Even though Studio 54 was open for less than three years, it definitely made an unforgettable mark in disco history. The nightclub, famous for playing mostly disco music, always brought in the best DJs in the business. The music they played was so popular that a label called Casablanca Records released an album with the club’s most famous songs, titled “A Night At Studio 54.”
The club even hosted live performances from popular artists like Donna Summer, Grace Jones, and Chic. The DJ booth was a central feature of the club, and the legendary DJ, Richie Kaczor, better known as DJ Richie K, was the club’s resident DJ for most of its time in operation.
The Subjective Entrance Requirements Led to a Confrontation With a Gun
Although many patrons knew that getting through the door was difficult, some still didn’t take rejection well at all. Disgruntled would-be customers could even get violent in their anger about not being allowed into the club. The scariest experience with a rejected club-goer occurred when security chief Chuck Garelick was ambushed in the early hours of the morning by a group of men carrying guns.
The men shot above his head, and Chuck managed to escape without a scratch, but the experience was terrifying all the same. This level of violence only added to the already edgy and dangerous atmosphere surrounding Studio 54, and despite all this, the club still remained one of the most desirable places to be seen, no matter the risks.
Bianca Jagger Celebrated Her Birthday at Studio 54
Since Studio 54 quickly established itself as an A-list destination, it should come as no surprise that former actress and women’s rights advocate Bianca Jagger celebrated her 32nd birthday at the club. Alongside her then-husband, Mick Jagger, Bianca danced the night away at the most popular disco in New York. Photos of Bianca and Mick depict an evening of carefree celebration within the walls of the legendary club.
Bianca's party was attended by a host of A-list celebrities, including Andy Warhol, Liza Minnelli, and Halston. The event remains one of the most memorable moments in Studio 54's history and exemplified the kind of over-the-top extravagance that became synonymous with the club.
David Bowie Look-alike Blows His Cover
In what can only be called a very sweet anecdote', one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century put a fan's admiration before his own personal interest. As the story goes, on the night of May 24th, 1979, David Bowie tried to quietly sneak into Studio 54 when somebody from the crowd shouted, "You look just like me!".
And so, a young Bowie decided to blow his cover and go say hi to his fan. The fan who called out to Bowie turned out to be a young musician named Chris Stein from the band Blondie. As Bowie approached him, Stein reportedly said, "I'm sorry, but you really do look like David Bowie," to which Bowie replied, "I am."
The Iconic '60s Drag Queens — Hibiscus and Angel Jack
It is known that Studio 54 was a safe haven for trans people, who were often spotted at the club. But the photo below is not of any trans partygoers; these are legendary drag queens Angel Jack and Hibiscus. For those that didn't live through the '60s or '70s, Hibiscus was one of the famous founders of the iconic avant-garde, psychedelic theater group, The Cockettes. The group lived in a commune in the famous Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco.
Angel Jack was a known member of Hibiscus's other theater group, called The Angels of Light. They were insanely creative and very well-known in 1970's California. Angel Jack also gave regular performances at Studio 54. The happy drag queens are seen above in glamorous feathered and sequined costumes, at the re-opening party of the club, on September 15, 1981.