show Producer/Studio 54

John Addison owner of the disco "La Jardin" on West 43rd Street, New York City in 1974 introduced Steve Rubell to Billy Smith and then to Ian Schrager. Billy Smith later in 1975 was ask by Ian Schrager and Steve Rubell to handel the promotions for their new disco club called "Enchanted Gardens" a dinner/disco in Douglaston, Queens New York while still in the music business Billy Smith then joned Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager at Studio 54 in the spring of 1977 part time and full time in 1981 until the closing of Studio 54 in April 1986.



Billy Smith (Amato)(NYC)

Boy Billy you need to write a book! I most recently got back in Studio 54 and its history and I must say I am fascinated all over again. I only had the pleasure of going there once but loved being treated like the Senators daughter which I was for 1 night courtesy of my limo driver. I could listen to your stories all night long. Thanks!