Xenon

124 West 43rd Street
New York, New York

A popular midtown Manhattan club that competed with Studio 54.

DJs:
John "Jellybean" Benitez
Toni Calandreo
Brad LeBeau
Preston Powell
Tony Smith

Lightman:
Doug Murray (Technical Director)
Howard (Howie) Davidson (Technical Director)

The photos below were submitted by Stefan Kristoffersson
Photo #1 Description: This is a photo from the last night at Xenon. I think it was 1983, maybe in may. These good looking guys, standing by the front bar, worked at Xenon a few years earlier. Does anyone know their names?
Xenon


Photo #2 Description: This is a part of the Xenon Calendar 1980 or 1981. Remember?
Xenon


The photos below was submitted by Mark Generricci
Photo Description: Exterior photo of Xenon
Xenon Discotheque New York


Xenon disco Photo below submitted by Mike Rodriguez
Description: This is a slide from the original Xenon Poster from 1979 or 1980. The slide was sent to me by Tony Smith a couple of years ago. Thanks for creating this page... way too little about Xenon on web.



Photos below submitted by Xenon's Lightguy, Howie D.
Photo 1 and 2: B/W Xenon invite with group photo
Xenon disco
Xenon  disco



Xenon discoThree photos on left of: These are a few pictures of a Pool party we did at Xenon. Not sure what year it was. Howard and Peppo had me set up a pool with water in it for the party and as you can see we had all kinds of pool toys hanging in the air.



Xenon disco This is Tim Flanagin better know as Timbo, work at the Fly system backstage. This is where the various flying effects where raised and lower from, it was located behind the rear bar.



Xenon disco DJ Preston Powell This picture is of Preston Powell who worked as a DJ at Xenon for a time. Later went on to have his on club out in Sag Harbor, L.I. called Bay Street.



The photos of the two Xenon door cards below were submitted by Sean McKenna:
disco disco



The Xenon poster below was submitted by Mike Rodriguez:
"This was the top of the Xenon poster circa 1979-80... unfortunately this is all that is left of it."
Xenon



Photo below submitted by Stefan Kristoffersson:
This is the Xenon waiter Steven. He used to drive the coolest car! And yes, I had Patrics admission to take these photos the last night!
disco



The photos below were submitted by Nicky Grasso
Description: #1 Is a front view of a Halloween invitation from the Friday Oct. 31, 1980 Halloween party at the NYC club XENON. #2 Is the rear view from the Friday Oct. 31, 1980 Halloween party at XENON #3 Is an Invitation the New Year's Eve party on Wednesday, December 31, 1980 at the NYC nightclub XENON
Xenon
Xenon
Xenon

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Posted by:
Bernie: DiscoMusic.com
on Sep 25, 03 | 7:55 am



Reader Comments on Xenon

 

this was my next hang out after the funhouse. trippy time.
Posted Feb 05, 04 | 3:52 pm by richie

Richie,

Can you describe more of the club such as decor and the types of music heard? How about the DJs...?

If anyone has photographs from this or any other clubs of the era please feel free to Upload them to this site and they will be included. Thanks.
Posted Feb 05, 04 | 4:35 pm by Bernie: DiscoMusic.com

well, in '82 the funhouse turned to hardcore "house" so, for my friends and me so we needed to find a new home. we went to xenon one night just to try it out and we fell in love with the DJ. her name was Toni-c. she was playing the hills of katmandu. Toni was not the only dj there and some of the names escape me right now, but she was our fav.
so the music was a mixture of mainstream dance pop and dance-able rock in the earlier part of the night, which we did not like. from 12 to about 3am the crowd was a bit bridge and tunnel and they got most excited by flashdance stuff. after 3 though Toni-c would turn the place into the saint. funny how many straight people fell in love with that music not realizing they were intoxicated by gay disco!
xexnon was an old theatre on 44th street, similar to studio 54, but smaller. it was painted a disgusting peach color. it did have some decent lights and the biggest mirrored ball you ever saw. there was a neon mural that would pop down that had a neon dancing cowboy. there was also a neon pinball machine 30 feet tall that would also drop from the ceiling that when somebody bumped into padded flippers, it would shoot a neon ball upwards (i think, hard to remember) anyway it was seldom ever used. i think it must have broken early on and they never tried to fix it.
it was a trippy time because i was just coming out of the closet as AIDS came crashing down on us. i wound up losing so many friends and we were all so young. some songs fromn 83 and 84 i can't listen to becuse they take me back to a pretty sad time.
after 2 years, xenon was closed amid the usual scandals that plague discos. the best part was on the last night many of the people still there when the music stopped, looted what they could. i came away with 3 mirrored cubes that hung from the ceiling in the entrance. i still have them somewhere.
my disco days were far from over though. during that time i discovered the saint. W-O-W.

Posted Feb 06, 04 | 9:46 am by richie

Tony Smith replaced by Brad LaBeu were two other prominent DJs at Xenon....I hung out at Xenon more than I would like to admit........Both were very good DJs that never got the "superstatus" recognition that they deserved........

Brad LeBea went on to do promotion work and was responsible for such acts as XENA, George LaMond and that diva....SHANNON........

Anyone remember Brad playing "Gomez Presley's THE LETTER???"

Or Don't You Want Me Baby by HLeague mixed into T-Connection At Midnight while that Silk Screen came up and the club opened up...

Wow! What Days.....

What about Tainted Love (Soft Cell) mixed into Lime's Babe We're Gonna Love Tonight.....I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT MOMENT......

Remember, Bananarama's REALLY SAYING SOMETHING??????

That was XENON.......Linda Clifford's Don't Come Crying To Me mixed into Don't Stop The Train mixed into the HOT TRACKS mix of ABBA THE VISITORS.....

OUCH!!!
Posted Feb 07, 04 | 4:58 pm by AlexGARCIA

Xenon was a magical place because it catered to a straight NYC crowd as well as the "slick" B&T's and well, just and...
The music was slighty as good as the music of THE SAINT, however, less High NRG and absolutely no SLEAZE or morning music......

You could easily hear songs like, Sharon Redd's "In The Name Of Love," "Q-Feel's - Dancing In Heaven," Duran Duran's Hungary Like A Wolf mixed into "Do You Wanna Funk," and what about that mix, "Carl Carlton's "Baby I Need Your Loving" mixed into the predictable, Angela Clemmons, Give Me Just a Little More Time....

Remember "Bobby O's - I'M So Hot For YOu," She Has A Way, Shoot Your Shot....

The College Rock sets, Stray Cats, SHATTERED - THE STONES, Elton John's Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting, Toni Basil's Micky..........Rod Stewarts' Tonight I'm Yours...The Cars - Shake It Up....Bonnie Tyler's Holding Out For a Hero....

With regards the the last night, and I WAS there for the LAST NIGHT....They hired the MOST HORRIBLE DJ ever, don't know his name but with all the good DJs that passed through XENON, why that guy......Scott Baio from Happy Days was there waving at the crowd.....

Majorly packed....

A Xenon reunion took place a bunch of years later with Patrick (One of the owners) graciously greeting XENON die-hards like me at the door....

Tony Smith returned to the 1200's and played stuff like "Michael McClory's I Wanna Love YOu , Let Me Love you.....

He played, Harlow's Take Off, mixed it into Romeo and Juiliet, he played Risky Changes and mixed into Don Ray's Standing In the Rain....

Real great stuff and the crowd was loving it.....Xenon was a place that in itself had it's own kinda MAGIC.....

Alex
Posted Feb 08, 04 | 8:54 am by AlexGARCIA

where was the reunion?
Posted Feb 08, 04 | 7:32 pm by richie

At Xenon itself, though at the time Xenon was renamed SHOUT..........and it was basically a 50's and 60's club.....I believe the reunion took place in 1989.......Not sure, I would have to check my old club flyers.......
Posted Feb 08, 04 | 11:27 pm by AlexGARCIA

oh yeah, that's right. you have a great memory. did it have a car crashing through the back wall?

do i know you?
Posted Feb 09, 04 | 7:48 am by richie

Yes, it did have a Pink Caddy crashing through the back........The mirrow ball was gone and the sound system s^&ked!
Oscar, the guy you hung with at Funhouse was bought back to DJ in what was an attempt to bring the Xenon magic back, however, though it was picking up momentum, the owners "chickend" out and scrapped the project within 4 weeks.

We may know each other, not sure....

I am a DJ myself and actually DJ'd w/Oscar at Studio and this particular attempt at bringng Xenon back....We worked with Bill Jarema (one of the Xenon promoters.)
Posted Feb 09, 04 | 10:13 am by AlexGARCIA

I used to know Oscar from his toy store days and remember an attempt to open a new club down the street from studio. It failed but Oscar had a chance then to be the number one. I still have many of his tapes that he let me copy when I worked at a radio shack nexct door to him in West New York, NJ. Most of my friends refused to hit the clubs and this is nostalgia I never get to share with anyone.
Posted Mar 06, 04 | 11:18 pm by joaquing

From 1984 to 1986 I used to do my record shopping in Union City and Oscar used to tell me all the hottest new imports. Then Saturday nights was Studio 54, he played the hottest Hi-Nrg/eurodisco hits, I remember this group called FANCY performed CHINESE EYES & COME INSIDE, it was so rare to have groups like that perform in NYC. Anyway, we all knew what time it was when he played the intro to AT MIDNIGHT and was riding I WILL SURVIVE in the background and all the great classics he played during the night.

I did follow him to the new XENON but don't know what happened to him after that.

Does anyone know what is OSCAR "Captain Midnight" up to now days? Send him my regards.

Santi
The Disco Express
Enuma Recordings. Elizabeth, NJ
Posted Mar 25, 04 | 2:09 pm by santi

Santi...I called Oscar and told him to check out this site..........Oscar and I are best friends and he got a real kick out of your very nice comments....I am sure he will contribute to this page in the near future.....Chao all you disco KIDS!
Posted Mar 25, 04 | 5:35 pm by AlexGARCIA

This is Bernie, the owner and publisher of DiscoMusic.com. I want to thank all those who submitted info on Xenon and numerous other clubs. As this will become a permanent historical record it is important to keep comments on topic and directly related to the club in the entry-in this case Xenon.

It's good to see that old friends have gotten in touch with each other due to this space, but I must ask that everyone not clutter this space with personal chit-chat unrelated to Xenon. I've set aside the free forum for such general discussions and encourage you to continue the discussion there. Thanks for your understanding.

PS: If anyone has photos of Xenon and/or the DJs please upload them and I will include them on this page.
Posted Mar 26, 04 | 7:29 am by Bernie: DiscoMusic.com

You guys have an awesome memory for the mixes...

Patrick wasn't really an owner, however (although he may have been cut-in after 80/81). Patrick (blond guy) was Peppo's eyes out in the club (but there was also a bouncer, Patrick, who later went to work the re-opened Studio. older, buffer, darker...wore a hidious Michelin Man long puffy coat off the rack at Macy's).

Anyway... blond Patrick was there to scout tail for Peppo...a prime recruiter of "Peppo's Boys."

I lost my card a few years back, but I still have the 4th Anniversary tank top!

Those were some of the best Thursdays and Sunday's of my life. Before 2 and Fridays and Saturdays were waaaaaay too b&t...during those times my friends and I would slink around the back of the club and just pretend no one else existed....very fun.

Take care, now.
Posted Apr 02, 04 | 3:58 pm by jackson

P.S.

Closing the night with "Eyes In The Back of My Head" into Last Dance was pretty cool...

That Hot Trax mix of The Visitors was one of the hottest things around.
Posted Apr 02, 04 | 4:04 pm by jackson

I could tell you boys stories about behind the scenes at Xenon....

I last saw Patrick in San Diego....about 10 years ago...

Anyway some of the DJ's were Preston Powell, Brad LeBeau, Toni Smith, Toni
Calandreo, and of course Jelly Bean Benitez....

Wonderful lighting done by Howie
Davidson and his whole crew.....
What a place!

Howard Stein of Au Bar and Palladium
and Peppo were the owners....of record.
Posted May 31, 04 | 6:47 pm by lightwoman

Hey LightWoman....I wanna say your name is Chris??? We hung out many times at Chippendales w/Frankie...Not sure if you remember me...Green Eyes, Chris O'Donnell looking guy....I backed Frankie up on numerous occasions...We all partied together numerous nights....

I even hung out w/you at Xenon that last night when you were doing the lights and WOMAN, you were going off...! Do you remember me.........?????

Great to hear your comments...!
Posted Jun 01, 04 | 4:47 pm by AlexGARCIA

i remember lightwoman. you once did lights at the red parrot, then we went to the 103 diner next to the saint with toni colandreo. what is your name? i am wracking my brains!!!

anyway, you were one amazing lightwoman.
Posted Jun 02, 04 | 7:46 am by richie

Anyone remember the "Blue parrot" on 13th and 5th around 1978-79?
Posted Jun 02, 04 | 9:36 pm by dappag3267

I only remember the Red Parrot on 57th. Xenon was a cool club that we would go to on ocasional nights off working at the Ice Palace. It was more of a straight crowd though there was always a mix in New York during the 70's wherever we went. I have a memory of the large neon cowboy and pinball machine. The lights and sound were fabulous and we enjoyed dancing there a couple of nights a week. Xenon was a hot club. Another disco that in my opinion was similar yet not mentioned here was Electric Circus.
Posted Jul 26, 04 | 9:10 pm by spinner333

Hey Lightwoman ,
Are you Kat joi?
I remember you . I hope its you , you did lights for me at B square, the old Area. Is it you ...
With respect to Zenon; I wished I had heard Toni C. play there. The night I went the dj was using a telephone as a headphone. It was such a dramatic and energized place . I first heard the remix of Bohannan's Get on up and dance , And Vivian Vees "Remember" I loved the conversion of old theatres into discothques, balconys make the best vip spots.
Posted Sep 07, 04 | 9:50 am by eventidenyc

OK, I'm sure I know a few of you. I have a guess who LightWoman is.

Howie D
Posted Dec 19, 04 | 8:45 pm by Lightguy

howie, i think i must know you.

i still see toni.c. all the time, we are very close.
sometimes she packs up the vynal and does a gig somewhere. next time i talk to her i'll ask where she will be playing.

all you need to do is tell her you went to xenon and she will pull out all the old stuff. play it to death for you even if the rest of the crowd hates it. (which they usually dont)
anybody know where preston powell is these days?
Posted Dec 20, 04 | 7:40 am by richie

with all due respect...there's alot of misinformation about Xenon here....even the spelling of my name...Tony Smith not Toni :)
Posted Jan 02, 05 | 12:11 pm by TonyXenon

Tony
Your forgeting the other Toni

Lightguy
Posted Jan 02, 05 | 5:10 pm by Lightguy

Ok, stop the nonsense..........Tony Smith was the legend @Xenon........Toni (the female) was no where near as good a DJ as Tony Smith.........Tony Smith rocked at a reunion Xenon night in the late 80's.........Toni (the female) was very ordinary and whatever fame she gathered while at Xenon was not due to her talent, but due to the mystic of the club and the music that was played there that was bigger than DJs themselves....Tony SMITH was fabulous as was Brad LaBeau...........The rest of the Xenon DJs were just OK........NOT worth writing much about them........So I want...........Whomever wants to disagree w/me, can and should , no harm done in that, however, I made my case and it is the way I see things and that is that...............Ciao disco bunnies!
Posted Jan 02, 05 | 8:31 pm by AlexGARCIA

Umm, couple of corrections here. Doug Murray was the Technical Director at Xenon and responsible for the fantastic and ahead-of it's-time special effects that Xenon had to offer. Howie Davidson was a stagehand who was hired by Doug and Howie's job, along with the other stagehands (like Ray Howell and Eddie Kramer, et al) was to follow the stage cues that Doug set each night. On the infrequent occasions that Howie actually did appear alone in the lighting booth, it was only because Doug had the night off (a near-empty Sunday or Monday) or was in the bathroom. To think that Howie is actually on this site and didn't make this correction to distribute credit where credit is due is a little creepy.
Additionally, the only DJ with the name Tony associated with Xenon who is worth mentioning is the gifted and undersung Tony Smith who was breaking ground in his trademark lowkey style 30 years ago.
Posted Feb 19, 05 | 12:29 pm by jn

Wow! I recently walked by Xenon and that whole area was torn down with the exception of the front outside wall (brick with the old Henry Miller Theater inscription), which I guess they are keeping for the new structure. My youth was well spent there (and Studio) and back from '78 until '83 when I was a college student, hordes of us would be there at least twice a week, dancing until the wee hours. A great memory is the XENON 2000 calendar, which I and a bunch of friends are in. And in my mind Tony Smith was the greatest dj ever. He'd always play Feed the Flame for me, Blondie, Walking On Thin Ice, Dancer, new wave music... his selection of dance music was great. I remember following him to Magique for a while after he left Xenon. That's where I lost track. I remember all the staff and owners of Xenon, events, and the dramas and celebrities, and back then it was an ultimate good time. One especially good time was around '83) the night after a fashion show the dance floor opened and a swimming pool that was on the dancefloor flooded the dance floor, there was a foot of water and we all danced and laughed in it anyway. I've had the pleasure of growing up there with so many friends, many of which I'm still close to. We all still talk about what a time it was. And it was. :)
Posted May 20, 05 | 5:46 am by discodan

XENON calnedar? I was probably not in it. I am however in the STUDIO 54 one! I remember seeing France Joli perform. She wore a gold sequined jacket. THey made a big deal out of it .. intereviewed her in her hotel room... it ws great fun. I saw Cheryl Tiegs and Bill Boggs there, ate chocolate cupcakes and had someone lick my fingers! Does anyone recall GYPSY? ( Ithink pronouced YIPSY, not sure. "THIS person" could leap high up onto the speakers! Just like Peter Pan! XENON was fun togo to especially when STUDIO was closed. At least we could dance. I remember a song... in the forest ... ok its getting late.
Posted Jun 12, 05 | 7:32 pm by twinpines

Oh yes, I remember GYPSY! She was really a he, and she was always at Xenon in '78/'79 as I recall. I have to send my friend a link to this site because she has a great GYPSY story for you. She was taking a dance class and saw this man, and being bold as always -- she walked up to him and asked if he hung out at XENON and if his name was Gypsy! He turned several shades, but it was her. The Xenon Calendar featured several models including Appolonia and maybe Janice Dickinson.
Posted Jun 15, 05 | 5:15 am by discodan

I can't help but laugh at some of the comments. First the the "ligth woman" is one of 2 ladies. The first one was Corrine Hartman Riley, and the second one, as Howie D might know, became Mrs. Howie Davidson.
Patrick, is most likely Patrick McBride who was first a bartender and than the manager after the original manager, Taylor Alonso left Xenon.
Xenon was orignally designed by Adam Tihany, with the sound being done by Paramount Studio,and the "space ship" designed by the same man who designed the space ship in Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The color scheme of green and black was take from the dollar bill.
The renovation, which is where the pink comes into that is mention, was designed by Samuel Botero. The color scheme was, coral, and blue with highlights in gold and mirrors. It was inspired by the colors of Egypt as interpreted by Sam.
As to the owner, there were 2 on record. Peppo Vanini, from Lugano Switzerland, who went back to Switzerland and opened up a very exclusive club in St. Moritz called the Chesa Veglia. He asked me to come over and help him open it and run it . He would also open up a club in Milano and was asked to come down to Monte Carlo and open a club. (Peppo has know Princess Carolina and Pince Albert for decades)--In fact there is a funny story about Peppo calling the office one day when the Pope was visting New York City. Caroline and her then husband Philip Junot, wanted a private audience with the Pope. You can image how bizzar that sounds. Calling a disco to get a audience with the Pope. But we pulled it off. An a**'t to the Cardinal of New York, was in awe of meeting Grace Kelly's daughter. Princess Caroline wore the same outfit to meet the Pope that day, as she did the night at Xenon.(a black leather blazer, white blouse with a black velvet tie, black skirt and black heels--at night the black velvet tie was removed and the bouse a little more decoltee). Peppo now does PR and arranges events for the jet set.
Howard Stein, open up a restaurant called Prima Dona and then Au Bar.
The 2 silent partner were Larry Gang, an accountant, and Peter Schmidt a lawyer (who now is in prison after embazzeling 60 million from his clients).
The building itself was built for the play writer and owned by Henry Miller. His offices were Xenon's office .They were also used as avery very vip section. Very few people were allowed up into those offices during the night.
As to pictures of Xenon, The photographe Richard Manning and the AP photo Quinto are you best source. However, you may see Xenon in a Stallone's film "Nighthawk". Xenon is the location where Stallone first see Rutgard Howard(the bad guy) and chases him. You will also see Howard Stein and thelady who would become the 2nd Mrs Stein, Tawn Christian Stein, in that scene.
Xenon also put out a little 45 record. How many people remember that. (it was actually an invitation.)

Posted Jul 09, 05 | 12:04 am by jeff kiehl

I am one of the dancers that perform with gypsy and pierre, corey, J alexander
(America's Top Model Fame). Believe it or not I was stopped by two guys who throught my legs were fake!!! I know Howard and Peppo! John and Lynn worked the door, while gary (busboy) work the bar! I love Tony and Jellybean.I will be placing an ad for another reunion. I am known as the Coach! I almost forgot (Olive the bath room attendant knew many stories. Get in Contact with Me for trade stories!!! Let's make this reunion a blast from the past!!!!
Posted Aug 16, 05 | 1:37 pm by beverly stewart

i'm(pierre) was a regular feature dancer at xenon
78/79/80 and with GYPSY. i remember SINGER ROBERTA FLACK TELLING US THAT WE WHERE THE BEST SHE'S EVER SEEN. AND WE WHERE(SMILE)
TONY SMITH WAS THE BEST DJ EVER
HIS PULSE AND FEEL FOR WHAT U WANTED TO HERE WAS EXCELLENT
Posted Aug 30, 05 | 7:19 pm by pierre lynch

i had the pleasure of spending quite a few nights at xenon when i lived in nyc and have often wondered what ever became of the club. does anyone remember a guy named john warner ... was he the manager or part of the management team?
Posted Sep 28, 05 | 2:41 am by ukusguy

It almost seems like a very distant part of my life (The Xenon years) that is.
But after reading some of these articles it really brings back some great memories.
If anyone went Xenon during the first years they would Know me or at least had seen me.
I was the guy dancing in top of the speaker next to Tony S. by the water fountain with the orange shorts and the Superman shirt that always came of when Tony decided to bring to the climax.
Posted Oct 14, 05 | 7:45 am by Ray Trull

wow the years of Xenon were amazing. i will tell you,,the real deal. It was the late 70's. and I was hosting a hige event outside of the Burlington Building on 6th ave and 52nd street from 12 to 2 PM. I was playing for a huge outdoor disco party. I was sponsored by the Lighthouse for the Blind, WABC and WNBC radio, and Howard Stein of Xenon. Xenon was just opening, I mean brand new. I went there during one of the first nights and I went up to introduce myself to the DJ and it was Tony Smith. We became very close friends, not just a weekend thing and years later was a guest at my wedding. Every Sat or friday (whenever I wasnt working you could find me at Xenon. Years later I would play there when it became Shout, City, etc.
It was a time of incredible dance music. Tony had an incredible feel for playing music at the right time and mixing it flawlessly. I became a regular at Xenon, meeting countless people in the upstairs "DJ backroom". People like Claudia Cusetta, Izzy Sanchez, Bruce Marcus, Brad LeBow...all promoting the music of the time...and then at 6AM after Xenon we all went to the Paradise Garage.thats another story...DJ Jeff Yahney
Posted Nov 08, 05 | 1:03 am by DJ Jeff Yahney

Does anyone remember the silver-painted Tin Woodsman and Silver Lady on opening night in 1978?
Posted Nov 08, 05 | 8:23 am by John Lockwood

Great Memories.....Xenon was my home away from home....My greatest memory of Xenon was a night when the club was not too crowded was either a Monday or Thursday and was on the dance floor dancing and a nice looking man in a suit was dancing as well and since no one else was out there we danced together....after awhile he thanked me for the dance and introduced himself and kissed my hand.....I almost dropped to the floor.....It was Desi Arnez Jr......Also I have fond memories of the times I shared with Oscar (Captain12nite)...thanks for the memories Oscar....XXXX
Posted Jan 31, 06 | 7:50 pm by Tracy K

I remember a silver painted couple, but not that the guy was a tin woodsman character. I believe the painted couple was comprised of the late Marc Stevens and the late Jill Monroe ...
Posted Feb 01, 06 | 1:47 am by ukusguy

Let's see now, Toni C.'s last name is spelled "Colandreo" which is me. My last name was shortened by the record industry long ago. Garcia, if you know Oscar then you should know that by the time I got to Xenon it was falling apart and they hired me to revive it and get back their celebrities which I did for a fat salary.

I was well established in the hipper, more underground scene. I was there as a favor to Preston and Jellybean my two good friends. They both worked for me at the Electric Circus where I also DJed. I was a techie, doing lights and sound there when Stein got hold of one of my tapes and hired me immediately. I didn't even tell him I was a DJ and people were calling to request me and the office thought I was playing tricks on them. That's how much I needed the "mystique" of Xenon.

Back in the day I was working with cutting edge technology so I needed the bucks to buy equipment. I really didn't want to work there since I was offered a night at Area which was THE club to be at, as well as Studio 54, and several other new places, but the money was too good to turn down. So I took it, and I had a great time when plaster wasn't falling on me or the air conditioning breaking down. Howard Stein forbid me to work anywhere else and called me his "personal rock star" bless his black little heart. Finally they ran the place into the ground. I stayed there longer then I should have because I loved my regulars, and the staff. I met some great people there.

I had two lighting women, Laurie and Sarah, both big fun. Cat Joi was also my friend but I worked with her at other clubs. I loved the whole tech staff, they were out of their minds and really a hoot. They shot plastic snow at me once which I still find in some records twenty years later. Xenon was just one of so many clubs I worked out that it's hard for me to remember all the names but have a lot of the invites some where. I bought in hip hop, future MTV acts, (which I also danced for at clubs for free drinks and a goof), and lots of local artists I was working with as well as becoming the resident Euro/Ameritrash Dj. Preston left for Club A and later hired me there. He also opened a great club called Bay Street in Sag Harbor. Howard coveted the Euro crowd which Kristina R. had at Club A and I was in a war between the two of them for a while. Later he opened Au Bar after Club A closed and got that crowd to his hearts delight. I was a working at other clubs by then and being a full time songwriter/musician/producer. ALL the DJ's were great. You couldn't work there if you weren't at a certain level even if you were doing "favors" for Peppo Vannini.

Each DJ had their own style. Tony (with a y) Smith was an excellent DJ and person who was fired for some ridiculous political reason. He definitely was "unsung." Brad LeBeau became a fantastic record promoter who promoted some of my records. I and Jellybean put out some great ones together and I've had a lot of success as a musician, writer, artist etc...Preston Powell was not only extremely creative, but inspired me when I was first demoing the tunes that established me as a writer. There were other DJ's who passed through some good, some god awlful. Oscar worked there only once when there was a scheduling conflict and no DJ's showed up. I used to comp him in with Richie and Donna, his friends, because they freaked out over the trance, electronic records I used to play like "The Hills of Katmandu." He used to be a great go go boy on the speakers especially if you played "La Bamba." I "broke" that is introduced a lot of records there before they were released to the public. That's because the weekends became more mixed and full of kids who buy records, that followed me there. Celebrities don't. My gay/artsy fartsy/fashion crowd came on the weeknights. The Dj's, Artists and dance music fans always supported me, still do, and I'm very grateful to them for a great career. They put up with all sorts of irritating things at Xenon just to hear me play.

I left there continued to work all over the city and the world. Europe is much better for dance music. I don't spin as much now except for favors and special gigs. I do T.V. film, act now and perform as a live musician. I've DJ'ed for benefits, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Carnival in Brazil, Raves, and my favorite, the tiny BarRoom 432 where Johnny Dynell and Chi Chi Valenti continued the true art underground mixed with dance music at the Legendary Jackie 60. I've stayed close to my loyal gay crowd. All I know is half the boys of East New York were coming out to me in the booth at Xenon thinking no one knew they were gay when they ditched their girlfriends at four in the morning as I suddenly turned into a flaming queen with the music. Worked every time. Was it something in the water over there? Aids and drugs sadly robbed me of far too many people from that time to mention. I try to remember that I have their energy and the experiences that we shared in me, so I can pass it along when I make records, perform and still on occasion spin records.
Posted Feb 14, 06 | 5:06 am by toni c.

guys + gals,

this is the first time i've visted this site and seeing names of songs i used to play and my fellow DJs' Tony C Preston Tony Smith + Jellybean brings back some very fond memories. thanks for remembering all of us as i hold those (days 23+ years ago) very close to my heart!

long live disco music ...

brad
Posted Apr 07, 06 | 12:03 pm by Brad LeBeau

I worked as busboy at Xenon back in 1981. It was a geat time, but I got drafted and had to go back to Sweden. After the military service was completed, I went to New York for a week. The first day I met Sharon (the beutiful hostess at Xenon). She invited me to the Goodbye Party at Xenon the night after.

At the party I met Patrik, Mark, Jeff and a few outher busboys and barkeepers from the old time. It was great to meet again, but also a bit sad as it was a cloosing party.

It was a very long time ago, but I still got the Xenon poster calendar on the wall where I now live in Germany. Somewhere I got some photos from the last night. Best pics though comes up inside with the right disco music!
Posted May 11, 06 | 3:08 am by Stefan Kristoffersson

I remember the names of two of the people in the picture. The person behind the young lady is Robert Steel and the person next to him is Peter Castro
Posted May 21, 06 | 3:02 pm by Lightguy

Boy, does that photo Stefan posted bring back memories! I worked at Xenon from 1980 to closing night in 1984. I started as a busboy (wearing the standard red sweatsuit) and worked my way up the ranks to waiter and then bartender. Coming to NYC from a small town and getting to work in a hotspot like Xenon was an amazing experience. I have so many treasured memories of the energy that emanated from the dance floor, thanks to the great work of the DJs and lighting crew. The fact that it was built in the Henry Miller Theater, a classic building with a long history, gave it a very special atmosphere. Working there for so long gave me access to all of the hidden secrets of the club--the nooks and crannies where the celebrities and other VIPs hung out--and really made me feel like I was on the cutting edge of the nightclub scene. Some of my memories, those that are not already mentioned, include the fact that Thursday was F.I.T. night (the night when students from the Fashion Institute of Technology were given special treatment). I also have great memories of hanging out with Jay Alexander, back when he was called Alex and long before his reality TV fame, and of serving the likes of Andy Warhol, Sly Stallone, David Bowie, and Mick Jagger. The dance floor was always smoking, and the balcony always had “interesting” things going on. One thing that hasn’t been mentioned is the live performances featured at Xenon, including shows by Tito Puente, Menudo, and Run DMC. New Year’s Eve was always a treat, with giant ice sculptures on the dance floor. Whenever I hear a song from that era it takes me back. I will always remember the rock blocs that the DJs played, with songs like “Saturday Night’s All Right for Fighting,” as well as the music that signified that the bar would soon be closing, songs like “Tainted Love.”

I could go on and on, but I’ll stop here for now. I have really enjoyed hearing about my old friends and acquaintances—people like Toni, Jeff, Jellybean, Brad, Patrick and Howie. I have kept in touch with a few, and I know that several sadly are no longer with us. It is also very sad that the Henry Miller Theater is being demolished to make way for a high-rise office building, but at least the façade is landmarked and will remain a fixture on 43rd Street. I have many photos, invitations, and other memorabilia from Xenon that I will try to dig up, and perhaps post on the site, in due time.

Great hearing from you all!

Posted May 28, 06 | 3:38 pm by Xebob

yup I was one of em but proud to say I was soooo naive and dumb that nothing ever happened. I remember behind the big metal door (stage right in the back), where Peppo hung out with Calvin and Grace Jones blah blah. I was alllll starry eyed. Little NYU kid with an all access pass. The one guy in the middle of the pic is Dane Black, I dated his sister Bambi. Would love to know where they are. Anyway it's been a blast reading all of these. At the base of it all there were alot of very sweet people at that place that loved to dance.
Posted Aug 14, 06 | 12:49 pm by PeppoBoy

I'm one of the guys in the picture, Peter Castro, the nerdy looking dude with the glasses. The guy next to me is Dane, a former busboy and the other dude is fellow former bartender Bob Steel. Xenon was perhaps the most fun job i ever had. I started there in Dec. 1979 as a sequined busboy and left a seasoned bartender in 1984, the year that photo above was taken. I began there while Evita was all the rage on Broadway and its discofied soundtrack all the rage on our dancefloor. There'll never be a club like it again. Pinball machines would drop out of the neon heavens and land next to dancers gyrating to Funky Town by Lipps. Not to mention the fake snow (clearly an homage to the abundant cocaine passing through nostrils by one and all) that dropped on you, sticking to your favorite nylon shirt. I have too many stories to go into here. But to this day, i recall all the great people that worked there and went on to bigger and better things. Has anyone forgotten that Philip Bloch, now a famed stylist started as a busboy there? ANd that Jay Alexander, now a star of America's Top Model, was best known for twirling to the music in his taffeta creations? Timmy Bascomb is now a big deal real estate honcho and Stuart Krasnow, a former busboy, has become one of TV's most successful producers. Where have you gone Brian Stiga? May God bless you all whereever you are. See you all in another life. And remember, we don't serve water at the bar. "There's a water fountain in the back, to the left."
Posted Aug 22, 06 | 3:47 pm by barman

I cant believe that I found this site, first I was trying to see if Jay Alexander was the same Alex that I knew when I worked at xenon. I was the coat check girl downstairs. What happened to all the other girls that worked there.. I'll always remember Elizabeth Foley, we became good friends over those years. Also there was Virginia and a few others that I have forgotten there names. If you all are out there or remember me write back. I've got so many good memories of xenon. I'll have to collect all my thoughts and post again on this site. Just reading all the above post brings back so many memories.
Posted Sep 22, 06 | 12:51 pm by Debbie Robinson

Back in '80 I was living with friends in Key West , and met with Peppo's entourage to fly back with them ( vaguely remember 'a contessa' (friend from Lugano) ,another Peppoboy (from Midwest-called Greg ) & an Italian filmdirector-friend of Peppo and P.'s assistant/friend ) . Had a great time visiting Xenon (still have the pass with the moving wheels) , and getting my back trampled on /massaged in the VIP-lounge by Peppo's chauffeur - a short Asian lady, whose name I forgot ..
Parties with C.K. & entourage etc etc - @ that age I was fresh meat & simply enjoyed.
Aware of my 'Peppoboy' label though , I split (in time) after a month back to FLA , but wished I had gone more to the club itself at that time..
I went also to AREA ( ' 85 I believe) on it's Narly-theme night ... now that was someting else.... ( fantastic)
Later started a club in L.A. called Powertools together with Matt Dyke,Brad Branson and Kathy Yueng.
Posted Oct 05, 06 | 10:14 am by Peppoboy (import)

Rio was the massage gal and Timmy was Peppo's worker/friend. I was probably there when she was walking on your back, lol. She was good too. Bout 4'11'' but strong.
Posted Oct 10, 06 | 1:55 pm by PeppoBoy

It's really great to read your posts, they take me back to some really incredible times. While Studio 54 may have been the rage; it was plastic, while Xenon was real and so much more alive. My best friend, Bruce Capousso and I were introduced to Xenon in Feb 1979 by our friend, Lenny - who together with Danny Rizzo were the original Speaker Dancers and early Peppo Boys. Len was always dressed in tennis shorts and Danny was the one always wearing an Indian Loincloth and not much else...

Tuesdays and Thursdays were the most fun, especially the FIT-night parties. The music was the best...Toni C. I remember you coming in one night out of nowhere and just tearing the place up...I would leave at 7 in the morning dripping wet from nonstop jumping all night long.

I still remember Tony Smith and his frenetic mixes with the ocassional tossing in of punk classics like "Warm Leatherettes." Songs like "Wishbone" and "Hills of Katmandu" from Tantra have never left me since...Beginning that night in 1979, Bruce and I would continue to be there 3-4 nights every week until the night it closed...Thank you for bringing back such great memories.

Mike R.
Posted Nov 19, 06 | 11:12 am by Mike R

Hey, it's me Timmy. Xenon was such a long time ago but still have great memories. I remember the after parties up at Peppo's country estate in Bedford and entertaining his unlimited guests down in Key West during the winter months. Riyo lives with her husband in Scranton, Pa. Her daughter, Christine J. Brandt has become a very hip jewelry designer. Miss the old party days and really miss Peppo. He showed me a world like no other.
Posted Dec 03, 06 | 6:43 am by Timmy

I was at Xenon in 1981.I was 13 years old.Im a straight guy.All I can say is I never saw anything like it before or since.As an adult,I keep chasing the feeling I had hearing that music over that sound system in that huge room with the lights.I danced with myself and with everyone.Nothing mattered.The rest of the world would go away in a fog machine.Wow.Sometimes, I wish I could time travel back to Xenon.That was it in 1981.It had a huge influence on me as a musician.There were other clubs and then Xenon.
Posted Dec 13, 06 | 8:26 pm by carl

hello all you disco freaks.what great times we lived thru, The big X as it was refered to in union city in the 70's & 80's had to be the place to party in the city bar none including STUDIO. The big X with doorman Charles, Bryan, Big John come on kids I was 19 and on top of it, the pimball machines, laser beam hitting the mirrored ball + the music Tony Smith was spinning. Anyone know where Peppo, Santiago,Sean,Claudia,Howard are please e-mail.
Posted Dec 20, 06 | 2:11 pm by jesus saeta

WHERE ARE THEY NOW???

Xenon regulars:
1. Monique (sorry can't remember last name)= Adorable little French girl whose parents had a French restaurant in the east 70's or 80's. She was a regular at Xenon from 78-80/81.

2. Michelle "Fan Dancer" = Michelle always danced with a fan or two on the speaker under Tony's booth. She lived on West 73rd St. She/he was like a pied piper at Xenon... I remember one night I was with her/him and she walked in 22 people...lol. Michelle was a regular from 80-82/83.

Doormen:
1. Blonde Brian
2. Brunette Brian
3. Terry (I believe he was Brian's brother)
4. Roger - formerly of Studio
5. Marc - also formerly of Studio (of puffy coat fame) He was very short-lived at Xenon and I beleve he went to work for Howard at Rock Lounge for a while.
Posted Dec 29, 06 | 6:56 am by Mike R

Hey all... I just found this link to an incredibly open and enlightening interview of Tony Smith in an on-line publication called DJHistory.com.

I hope this is OK to post Bernie...

http://www.djhistory.com/djhistory/archiveInterviewDisplay.php?interview_id=51
Posted Dec 29, 06 | 4:15 pm by Mike R

this is so funny to me, to hear so many stories about xenon. i lived with howard, we hatched the idea together to open up a club, and met peppo at a party, went to bedford to spend a weekend at his place with him and his then wife vicky (tennant) vanini. peppo got backers from italy in less than a week to wire the initial money and we began looking all over the city for a space. when we found the henry miller theatre it was used for porn movies, and it was in really bad shape. adam tihany was young and brilliant, and he was the funniest man i knew, and peppo wanted the color to be the color of money, just like jeffrey kiehl stated in his email.. jeffrey and gwen williams ran the office upstairs and at night it was taylor alonso and john warner (howards exwife helen's boyfriend that ran the door and managed the place. taylor and john knew each other forever from washington dc since they were kids. taylor and his wife patricia are still my very dear friends, and my seventeen yearold daughter is named after him. i still speak to john now and again as well. it was an amazing experience to have live through xenons' early years. i was a senior at nyu, a classical music major at the time, so it was a wild lifestyle to juggle. the upstairs parties at xenon, the celebrities that we hosted parties for, were so much fun, and so interesting, and it was such a life experience for me that i could not get anywhere else. i actually suggested the name xenon to howard when he returned from california to visit the creator of the spaceship for "close encounters of the third kind" to replicate for the lights on the dance floor. xenon was a type of gas used in one of the light bulbs, i thought is sounded cool, howard looked up the word, it meant fear of strangers, he liked that idea, and that was that. when i moved out of our 67th street apartment, i met elio fiorucci at a party at studio 54 and he offered me a job at his store on 59th street as the public relations director, and off i went, not knowing a thing about public relations, but ready for another adventure. i was all of 23 years old, and new york city was the coolest place in the entire world. it still is. everyone back then called me chrissy.
Posted Jan 16, 07 | 3:09 am by chris breit

There from day 1, had the cool xenon card, had to be there before 11 .I'm the guy that made the anniversary shirts with Lenny, both of us were speaker dancers and were there almost every night great times some of the best infact. We were xtras in nighthawks. Went to an RPM photo exhibit at the milkbar (I think) and saw some great pics. The staircase was my favorite.
Posted Jan 24, 07 | 7:32 am by Dan

Rizzo!!!

How the hell are you?? If you scroll up, you'll see that I mentioned that many of the great memories I have of the early days at Xenon were of hanging out with you, Lenny and Bruce Cap when you and Len introduced us to Xenon. The best time ever was the Pele Party in either late 78' or early 79'!!

Hope you are doing well.

Mike R
Posted Jan 24, 07 | 3:04 pm by Mike R

Big Guy!! Timmly!!! it's Little Guy!!! Sean here!!! Where are you? Call me, I'm listed. I love coming to this page and soaking up all these memories- some of em not too "clear" if you know what I mean.. what a different time. Anyway, thanks Bernie and all of you for the bringin me back there.
ps I'm sorry I misspelled Riyo's name,, lol
Bedford, wild....
thanks Bernie
Posted Jan 25, 07 | 12:00 pm by PeppoBoy

Mike R,
Missed your earlier message, hope all is well. dr
Posted Jan 26, 07 | 2:24 am by Dan

Hey Danny... write me when you have a minute. I found a picture of you and Lenny at Xenon on line which is hilarious that I want to send you that I don't think you'd want posted here...lol.

My email is jdent33@aol.com

Take care.

Mike
Posted Jan 26, 07 | 1:57 pm by Mike R

Back in my college days during the early 80's I'd get pretty wild and dance up a storm at Xenon on Friday and Saturday nights. I remember that nearly every night I was there, I'd end up dripping in sweat and dancing sanz shirt on top of one of the huge speakers that were on the dance floor. Those were the days when you felt like you wanted to dance like a maniac with Jenifer Beals in Flashdance! My friends always had a rough time getting my attention when it was time to leave. One thing I regret is that during the course of the night a fair amount of girls would be eying me while I was dancing, but I wouldn't get down to talk with them, because I was afraid of losing my spot dancing on the speaker. Today, I can't believe I would have ever placed dancing ahead of meeting girls! Where are all those girls now?
Posted Jan 31, 07 | 7:24 am by dcaprio

Xenon was a nice club but Infinity was the best.
Posted May 20, 07 | 9:49 am by Thomas

These posts have brought me right back to 1979!! I worked at Xenon as a busboy first (when we still had the Fiorucci Red Overalls...anyone remember those?) I was horribly in love with Tony Smith, used to make up any excuse to bring him orange juice and hang in the booth for a minute or two. Peter Castro! Wow, worked with you before the first time I got fired! Anyone remember Taylor, manager, I think. And what was the Hawaiian Girls name who worked the ticket booth....loved her!

Bernie, can we post email addresses here so we can get in touch with other Xenon-ites?
Mike Festa
(2nd year anniversary invite, first row, second from the right, died black hair- what was I thinking!!)
Posted Jun 18, 07 | 7:38 am by urban212

Haha, these club kids today don't know what they missed. The days of Xenon, and Studio go down in the annals of history (no pun intended lol)as the true glory days of disco decadence. My boy Van and I would hit up the club every week, preferably a weeknight to avoid the weekend amateur masses. Man do I miss those party days and the women AHHHHH!!!!

Hey Danny R,you out there? remember me ,we go all the way back to the Fire and Ice Club days across the river..it was 78 or 79 and I remember your girl Laura with the killer bod and I know you remember our mtual party girl Bernadine ..the cute redhead...hope alls well with you dude!!!!
Posted Jun 20, 07 | 2:37 am by Leo

If remember that much about Xenon...you probably weren't there! Studio was too manic and Xenon had a very cool, even friendly group, great music and attitude. The calendar you mention was a poster from 1981...I just found it in storage with my door card taped to the back...if that card could talk...
Posted Jun 28, 07 | 4:13 am by Steven

Had a wonderful time at xenon,I remember most of u. I worked there as a
busboy,until patrick fired me for dancing behind the props. My friends couldnt understand why id skip the paradise garage for xenon?
Posted Jul 03, 07 | 5:44 am by JOSEPH

HI MY NAME WAS PAUL I WORKED THE DOOR AT XENON .WOW ALL THE WONDERFUL TIMES CAME BACK WITH THIS SITE.I THINK OF KAREN JEAN AND HOW I HAD A CRUSH ON THAT WOWEN. I THINK OF ROGER, AND BRIAN AND WHAT A GREAT GUY HE WAS .BRIAN WAS A BIG GUY WITH A HEART JUST AS BIG.THE TIMES I HAD AT THAT CLUB WERE JUST TO GREAT TO TELL THEM ALL. I THINK ABOUT MEETING PAT BROWN WHO DIED IN THE WORLD TRADE CENTER ATTACK . I THINK ABOUT ALL THE PEOPLE WHO TOUCH MY LIFE AT THAT CLUB ,AND I FEEL GOOD .WELL GOOD NIGHT AND I HOPE WE MEET AGAIN .
Posted Aug 11, 07 | 10:32 am by PAUL DOOR PERSON

Bernie:

Thank you for all the incredible memories this site keeps bringing back to all of us that were lucky enough to experience Xenon and thank you all for the great posts... please keep them coming.

Mike R
Posted Aug 12, 07 | 7:14 am by Mike R

anyone know of the where abouts of Brian Stiga?
Posted Aug 15, 07 | 2:51 pm by Lightguy

i think of xenon all the time! i made my husband down load so much great music - the gay dancing kind that brad played! brad was the best! i use to go to xenon at midnight every friday and saturday and when i got on the dance floor he would play " shes built, shes stacked! lol. he had a crush on me. brad if you read this do you remember the hot italian girl with black curly hair that danced all night, every single weekend? you once told me you wanted to lick my shoes! lol. do you ever hear from david? remember him? he was a dj too? i lived in xenon and dated all the hottest guys from union city!!! those where the days! lol...
i am still listening to the music today... i always have and always will! dane you look good too, remember me? gina!
Posted Sep 02, 07 | 2:47 pm by gina

I went to NYc on business when I was young, and went to discos every night. I started going to Xenon with Ron Lurie in the late 70's. I remember being the young innocent wide eyed girl from the south.....taken aback by the sights and scenes and celebrities there....talked to Robert Kennedy Jr., Egon von Furstenberg, Jerry Hall, and others. Went one Halloween night and a woman was led around the dance floor on a horse, she was naked. A young man was in a circle skirt. spinning around, with nothing underneath. There was a fabulous old lady who danced the whole time. Who were they? Is Ron Lurie still around? Went upstairs many times....special room, etc.......
Posted Sep 07, 07 | 2:52 pm by Kit

Oh yeah, and a Betsey Johnson fashion show there......
Posted Sep 07, 07 | 2:53 pm by Kit

I'm sad to say that I just heard that Howard Stein passed away this week from kidney cancer. My thoughts go out to him and to his family during this sad time.
Posted Oct 05, 07 | 12:07 pm by Xebob

GOD BLESS HOWARD STEIN AND HIS FAMILY WITH OUT HIM AND PEPPO I WOULDN'T HAVE THE WONDERFUL SON I HAVE TODAY. ITS A SAD DAY FOR NIGHTLIFE HISTORY
Posted Oct 05, 07 | 2:23 pm by pierre

How sad... his name will live on thanks to the great memories we all have. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Posted Oct 05, 07 | 5:27 pm by Mike R

I first meet Howard shortly before Xenon opened when I was part of the crew pulling wire and installing lighting in to the club. I can still remember standing on the ramped area leading to the dance floor from the front bar, meeting him for the first time.
I smile and laugh seeing in my minds eye, Howard looking up at me in the lighting booth from the dance floor. The night I tried hit him with a total dump of the snow bag. Somehow he knew what I was up to and just managed to move down stage and escape being buried in the avalanche of snow. It looked like he was surfing as the snow bellowed all around him. We later shared a good laugh about it.
I meet the mother of my daugther working at the club. I worked with some great people, in fact in our own way I think we where a family. Which is way so many people had such a good time at Xenon. When you came there you where in our HOME.
Howard was my boss but I always considered him a friend as well. I find myself deeply saddend by his passing. But will always remember him with a smile on his face and a warm place in his heart for me and I for him.

Howard D.
Lightguy
Posted Oct 05, 07 | 5:39 pm by Lightguy

I just stumbled onto this site after hearing about Howard Steins' untimely death. Reading through all of the postings has been a walk down memory lane. In the early to Mid 80's Jay Bernstein and I Promoted parties at Xenon and than Studio 54. I spent the better part of my late teens dancing on those speakers and must admit that more than once I came close to falling off! Oscar "Captain Midnite" Padilla was our D.J. We brought him with us to Studio when our tenure at Xenon ended. I was a young kid back than and now have a few young kids of my own. Those days represented a very important part of my life and created memories that will last for a lifetime. Thanks!-Andy Epstein
Posted Oct 07, 07 | 3:43 am by andrew epstein

Howie/Howard:

You are absolutely right... Xenon had that rare quality that the big clubs of the late 70's and early 80's lacked...it had that small club feel in that it really did feel like family and like being at home. This is what kept many of us coming back week after week and some of us coming back 2-3 times per week...lol. Man, those were incredible times!

Thank you and the entire Xenon family for making it all such a great experience for those of us that truly loved partying there.
Posted Oct 09, 07 | 4:51 pm by Mike R

STUDIO AND XENON WERE THE BEST BUT THERE WAS ALSO, BONDS, SAINT, ICE PALACE (BEST SUNDAY DANCES), CIRCLES, WELL I GUESS I DANCED TOO MUCH,(NO WAY), NOW ALL I CAN DO IS WATCH MY 3 KIDS DANCE AROUND THE HOUSE. ANYWAY THIS SITE BROUGHT BACK GOOD MEMORIES. TODAYS CLUBS CAN NOT COMPETE WITH THOSE GREAT DISCOS. SHOUT OUT TO ALL THE UNION CITY/WEST NY LATE 70 EARLY 80 KIDS.
Posted Oct 25, 07 | 9:38 am by BIG JOHN


The nights spent at Xenon and Studio 54 were the "Golden" age of New York nighta on the dance-floor. Even though I'm a Jazz musician, dancing has always been a passion, thanks in part to the magical moments made at Xenon; seeing Icons as Halston, Grace Jones, Sir Elton John, Michael Jackson, Disco Granny,etc. Can't imagine the dance party Howard Stein and Steve Rubell are having iin "Heaven", and wonder whose spinning and minding the velvet rope. Here's to the "GOOD TIMES", and never being left on line! So grateful I was there, and still here to dance to the new beats! www.bobbihumphrey.net
Posted Nov 03, 07 | 6:21 am by Bobbi Humphrey

I was there every saturday night, in the early 80,s till the end in 84, always on the speaker, under dj booth, many fond memories at xenon, it was so funny always with a head band on and jazz shoes on. my favorite, divine, she has a way....., and hip hop be bop.
Posted Nov 21, 07 | 2:30 am by noel

I WAS SAD TO HEAR ABOUT HOWARD PASSING AWAY. HE WAS A GREAT GUY ,WHO GAVE JOY TO A LOT OF PEOPLE . HE WILL BE MISSED MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY
Posted Nov 26, 07 | 2:18 pm by PAUL DOOR PERSON

I used to go to Xenons in the late 70's I used to hangout with a group of people mostly from NJ. Thier names were Ana, Hugo, Manny and Madeline.We also hungout with this blonde girl from Queens named Claudia. I still remember the GIANT mirror sculpture overus and the feather guns shooting.Xenons on Saturday and Ice Palace on Sundays. What a great time....
Posted Dec 17, 07 | 12:09 pm by Ernie

I was at Xenon’s only one night, Sunday night to open the DNC convention. My girlfriend was tired and stayed at the hotel. I hung out front for about 10 minutes before being invited in to a group of only 50 people in the place at 11pm. By 3am the placed was packed. People were dancing everywhere including atop the speakers. I'd never seen anything like it. Caroline Kennedy and a body guard (or two) walked by. Thanks to all for the memories.
Posted Jan 09, 08 | 6:23 am by devo

Does anyone remember a punk club named "Canal 3" in SOHO around 1980? What was their story?
Posted Jan 14, 08 | 6:32 am by devo

Devo,

Sorry, no. the only punk clubs I remember around that time were:

1. CBGB, on Bowery Street (3rd Ave) in the lower east side.
2. The Mudd Club, which was in Tribeca or Alphabet City.
3. Hurrahs (before it went Disco) - Upper east side...and,
4. Rock Lounge, opened by Howard Stein on West Broadway, just South of Canal. Not sure if it could actually be considered a punk club, but the music at the beginning was pretty decent.

I'm sure there were many more, but those are the ones I remember.
Posted Jan 17, 08 | 3:52 pm by Mike R

Howie D - I don't know if you remember me or not - it was such a long, long time ago. My name is Donna and I dated and lived with Timbo for a while. I think of him from time to time and wonder how he is, where he lives, is he happy...Have you kept in touch? I just stumbled upon this site today and the memories that have come flooding back in my mind are so intense - what a great time it was.
Posted Jan 18, 08 | 3:02 am by Donna

Donna, nice to hear from you. Sorry to say I have no idea what ever became of Timbo. But just today I ran in to Randy Briggs.
Posted Jan 18, 08 | 7:21 am by lightguy

The internet has made it such a small world. Timbo is such a talented man. I still have artwork of his...and a few pictures from Xenon. I remember a lot of wild and crazy nights and memories that still make me smile! Randy, Toni, Andy, Joe Day, oh so many people. Good to share with you.
Posted Jan 18, 08 | 7:43 am by Donna

Donna

email me hd2008@optonline.net
Posted Jan 18, 08 | 8:05 am by lightguy

My memories of Xenon 1980-1982

1. While attending NYU...I was a busboy, I remember Peter Castro, Stefan and a couple other names...the red sweatsuit outfits.
2. I remember sneaking in my brother and some friends before 11PM and "stashing" them on the roof...drinking early beers waiting for the night to unfold...
3. One night my brother was in the urinal taking a piss next to Christopher Reeves (God Bless His Soul)
4. I remember the B & T ladies and their unbridled enthusiasm they would exhibit in the balcony and on the fire escapes.
5. Served drinks (yes a busboy serving drinks) to Roger Moore up in Howard's office (God Bless His Soul), Steve Garvey at a John McEnroe concert...Yep, that happened...
6.Was face to face with Brooke Shields at her 16th Birthday...
7. Handled over a water to Lindsay Wagner, the Bionic Woman....She was hot.
8. Watched Tony Curtis dancing with his granddaughters on a regular basis...(He must have had a ton of affectionate granddaughters)
9. Got fired by Patrick and re-hired the same night when one of the bouncers found my brother stashed away one night before 11am.
10. I learned to dance at Xenon....What a fun, crazy one of a kind experience.
Posted Jan 23, 08 | 12:12 pm by Chris Braun

Couple last memories...
1. Simon Le Bon trying to bum a joint...me no have.
2. 2AM songs during my time were "Stomp" by the Brothers Johnson and "Funkytown" Lipps Inc.
3. After work trip to "Crisco's" the after house disco downtown...Huge Crisco can in the middle of the dance floor and an owner who constantly barked up the wrong tree with his recruitment pleas to join him in South America I believe...
4. Not making the cut for "Nighthawks" the Stallone, Hauer ...Billy De Williams movie.
5. St Pauli Girl
Posted Jan 24, 08 | 11:11 am by Chris Braun

What a blast from from the past!! I remember in '77 thru '80 going w/ Kim and Diana. Partyin hard in the balcony and dancin to some great disco!! The BEST memories!! Gonna dig for some photos to post.
Posted Feb 06, 08 | 3:55 pm by chefgeoff

BTW- Kim and Diana, you guys rock!! FYI-my bro was topher. Anyone that say's holy s..., No f..... way email me :)
Posted Feb 06, 08 | 4:57 pm by chefgeoff

Leo, Sorry I cant place you at the moment,however i do remember laura and bernadine F&I was a good jersey club in the day. Sorry to read about Howie. xenon days were some of the best times of my life and so far I'm still around to talk about em.
Posted Feb 07, 08 | 3:52 am by dan rizzi

Reading these, brings back memories, I'm 50yrs old now and I'm sure we are still thinking like when we were 20, remembering how good looking we were( I still am)( for fifty).I'm sure all of you are too. Its great to know Alex made a success of himself, high heels, hoops and a moustache paid off.I'm sure there are other success stories both large and small I'd love to hear them. dan r
Posted Feb 13, 08 | 2:58 am by dan rizzi

Hey Xenon Alumni...do you have any Xenon photos or memorabilia you'd like to have live forever? I am a designer who's creating a permanent mural about the history of Henry Miller's Theatre/Xenon/Kit Kat Club that will be a part of the new building along West 43rd. We're looking for artifacts of the time that we can reproduce as part of the artwork dedicated to the wild days at Xenon...I'd love to hear from you. They sound like great times...thanks, Brandon
Posted Feb 14, 08 | 7:06 am by Brandon Downing

Great to see this site. I worked as a busboy, bar back [rear bar with Dale], and night receptionist in Howard's office upstairs from 1979-2001, while going to acting school. What i have read so far is very true about the bar and most importantly, the incredible people that I worked with and met such as Jellybean. Toni, TImbo, Peter, Pedro, and Michael C, among many others, was a blessing. Jellybean and Toni took me to the recording of Madonna's "Sidewalk Talk." Dale was the guiding godmother to young gays as well as the patron saint to many beautiful black and latino cab drivers. God bless his soul. Anyway, I'll write more later. I don't know if anyone has found it yet, but i remember that Playboy of Penthouse featured Xenon in a pictoral about disco during that time period. Would love to hear from old friends.
Posted Feb 20, 08 | 5:58 pm by rick

Xenon attracted more of a European crowd. I do believe the owners was a married couple by the name of Horowitz or Katz, I forget which. At the time David Friedlander did the flowers (I was dating him at the time).

One of my favorite moments was for the Birthday party for the owner of Zolie Modeling agency. I was then daing Gary White, one of the agency's bookers.
The owners were always very sweet to me and my boyfriends (whom ever I was dating at the time). When ever I went there, they were always kind enough to comp me and whom ever I was with.

I always found it strange to dance around those inflated "dolls" and there was always someone using them as a punching bag (guess they had ingested way too many party favors).
Posted Mar 01, 08 | 3:39 pm by Lee Wasserman

I remember also,the Playboy of Penthouse featured Xenon in a pictoral about disco.I was in it, the 1st person that told me about it was TONY SMITH THE BEST DJ THERE! Also, I remember when STEVIE WONDER came in late to the club and we met, myself and his assistant walked him down stairs to the mens room. after he asked me where it was, it was an honor and something i'll never forget.
WHAT MEMORIES!
Posted Mar 01, 08 | 4:44 pm by pierre

Dan R ...good hearing from you man..and glad to hear you still look good at 50 lol hey I'm 49 and I can happily say the same lol... oh and yes F&I was a great club for its size ..but how about a few miles down - do you rememeber "Soap Factory" - another great club! good times..Laura and Bernie were great gals..Bernie and I spent alot of time together back then..would love to touch base if by some miracle you still keep in touch with either one..
Posted Mar 11, 08 | 3:05 pm by Leo

Brandon, regarding your posting, I might have a few trinkets/artifacts you'd be interested in for the mural. How best to get in touch with you?
Posted Mar 16, 08 | 3:36 pm by discodan

Hi discodan...

I'd love to check out your artifacts...drop me an email sometime at brandon@cgpartnersllc.com and we can talk.

We are at this point featuring a picture from the great photographer Toby Old, who used to shoot alot of the parties and scenes at Xenon. The more the merrier!
Posted Mar 16, 08 | 4:59 pm by Brandon Downing

Hi, My name is Brandon McBride, my father is Patrick McBride (the blonde patrick, so talked about hear). He used to manage xenon. Anyway, he always tells these crazy stories about those days and I was wondering if I could get another persons view about how he was at that time. We used to live in San Diego but, now live in Dallas. Anyway just wanted to know what my father was like back then, he is doing fine and is retired now.
Posted Mar 26, 08 | 6:59 pm by Brandon McBride

Brandon McBride

I can assure you he was as crazy as the rest of us. Last time I saw your father was at the Sports Arena swap meet in San Diego. Say hello for me.
Posted Mar 27, 08 | 1:08 am by lightguy

Howie- My Dad would like you to contact him and catch up. Circlelove@aol.com
Thanks.
Posted Mar 28, 08 | 10:46 am by Brandon McBride

Brandon,I was there almost every night it was a wild time,but I always rememember your dad as well dressed usually a sport jacket solid as a rock nice guy, Say hello from dan of lenny & squiggy as we were sometimes refered as. I was squiggy , dan
Posted Mar 31, 08 | 1:38 am by Dan

Hello Dan! Thanks for writing. Wow, this is incredible. When my son showed me this site, a flood of wonderful memories came rushing back. Just connected and caught up with Howard,the lighting guy and now you. It's so funny after calling you both Lenny and Squiggy for so long, I don't know which one is Dan!I actually have the great tripod that one of you gave me years ago. It's still great. How are you both and what are you up to? You were as much a part of Xenon as the lights and music. Update me when you get a chance and please stay in touch.
Karen Jean bought a large ranch here in Texas last year and aside from a very good herb and spice mailorder business, raises Llamas and goats and chickens and donkey's and other animals. I've never seen her happier. Go figure. Raven does wonderful work saving endangered animals all over the world and she looks very happy too. Steven Minichello runs a successful catering business in New Jersey, I believe.
Sorry to hear of Howard Steins passing.Saw a recent picture of Peppo in europe. He got very heavy and old but still has that air about him. Last I heard of Roger Parenti was that he was in Coconut Grove Florida. Haven't heard from Brian Stiga, Virginia from the coatcheck,Timbo, the small Asian cashier, and many others and I would really like to. I see that most of the posts here are years old. If anyone is still on or checking in please contact me when you get a chance. My e-mail address is Circlelove@aol.com
I know all about Xenon because I was there from the first day to the very last minute so what I'm really interested in is your life and how Xenon affected it and your experiences since then. For six years, we danced and laughed and experienced so much and it was all good. Thank you all. Patrick
Posted Apr 02, 08 | 5:05 am by circlelove

Patrick,Lenny must have given you the tripod , I was the better dancer LOL curly hair .We are both still married to women lol , he has two older sons and i have a13yr old son (trumpet player). Both of us are still teachers and work in the same school but not as close as we were. Funny I re met my wife at xenon after meeting her a year earlier on a very brief date we started to date steady and married. dan
Posted Apr 02, 08 | 6:16 am by Dan

Dan,
I'm happy to hear about your family. Say hello to Lenny for me when you get a chance.
Did your dancing evolve after Xenon as time went by or was that it? You were both great dancers.Patrick
Posted Apr 03, 08 | 4:33 am by circlelove

Patrick:

It’s great to see you contributing to this site. My buddy Bruce and I were introduced to Xenon by Dan and Lenny in late 1978/early 1979. Bruce and I continued to be there every week, 2-3, sometimes 4 times per week through the very end. The fun we had, the people we met and the parties and music at Xenon were second to none.

Lastly, I was wondering if you had any Xenon pictures that you or your son could up load on to this site. Thanks for the great memories you helped create.

Take care.

Mike R.
Posted Apr 03, 08 | 4:17 pm by Mike R

Hello Patrick,
I don't know if you're going to remember me but you actually gave me my first start as a DJ in NYC. My name is Oscar (tall, skinny, latin guy) and I was a regular at Xenon Wed, Fri, and Sat nights. I was there one Wed night with a few buddies and Brad hadn't shown up to play so I offered my services until he did. Lucky for me, he never did. After that night, you had me as one of the backup DJ's for the club. After Xenon closed, Jay Bernstein and Andrew Epstein took me with them to Studio 54. I think the last time I saw you was at the Xenon reunion.
As you said before, those were some of the greatest times of my life. I am a teacher now and my students love hearing stories from back in the days.
Posted Apr 05, 08 | 3:04 pm by capt12nite

Hello Oscar! Yes I remember you and I am thrilled to hear that you are a teacher. You were talented and self disciplined, a very good combination for teaching. What kind of teacher are you?
Posted Apr 06, 08 | 1:01 pm by circlelove

I teach Biology and Marine Biology. It's quite a difference from dancing on the speaker to El Watusi-La Bamba. LOL LOL LOL
Posted Apr 06, 08 | 1:55 pm by capt12nite

Hey Dan -What subjects do you and Lenny teach?
Posted Apr 06, 08 | 2:00 pm by circlelove

Hey Patrick, I teach HS photography & art and lenny teaches english. We never really capitalized on the contacts and friends we met at Xenon as far as careers went, we were to busy having a great time.Peppo would get pissed if I brought a camera in, didn't want to disturb the celebs, that was RPM & Quinto"s job, but I did manage to squeeze a few off . I have some pics but wouldn't want to annoy anyone by posting them.Everyone is so respectable now. LOL
Posted Apr 07, 08 | 1:48 am by Dan

Hey Danny...

I knew you were a photographer, but did not know that you were also an art teacher... I married an art teacher/sculptor...lol... I just sent you an email...

Oh... and to answer Patrick's question on what everyone did after Xenon... I went to law school and am now a bureaucrat in DC... go figure...lol.

Take care.

Mike
Posted Apr 07, 08 | 3:41 pm by Mike R

Hi Oscar! Brad, Tony and Toni C! Pierre! What great memories! So sorry to hear about Howard. What a great place Xenon was!
We had such fun there....Howie was right,
it was very much a family.....hard to explain to those who never went....
Posted Apr 11, 08 | 4:33 pm by lightwoman-SARA

HI lightwoman-SARA! IM TRYIN TO REMEMBER YOU. CAN U HELP ME? THOSE WHERE THE DAYS. IT WAS NOT ONLY A FAMILY BUT SO MUCH FUN,AND THE MUSIC! IT WAS REAL MUSIC THEN. SUCH A WONDERFULL TIME AND ERA.
PIERRE
Posted Apr 11, 08 | 9:35 pm by PIERRE

hi patrick

fred &dave say hello

boy do we have a few stories from the outside

would love to hear from you
Posted Apr 27, 08 | 10:53 am by fred

Fred- Are you the Fred and Dave from security??? If so -amazing! Either way, I can be reached at Circlelove@aol.com Thanks. Patrick
Posted Apr 27, 08 | 11:30 am by circlelove

Fred and David nice to hear you guys are still running around. Not to long ago I was telling someone about one of the most scary car rides I have ever had. 43St to 15St real early in the AM with Dave at the wheel.

HD
Posted Apr 27, 08 | 12:15 pm by lightguy

Fred and Dave -Get in touch with me. Looking forward to reconnecting. Patrick
Posted Apr 30, 08 | 3:19 pm by circlelove

Memories, guys.

Joey Arias, Alex in Tafetta, Klaus Nomi, et al.

And Peppo and the famous back room and soho loft and house in bedford.

And Crisco Disco.

And Cocaine.

Lots of cocaine..
Posted May 08, 08 | 4:07 am by Preston

Hey LightWoman! Remember me, Alex who used to party w/you and Frank Hulihan at Chippendales and then we would go to Tories....I used to hang out w/an Equdorian guy named Aquilles and all 4 of us used to have a blast at Chippendales w/Frankie.... I was with you in the light booth the last day Xenon was open and Scott Baio was in the DJ booth "flying might high" as I remember it... Well, fond memories...My dear friend Oscar who I love dearly and well we are still friends and visit and call each other all the time.....

Happy memories to all of you who made that time so special, so memorable and most of all "unforgettable..."

Patrick, remember the Xenon reunion a few years after Xenon closed w/Tony Smith spinning..... playing Michael McLory's "I wanna love you , let me love you, won't you, let me, be the one....

Whoooo Hoooo~
Posted May 08, 08 | 1:17 pm by AlexGARCIA

Pierre
I worked with Frankie Houlihan at Magique
and at Xenon! Sbort, with Long blond hair.
Posted May 09, 08 | 1:54 pm by Lightwoman

hi lightwoman,SARA
OH OK COOL WHERE ARE YOU NOW?
AND WHat ARE YOU DOING NOW?
FRANK WAS THE DJ RIGHT? WITH RED HAIR?
I REALLY MISS ALL MY FRIENDS AT MAGIQUE
WOW!THOSE WHERE THE DAYS.I REMEMBER WHEN I DANCED WITH GRACE JONES ONE NIGHT
AND SHE KEPT TOUCHING MY PRIVATES LOL
IT WAS HOT THAT NIGHT ON DANCE FLOOR
ARE YOU STILL IN NYC?
Posted May 09, 08 | 6:20 pm by pierre

Those were the days, my friend!
We thought they'd never end.
We'd sing and dance forever and a day.
We'd live the life we'd choose.
We'd fight and never lose.
For we were young and sure to have our way!

I just love the DISCO vibe!
Posted May 10, 08 | 1:19 am by AlexGARCIA

Alex- Those are the perfect lyrics to quote! I'm happy to see that the optimism is still there in so many of these posts. Life is still great.
Posted May 10, 08 | 4:16 am by circlelove

Patrick, sophistication and wonderful smiles are hard to come by these days in clubland! Two things you had for all of us at all times! The more time passes, the more we will idealize those times, but they deserve to be idealized because they were the soundtracks of our lives......When we hear She Has A Way, Don't You Want Me Baby, Dancing In Heaven, Give Me Just A Little More Time, Love Pains, Blue Monday, Hungary Like A Wolf, Do You Wanna Funk, Right ON Target, The Visitors, Don't Stop The Train, Lay All Your Love On Me, The Look Of Love, etc...etc... Doesn't that just bring a grin that grins on and on! Those were truly the DAYS! :>)
Posted May 10, 08 | 8:13 am by AlexGARCIA

Alex:

You are absolutely right...those were great days. Nice post.

Mike
Posted May 12, 08 | 3:17 pm by Mike R


Hey,

I just stumbled across this site by accident. What a blast...
I was a busboy and barback in 1978. I worked with Patrick, a blond bartender, Steve Plonski busboy, Brett waiter, Gypsy was a regular, Disco Sally & her boys. I worked the night of the Superman (film) opening in New York. Saturday Night Live parties. At that time we wore white jumpsuits. I still listen to Eyes in the Back of My Head (Patti Labelle) with a smile remembering those days. Would love to hear where those folks from '78 are today.
Peace,

Mark
Posted Jun 04, 08 | 11:27 am by mark hoist

hey it seems like all the people on this site worked at the club.. i was a regular but was friends with alot of you guys.. has anyone heard from jimmy the head bartender? he dated danes sister? and what about brad? not one ever talks about him! he was the best d.j.!! tony was good too and david too! does anyone know where he is? wow what i wouldn't give for one more night on that crowded ralph lauren polo smelling dance floor....
Posted Jun 04, 08 | 11:40 am by gina

Who is Brad, I will tell you who is Brad......
Brad LeBeau understood the time and space he had at Xenon.......He know all music but knew what he could push the limits on and what could not be used with the palette he was painting...He looked physcially a God of Passion playing at Xenon.........He played w/3 technics and a bozak and Disconets andthe best 12".........He knew how to get people on the speakesrs........He could go border line Fire Island gay and still keep the Bridge and Tunnel Gorgeous crowd intact...........He knew the songs that worked in the past and those that he could break in the future.......songs like GOMEZ Presley - The Letter by Bobby O at 4am, Dancing In Heaven QFEEL at 4:25am, Sharon Redd In The Name Of Love (a huge gay The Saint song, and he ot away with it because all the closet boys would dump their babettes and tongue each other...The Abba Disconet of Lay All Your Love, The Visitors, Viviian Vee Remember Me and Give Me A Break, Tanta, Sukulei, Hills Of Kat Mandu, Extraterrrestical Love, Megatrone Man, I wanna Take You HOme, Stormy Weathers The Scott Blackwell Mix, Don't You Want Me Baby into At Midnight, Baby I Need Your Loving into Give Me Just A Little MOre Time, into I'm So Hot For You Bobby O...........LInda Clifford Don't Come Crying To Me............The Go Gos We Got The Beat, Sharttered by the Stones, Tonight I 'm Yours: Rod Steward, Hungary LIke A Wolfe Duran Durn, Really Saying Something Bananarama..........Holding Out For A Hero, Rock The Casbah, The Stray Cats, The Cars. etch............
Posted Jun 04, 08 | 3:22 pm by Alex Garcia

Memories of catching the bus home after blue Mondays.
Posted Jun 04, 08 | 5:22 pm by FC1106

Hey Mark -Glad to hear from you. What have you been up to?
Hey Fred -Just got back to town. I'll call you.
Hey Alex -You have an incredible memory!
Posted Jun 06, 08 | 3:11 am by circlelove

Mark:

I was a regular back then... I was also there the night of the Superman party... I remember Christopher Reeve hanging out by the front bar with Robin Williams (I remember RW vividly because he had a T-shirt on and had the hairiest arms and neck...lol). Can't remember what night of the week it was, but it was packed and the music was incredible that night...thanks for bringing back the memories..

Gina:

It's so funny how you remember the smells...unfortunately many of us wore Polo back then...lol. Those were great times... what nights were you there? I was usually there on Thurs & Sat nights and the ocasional parties on Tues and Weds.

Posted Jun 08, 08 | 3:00 pm by Mike R

Mike R & Gina:

Thanks for the posts. I remember the green Polo gift bottle in one of the "Swag" bags we got one night. I remember at the Superman party they gave away a little blue bag with the Superman "S" logo on it -- I had it for years. Ah, that Polo smell always takes me back. Also, remember Fiorucci -- and Sasson jeans. There was a busboy I did a lot of shifts with -- I think his name was Peter, anyway, I remember him telling us that he would lie on his bed at home and have his mother zip him in. He could barely move once he stood up....ah, the memories.

Peace
Mark



Posted Jun 09, 08 | 11:10 am by mark hoist

oscar, my name is carlos I grew up in union city, new jersey. I attended union hill high school back in 1982-1986. I was there 06-16-84 when xenon had their last party. and what a party it was! there were two bodybuilders that night posing on the speakers to your music. they put on a hell of a show. one of them is my dear lifetime friend "big" joe castillo, who unfortunately wanted to beat up scott baio that night. I kept him out of your DJ booth. I guess he hated "happy days" what can I tell you. all in all we had an awesome night. one that I will never forget. we then followed you and jay bernstein and andrew epstein to the one and only "studio54" and the rest is history!!! I always loved arriving at studio at the strike of 12a.m. and listening to your anthem "at midnite" knowing that it was the start of a great night. here is a toast to "captain midnite" hope all is well with you and yours.
Posted Jun 11, 08 | 4:52 pm by carlos hernandez

Man-o-man I love this site and all these memories. That Polo thing really took me back. I was there 81-82ish and one of Peppo's boys although at the time I had no clue what that was. There was a gal named Claudia that I had a gay man crush on and I even brought my Mom there when FORD Models had thier party- I don't know who had more fun. Anyway, thanks all you guys for the memories. SMcKennaNYC at AOL if any of you remember me.
Thanks again,
Sean
Posted Jun 14, 08 | 5:22 am by Sean McKenna

one more thing- wasn't Lagerfeld another big fragrance then too?
Posted Jun 14, 08 | 5:24 am by Sean McKenna

Carlos,
Sorry to disappoint you but I did not play the last night at Xenon. I guess being a fixture there, people thought it was me on the turntables. But I am grateful to Jay and Andy for having faith in me to make Studio such a great place to be Saturday nights
Posted Jun 18, 08 | 4:06 pm by capt12nite

I can confirm that Oscar Capt12Night did NOT play the last night....I don't know who played that night but trust me, he was so so so so bad that I thought I was in a dazed of confusion looking at the DJ.........The placed was so packed you could not move and it was so incredible to be there that honestly the musical component was really NOT memorial but I do remember thinking why did they NOT bring Tony or Toni or Brad or Oscar to play that night.....Whom ever made that choice will have to live w/that MISTAKE all their lives because that DJ was the worst I have heard that night and since....I think he forgot that the Technics turntables HAVE PITCH control and that it is ok to USE the pitch to change the speed of the songs and to MIX even if PHOBIA overcame him.........Capt12Nite would have graced that place w/such style and elegance that it is amazing to think that what was heard that night could be associated w/the great DJs that touched those Xenon tables...... Dear Lord! Help us all!
Posted Jun 19, 08 | 2:15 pm by DJAlexGarcia

sean, the hot fragrances of the 80's were "drakar noir" by guy larouche. the original "armani" "kouros" by yves san laurent. halston I12 and z14. "polo" green bottle by ralph lauren and "photo" by karl lagerfeld. I know because I had the largest fragrance collection of all my friends.
Posted Jun 21, 08 | 8:49 pm by carlos hernandez

Kouros by Yves still spends time in my draw so should I now feel like Michael Brady and The Brady Bunch Time Warp! LOL! Drakar I am over but still like the way it smells, but Kouros I still adore dore dore! BTW, didn't Yves die two weeks ago or so?
Posted Jun 22, 08 | 7:45 am by DJAlexGarcia

I remember Brad early evening playing YOU TO ME ARE EVERYTHING - either by THE REAL THING or REVELATION and remembering those lushy violins, the strings, the gorgeous vocal arrangement that built up to the point that you were making out w/whomever you were dancing to................. That is the inclusiveness and the underlying phenomenon that disco music bought to our lives..........Does anybody remember that song? You to me are everything Oh Baby, Oh Baby.......Ah, ride that Disco Space Mountain machine..........!
Posted Jun 22, 08 | 7:48 am by DJAlexGarcia

alex, my fragrance collection is not what it used to be. I've narrowed it down to a few favorites. Nowadays, I enjoy "portfolio" by perry ellis, Geoffrey beene "sport" claiborne "sport" and Escada. All light and airy fragrances, more citrusy than musky. Never liked a scent that was too heavy or musky.It works for me since I live in miami beach, florida. Kouros, however was a fragrance made to be worn especially in the fall and winter months. Spray on a little and it would last all night.
Posted Jun 22, 08 | 7:21 pm by carlos hernandez

Oscar, my mistake! You would definetely know. I thought it was you spinning the records at "xenons" last party. To say I had an awesome time that night is an understatement. However, I'm curious about a few things. Whatever happened to DJ ANGEL from west new york ,nj of the "Bambi" furniture store. also, Billy jarema and steven krey from "studio54". I remember you and angel always picking up the latest music at "omni records" in union city ,nj. We know the same people, we just ran in different circles. Peppo vanini, steve rubell, howard stein, mark fleishman, Tommy buckley of the "LIMELIGHT". I must say I partied with the best of them.
Posted Jun 22, 08 | 7:58 pm by carlos hernandez

If you lived in Union City or West New York Xenon was home every weekend. Even when i managed another niteclub in Manhattan i was still there on the last night the doors open and I still have the Key chain to prove it. God did i love falling off that speaker!!!! Xenon and West New York belonged together. great memories
Posted Jun 27, 08 | 3:06 pm by pistolpete

Hi!!! Everybody,

My apologies to Scott Baio for running him out of Xenons the last night. I obviously had to much to drink and his attempted Fonzie coolness in Happy Days always irked me as a kid. My love to Big John, Carlos Hernandez, Oscar Captain Midnight, and the dancing machine Andy Epstein.
Posted Jun 30, 08 | 9:09 am by Joe Castillo

We want to say hello to everyone who bcame our friends and accepted us as friends
f&d security (front door)
Posted Jul 27, 08 | 9:41 am by fred & dave

I can't tell you all how wonderful it is to know that we're all here to discuss about xenon. I had a ball!! I got in more trouble with my gams, I did'nt think I would get in on the first time I ever went to this famous club!!. I love all of you!! J.alexander I wish we could talk. Gypsy where are You now!!! If anyone knows please tell? I give anything to put back on a pair of 3"-3'1/2 inch heels to twirl and get busy again.thanks to all of you. your never to old.
Posted Aug 02, 08 | 6:51 am by coach

HEAVEN!ivirtually lived there till they locked the doors.studio/roxy/saint...XENON.danced with Cher,Disco Sally,David Brenner,Bill Bogggs,Robon Williams....etal.The music was just superb,no limits just dance.I have no idea how i graduated college going there almost every night.you felt as if you missed a night,you really missed something.Roger at the door,dancing on the speakers,the outfits!fiorucci jeans,startched white brooks brothers shirt,stan smith addidas tennies with velcro closures.the gang..the memories.the fun,it seems like yesterday.you never get too old!DANCE ON!
Posted Aug 05, 08 | 4:32 pm by lee green

Hey Patrick, after all you introduced me to Karen who I later married after working together at the Milk Bar, Pat would love to hear from you, Roger
Fred and Dave would like to get in touch with you both
Posted Aug 18, 08 | 3:01 pm by rogerparent

The only time I was at Xenon was for the wonderful Klaus Nomi show. You can read my story here...

http://www.geocities.com/kahniverous/klausnomi.html

All the best,

Madeline
Posted Sep 04, 08 | 3:14 am by Madeline Bocaro

Hello Roger! It's great to hear from you! Please write to me as soon as you can. Xenon and The Milk Bar wouldn't have been the same without you outside. I'm writing this on my son's computer because every time I try to post it says invalid captha value whatever that means. My e-mail address is posted here last march and Fred has it too. Tell Fred and Dave I'll contact them when I get back to the states. This site has been wonderful for connecting to so many people! I have been amazed at everyone's stories and memories. Keep posting everyone! Patrick
Posted Sep 04, 08 | 7:25 am by Brandon McBride

Nothing like walking up to door and having either Brian or Roger swing open those velvet ropes hearing Vivian Vee's "Give Me A Break" pumping wearing Fiorucci jeans Tretorn sneakers and the being with the cooliest people just having a blast, Champagne flowing.... Dancing on the speakers where just magical...
Xenon's was absolutely the best, The DJ'S where fabulous!!
Posted Sep 07, 08 | 10:00 am by joeye

As a former Peppo's boy. We met one night as I left work on Christopher Street ( THEEMA) I noticed his Jaguar pull up and ask for directions ( yeah right) and a friend I was with was like get the fu#K in2 the car. We spent the night together and as naive as I was the next morning he gave me some "cab fare" home and I told him I just lived a few blocks away he smiled took back the "cab fare" and every time I saw him after that he would make it a point to stop whatever he was doing and come up to me and talk to me a few minutes and see how I was handling the city. I was told to call him if anything ever came up and the last I saw him was late 84 and he was on his way to an event for Thierry Mugler and asked if I wanted to attend and I told him I had to meet friends at the Ninth Circle the the Monster and he smiled and said he liked me very much for being real and drove off...I never saw him again. I always wonder what he looks like now. The guy was a CLASS ACT....
Posted Oct 15, 08 | 6:42 am by GAY ANGST

Roger, Patrick, Freddy
Heard anything from/about Brain S. in the last few years. Last time I saw him (about 9 years ago) he was working in a place on Green St. I was down that way a few years ago and the place was closed

Howard D.
Posted Oct 15, 08 | 7:59 am by lightguy

Tremendous memories from a bye gone era.I was especially touched by Brandon Mcbride blond Patrick's son.
I remember your dad very well and i can honestly tell you.That i partied at the best night spots in the late 70's in NYC.I knew all the doorman in town and by far and I mean by far your dad was D coolest most down to earth of the lot.It gives me great joy to hear that he is alive and well.You see Brandon if you lived those days and you made it out with your life you are truly a survivor.Please convey my best wishes to your father. PS.by the way his nickname though we never told it to his face was Sasquash.lol.
I was at Xenons grand opening and made it there from time to time.I was a Studio 54 fanatic back then(1978-1980),Xenons was my backup club back then. As studio began to falter i started to go to xenons more often. I remember John at the door in the early days of the club.He was a class act too and always wore suits very cool guy he loved to play with his hair..Tony was a terrific DJ in the begining and later tailed off a bit.I didn't particular care for jellybeans music. Besides he spin his music on Monday's or something when Tony was off.There was a women who spin records there during the week that i enjoyed very much. Not able to recollect her name I think she later started spinning at Heartbreaks on Varick ST.(Heartbreaks Best Monday night Dance Club ever in NYC. I had many a memorable nights at Xenon and closed the place on many many occasions.There will never ever be another time in NYC like the late 70's.If you were young and liked the night life you were in heaven.Very sorry to hear about Howard Stein my condolence to his family and friends.Pebo Benini was a bit of a jerk but Howard was cool.Roger at the door another cool guy.I remember when he was Mark Benicke assistant at the door at Studio. Anyway like the poet said "It's Ok to visit the past just don't bring a suitcase"" Ciao
Posted Oct 16, 08 | 6:23 am by Mannyforty

Andy S. or Joe Day, please pick up the courtesy phone for a message.
Posted Dec 07, 08 | 7:41 pm by jonatahan

A couple last memories of Xenon....
1. O.J. Simpson running thru the club with one of his many blonde models
2. Walking down 43rd Street at 8:30AM Sunday Morning after working,dancing having fun all night feeling slightly decadent as Sunday morning church goers walked by
3. The night Patrick McBride and some of his doormen went off to watch the Sugar Ray Leonard -Marvin Hagler fight before the club opened....They said it was the best fight ever.
4. Trying coke for the first time...felt like medicine as it dripped from my nose into my mouth
Posted Feb 08, 09 | 5:46 pm by Chris Braun

Timbo Flanagan and Joe Day, where are you?
Posted Feb 25, 09 | 4:04 am by Donna

Hi guys,
This is Rudy, I lived in Xenon and Studio from 1978-1981, had a great time.
i bet I know some of you from Union City.
Pepo, Santiago, Pepo's hired guy to get him twinks at Xenon.
remember Brian at the door, Patrick, was a great place, not Studio, but its own charm.
Anyone know what happened to Pepo? I beleive his last name was Vanini.
I used to hang out at Gay Bob's place in Union City on 48th street.
Bob and Annette lived there.
I was 18 then, no worries, just drugs and discos.
Now sober 20 years, but will always remember those great days.
Anyone from Union City out there?
Rudy
Posted Apr 01, 09 | 9:20 am by Rudy from Union City


Stumbled across this site and amazed by all of the messages. It was very special time in New York.

I wanted to let everyone/anyone that is interested that Peppo is alive and well. He's living back in his home-town of Lugano where most of his family still lives. And, although he (like the rest of us) is getting older, he still has that amazing head of hair. He's not that into the computer, but I'll fill him on all of the kind words.

Posted May 31, 09 | 8:32 am by Zack

Like so many others here, I just stumbled on this site... I didn't spend a whole lot of time at Xenon but my daughter's father was a bouncer there... Alvin Peake... Big Al. All you regulars will remember Alvin. He's the one in the picture with the cowboy hat!! Alvin passed away a few years ago - he was only 50 years old. Didn't get to meet his granddaughter who would have loved her grandfather. But she has her own personal guardian angel now. Reading all these postings brings back memories of the times I did go there... all the names... Dane and Patrick and Virginia and Karen Jean. Too bad about Howard passing away... Take care.
Posted Jun 12, 09 | 12:29 pm by Susan

I remember being at Xenon during the early days. Virginia the Coat check girl used to make my outfits. And what outfits they were. I remember the party for Jack Nicholson and the Shining with the big banner coming down that said "HERE'S JOHNNY" I have a picture of myself and Nicholson that Richard the Photographer took. The best times for sure.
Posted Jun 17, 09 | 12:20 pm by Doreen

Hi Dan....love to Lenny
Posted Jun 17, 09 | 12:21 pm by Doreen

Oscar "Capt12nite: it's me Manny.
email me at emen0963@yahoo.com
Posted Jun 18, 09 | 6:45 pm by emen0963

'Spent every Friday and Saturday night during the summer of 1980 at Xenon. In undergrad summer session in CT, but never missed a weekend at Xenon. I remember a guy usually at the door both nights ( always on Friday nights). He would usually be up on the raised steps so that he would see me walking down 43rd in my cowboy boots and open the rope in advance parting the crowds of people trying to get in. I had a "crush" on him. He was ruggedly handsome with dark blonde hair. It was THE time of my life. Xenon was THE best club in the summer of 1980. So much better than Ice Palace, Bonds or anything in the Village.

Also, once at Xenon, I recall seeing a disco character always dressed up in white dress on roller skates with an parasol/umbrella. You would see him all over town, usually clubs in the West Village. What was his "name," Rollerina ?
Posted Jun 27, 09 | 6:45 pm by Summer1980

Doreen is that you? Jet black hair,limos,high heels, tight pants, short skirts.You gave me a little gold charm.
Posted Jul 07, 09 | 4:52 am by Dan Rizzi

Yes, Dan it is me. I remember that charm. One in a million. How is life?
Posted Jul 07, 09 | 6:37 am by Doreen

Does anyone remember Michael Jackson as the "Mystery Guest" performed Billie Jean back in 1982 or 1983
Posted Jul 07, 09 | 9:55 pm by Lance Lotter

Life is good! Of course I found this site quite by accident and hope you are doing well.Its amazing how many people have stumbled on to this site and have responded in someway or another.What are you up to?
Posted Jul 13, 09 | 1:43 am by Dan R

Yes, life is good here as well. Dying to know how Virginig is doing. I wonder if anyone hears from her. How's Lenny. Still living on LI, 20 yr. old son. Didn't know you taught also. How's NJ?
Posted Jul 13, 09 | 5:54 am by doreen

Doreen. I recently ran into Dr. Neil in Hoboken and we talked about xenon, Virginia's name came up and she is a patient of his.(dentist).I don't think you know him, he and his wife used to come to Xenon and get a table, but he stays in touch with her. E-mail? me
Posted Jul 13, 09 | 6:12 am by Dan R

Hey Dan I remember Neil and his wife with big boobs? Thanks for the update. D
Posted Jul 13, 09 | 6:44 am by doreen

You are right she did! Marge was her name Neil has since re-married twice both wives knockouts, latest is a young blonde brazilian beauty.He is Dr. Neil Marciano (dentist) in Hoboken NJ ,look him up, tell him we spoke,he may be able to contact her, I'll give him a heads up,leave contact info with him if you'd like to talk. Dan
Posted Jul 13, 09 | 9:31 am by Dan R

Peppo dragged me out of 54 and over to Xenon. Lester Persky and Egon Von Furstenberg followed. We all had a great time.
Posted Aug 20, 09 | 3:57 pm by davidarias

Hola!!! i MUST SAY THAT i DANCED ON SPEAKERS AT BOTH studio 54 AND XENON 82-86 were the best party-good times in my life!!!studio...xenon...red parrot!!!
Posted Oct 10, 09 | 12:04 am by silkywrm

College student ID was my fave!!! Lol!!! Rutgers!
Posted Oct 10, 09 | 12:06 am by silkywrm

Hey all, (Eric) used to bus there with Rick Cook, Peter, Dane, Pedro. Saw Steven in 2002 @ Details store. And had a big crush on Sean McKenna. If any of you want to contact me on face book: Duke Miller
Posted Oct 15, 09 | 2:04 am by Eric Duke Miller

ok
xenon every night in drag 1978 first time i went
1979 regular, ripped stalkings,My electric tape tube dresses, Bangles, Panstick, vynil, black short stretch dress, legs
new york new york before, Mudd Club, Ice Palace sunday, Christopher street early evening on,The c*** Ring, Mineshaft(never went way too girly)
Miss J,his twin,/ Alex Monique, Fedora, Eva Hollywood, ,Luna, FIT Night/ Night Hawks, Dancing with Sylvester Stallone in Drag,
bringing 10 people all the time on weekends for free
all the trips upstairs and down
black lady in the ladies room
Posted Oct 18, 09 | 4:44 pm by dont you want to know

I knew all the doormen, djs, disco sally's, Mark Stevens, b & t fans
Posted Oct 18, 09 | 4:46 pm by dont you want to know



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