After the club was shut down in 1979 due to a series of run-ins with the law and a very serious tax evasion charge, an entrepreneur bought Studio 54. He reopened it in 1981 and sold it again in 1984. After several failed attempts by the new owners to restore the club to its former glory, they finally closed it down.
The space remained largely empty until 1998, when it was turned into the main venue for the Roundabout Theater Company. The Roundabout Theater Company invested $5.5 million to renovate the space and transform it, and they kept many of the original features, such as the balcony, the stage, and the iconic moon and spoon light fixtures.
Rubell and Schrager Threw One Last Massive Party Before They Went to Prison
Before Rubell and Schrager left to serve their sentence for their crimes, they decided to throw a final farewell party in their renowned club. They entitled their bash “The End of Modern-Day Gomorrah” and invited 2,000 of the club’s most faithful attendees. Rubell and Schrager parted next to Liza Minnelli, Reggie Jackson, Richard Gere, and other A-listers as everyone mourned the loss of the club.
The next morning, Rubell and Schrager left straight from the club to meet the authorities, leaving Studio 54 behind forever. The club was soon sold, and the new owners tried to keep the Studio 54 legacy alive, but it was never quite the same. Today, the building still stands on West 54th Street, a landmark of New York's nightlife history and a reminder of a time when disco ruled the world.
One Night, the Club Only Served Juice and Soda
After Schrager and Rubell were caught using their illegal liquor licenses, they were forced to close down for a night. However, they refused to let that stop their fun. They opened their doors the very next evening and posted a sign outside that explained their situation. That night, Schrager and Rubell only served juice and soft drinks. Still, people arrived ready to party.
Considering the illicit activities that occurred at Studio 54, people might not have even noticed the loss of alcohol. Schrager and Rubell's risky move made headlines the next day, and the club's popularity soared even higher. The incident also brought Studio 54 under closer scrutiny from authorities, eventually leading to the club's downfall.
Elton John Really Liked His Sideburns
While Elton John is known for his wild costumes and boisterous personality, the ‘70s featured a cosmetic choice for the performer that is perhaps better left forgotten. Paired with his best disco fashion, Elton also boasted dark sideburns that sat prominently on his face. While the singer has never been able to give up his sideburns completely, they look especially out of place on his younger self.
Elton, dear, it’s okay to shave your face. Trust us, those sideburns aren’t doing you any favors. Despite some questionable choices, Elton John's music and stage presence remained top-notch, and he continued to captivate audiences with his electrifying performances.
From Unemployed to Working at One of the World's Most Famous Clubs
When interviewing former Studio 54 employees, the New York Magazine spoke with Scott Taylor, who used to tend the disco's bar. According to him, he simply came in on the opening night, offered to work, and started taking care of the place.
In fact, most of his co-workers used the opening night as an excuse to party with the rest of the patrons, but Taylor was diligent enough to sweep and take out the trash, which made him pretty popular. He was so popular that at one point, when his coworkers got word of him possibly being fired, they firmly objected, demanding that he stays.