The venue’s 50th anniversary celebration continues
The famed Los Angeles Sunset Strip club, The Roxy, has expanded its 50th anniversary celebrations, announcing a series of new events and festivities taking place this September in conjunction with the historic milestone. In an LA Times front-page feature highlighting the initial wave of “Roxy50” activity, it was announced that Neil Young with Crazy Horse would play a special benefit show at the club on September 20th. Now, a second night has been added in their return to The Roxy, taking place September 21st. These performances occur exactly 50 years to the day after Young opened The Roxy, headlining the club’s first-ever shows during a multi-night run in September 1973. Both events this fall will benefit The Painted Turtle and Bridge School.
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Roxy owner Lou Adler will curate an upcoming Live At The Roxy compilation album, featuring legendary recordings made at The Roxy by Young, Bruce Springsteen, Emmylou Harris, The Ramones, Nicolette Larson, George Benson, Warren Zevon, Brian Wilson and many more. The compilation will initially be available to listen to at The Grammy Museum’s upcoming The Roxy: 50 and Still Rockin’ exhibit, and available for purchase to benefit MusiCares. This collection of live recordings spans back to the earliest days of The Roxy, which was co-founded in 1973 by Adler and live music pioneer Elmer Valentine, largely credited with putting the Sunset Strip on the map after opening the Whisky A Go-Go and the Rainbow Bar & Grill, in addition to The Roxy.
The Grammy Museum will also open their The Roxy: 50 and Still Rockin’ exhibit next month, as previously shared with the initial group of festivities. An opening night celebration has been announced for Sunday, September 17th with a special film screening, a rooftop reception and a panel featuring Cisco Adler (musician, songwriter, producer), Paul Tollett (president/CEO of Goldenvoice and co-founder of the Coachella Music and Arts Festival), Allison Hagendorf (music journalist, media personality, & host of “The Allison Hagendorf Show”), Steve Appleford (LA Times music journalist) and Julie Pilat (award-winning music, media and digital entertainment executive). The City of West Hollywood will present Lou Adler and Nic Adler in conversation for the City’s Artists & Icons series on September 12th at the West Hollywood City Council Chambers/Public Meeting Room. The event coincides with the debut of a photographic exhibit about the Roxy’s 50th anniversary at the adjacent West Hollywood Library, curated by Jason Emmons and accompanied by written anecdotes from key players. The exhibit is free and open to the public through May 2024 during the library’s open hours.
The Roxy will also highlight top emerging talent throughout its 50th anniversary celebrations. The club has announced a performance by Los Angeles’ own Wallows, which will take place September 23rd. Register now through tomorrow (Wed, Aug 16th) at 10 pm PT to be randomly selected to purchase tickets beginning August 22nd at 10 am PT.
The Roxy has hosted many of the biggest names in music at early stages of their careers over the past 50 years and continues to be a career defining moment for emerging talent. In addition to the astounding list of musical performers above, the club is also where Adler launched The Rocky Horror Show in the US, to an opening night audience that included Jack Nicholson, Cher, Mick Jagger and John Lennon. It has also played a pivotal role in the careers of comedians like Cheech & Chong, Paul Reubens and Richard Pryor. In September 1973, the club was co-founded by Adler and Valentine, with music industry legends Elliot Roberts, David Geffen, Bill Graham and Peter Asher participating as investors and/or consultants.
