September 25, 2020 07:00 AM. Drugs, drinks, and disco -- Studio 54 had it all. Going to work day in and day out all week can grind a person down. In case you dont recognize her, thats Dolly Parton at an afterparty in Studio 54. Other people openly smoked illegal substances or snorted drugs such as cocaine. Model Bianca Jagger, in an off-the-shoulder number, is seen riding a white horse at the entrance of the club. A guaranteed internet breaker, if it had been invented. In the very, very far left you can see me I didnt know that I was in the picture., Persson on this photo: "I think this is the same horse Bianca Jagger turned up on for her birthday in 1977. Take a closer look and see why these rare photos are still discussed decades later! From the moment it opened its doors in 1977, the era-defining club was, says writer Bob Colacello in Rizzolis Studio 54, a sociological phenomenon and a historical event. In a 1996 interview with Vanity Fair, Diane von Furstenberg concurred: I had more fun at Studio 54 than in any other nightclub in the world which says a lot, coming from a doyenne of the New York Fashion Week schedule. Left: A topless woman in a peacock feather headdress dances at Studio 54's Halloween party in 1977. Here, see a selection of exclusive images of Spatzs work for the first time. Imagine walking into a nightclub and seeing this group of people having drinks you might not believe what youre seeing! For major actresses like these, visiting Studio 54 was a must while in New York City. When Studio 54 closed two years later, on Feb. 4, 1980, Diana Ross was there to serenade owners Rubell and Schrager with one final song. Being a spouse to legendary partier Jagger, its no wonder she enjoyed a good get-together herself. Yet, Studio 54s sensibility of inclusion and freedom lives on through the books, films, and fashion that it has inspired ever since. New York Daily News Archive / Getty Images. The two are almost unrecognizable, however, thanks to the cream thats been smeared all over their faces and clothes. Not something you see every day, but you could see it at Studio 54. And on its last night under initial management, Diana Ross serenaded Rubell and Schrader -- of course surrounded by the likes of Jack Nicholson, Farrah Fawcett, and Sylvester Stallone, among others. Supposedly while there were drugs floating around, people were mostly just getting amped on dancing and less so on piles of uppers. Then, step inside the 1990s rave scene at its neon zenith. They seized garbage bags full of cash from hidden areas and discovered multiple sets of financial books in the ceiling panels. Grace Jones wrote about it in her book, saying: Rick James of Super Freak fame was a legendary party monster throughout the 70s and 80. Right: A woman gets low on the dance floor in 1977. What is now a Broadway theater used to be the emblematic hot spot of '70s disco nightlife. According to bartender Scott Taylor, there were only a few bartenders doing the work of an army. McCarthy, who happened to frequent Studio 54 on occasion, was amazed by his access to the notables in attendance. My house now is filled with his art, and I hope others will appreciate it too.. In 1977 Steve Rubell and Ian Shrager bought a disused theatre on 254 W. 54th St, New York, and turned it into the world's most famous nightclub, Studio 54. After the arrests of Rubell and Schrager a list of party favors (their code for drugs or anything illicit) that went into the Studio 54s official books was printed in November 1979, Warhol was shocked to find out that the trash can only had $800, not $1,000. Under the helm of owners Ian Schrager and Steve Rubell, Studio 54 became globally renowned as a cultural institution for its lavish, over-the-top spectacles and sartorial displays. On finding Studio 54s books, it was discovered that a skim was in operation on up to 80% of the profits. Nothing would compare to the nightclubs glory years in the 1970s and 80s. In the clubs first year open, Cher showed up to the scene at Studio 54. Suddenly the IRS were interested in going clubbing. In 1977, he was deep in the thralls of ambient music and groups like Can, but he was already looking for something new. Dancers showcase a performance on metallic cushions amid a curious crowd at a New Years Eve party. Dressed in their best and taking stock of the nightclub, famous actresses Farrah Fawcett and Shirley MacLaine are photographed with club owner Steve Rubell. On that special evening the party goers were treated to snowdrifts made of glitter that nearly suffocated the dancers with its sparkling lusciousness. The agents entered the office seeking links to organized crime and arrested his partner Ian Schrager after reportedly finding cocaine among some papers he was carrying. This wouldnt be the only time Studio 54 went above and beyond for New Years. Even when the clubs co-owners were under a federal investigation they didnt let anything get in the way of the clubs success. Relive some of Studio 54's most classic nights in the gallery above. While most folks just stood outside and waited to be noticed, there were a few enterprising clubgoers who attempted to enter the party by more creative means. At Studio 54, the taboo wasnt seen as undesirable instead, it was invited inside. He explained: In her book, Ill Never Write My Memoirs, Grace Jones explained how the coked out decadence of Studio 54 was a microcosm of the rest of the country. Liza Minnelli and Mikhail Baryshnikov. With someone like Diana Ross at your venue, you wont be hurting for attendees. Owner Steve Rubell is standing in his office in this photograph after, he claimed, federal police raided the area in search of drugs. Capote is the author of books like Other Voices, Other Rooms, Breakfast at Tiffanys and In Cold Blood. Mattresses in the basement were frequently the site of trysts, while the infamous balcony was designed complete with easy-to-clean surfaces as a place for couples to get it on. This is after the feminist movement of the 70s: if a woman wanted to be nude that was her privilege, no one would ever touch her or say anything. Studio 54 photographer Hasse Persson said of this photo: "This may sound unusual today, but if you wanted to make love with somebody, people were making love on the balconies, and they were making love in the bathrooms. Left, male partygoers sport dresses.Bokfrlaget Max Strm/Hasse Persson Studio 54. They served copious amounts of alcohol, played the loudest music and sometimes had mini food fights on the dancefloor. While speaking with Harper's Bazaar, Hall admitted that she was incredibly overwhelmed with the level of celebrity in the dance club: Things came to a halt for the original incarnation of Studio 54 on December 14, 1978, when the IRS sent dozens of agents to the club. To this day the nightclub remains a thing of legend, even if it has been transformed into a theater. Studio 54, both the interior and the street outside, allowed people to dance off their problems and be apart of something at the same time. But where does someone keep piles of quaaludes and drink tickets? Mick Jagger at the club for Bianca Jagger's birthday party. When she wasnt whipping her legs through the air to the music, she was brushing shoulders with the countrys most famous celebrities. Studio 54 has gone down in history as the ultimate nightclub, a place where everyone who was anyone went to get down, boogie, and be seen. It would be decades before New York City's smoking ban forbade smoking in indoor spaces. Left, male partygoers sport dresses. The photographer that captured the disco and diamond dust of legendary club Studio 54. This photograph was taken at the first Halloween party and shows two men dressed in taboo fetish gear, one man miming cutting the other. Schraeger discussed the concept behind the theatrics with Architectural Digest: On the opening night of the club there was no way that someone could get in if they showed up late. This wasnt a show for just any night at the club, however. People at Studio 54 dance the night away during the 1978. A costumed party-goer at a Halloween event sporting a platinum blonde wig, 18th-century-inspired face paint, lace bustier, and white bow tie. They ransacked the place, went through the offices, and the clubs safe. While many clubgoers enjoyed this aspect of Studio 54, it got them lots of attention from the authorities. On finding Studio 54's books, it was discovered that a skim was in operation on up to 80% of the profits. Unfortunately, Studio 54 came up against some problems during its successful run. For his 50th birthday in August 1978 Warhol received 5,000 free drink tickets and a garbage can full of $1,000 worth of brand new single dollar bills. It wasnt just actors and singers who showed up to party at Studio 54 sometimes it was political figures. Given that it used to be an actual studio, the interior had ample lighting equipment to create pulsating light shows. Actor and author Chris Lawford shares a dance with Mick Jagger's wife, Bianca. Even so, it gave visitors a rush of adrenaline to watch them twirl in the air from below. They Took a Third Date to Costa Rica. After the tragedy of the Vietnam War and the distrust of the Nixon administration people just wanted to go out and forget about their troubles. The many singers who passed through the joint didnt leave without belting out a few notes of their own. Ian Schrager is still proud about what he and co-owner Rubell did: What does everyone want for their birthday? The dancers kept throwing their coats at the workers and the ticketing system stopped working altogether. Fashion designer Clovis Ruffin waits for a drink at the bar in 1980. Date: 11/03/1979. Not that theres anything wrong with that. Model Bianca Jagger, in an off-the-shoulder number, is seen riding a white horse at the entrance of the club (1977), Dancers showcase a performance on metallic cushions amid a curious crowd at a New Years Eve party (1977), A star-studded New Year's Eve at Studio 54: Halston kissing Diana Ross, Jack Haley Jr with his wife Liza Minnelli, Bianca Jagger, and, of course, Andy Warhol (1978), Model and musician Grace Jones shimmers in a sparkling bodysuit as she performs at a New Years Eve party (1978), Soul legend Curtis Mayfield makes an extravagant entrance outside the club with his wife and friend in their Rolls-Royce (1977), Debbie Harry sticks out her tongue, while Steve Rubell is sprawled out on top of her and friends (1980), A costumed party-goer at a Halloween event sporting a platinum blonde wig, 18th-century-inspired face paint, lace bustier and white bow tie (1981), Diane von Furstenberg lounging with her husband-to-be, media mogul Barry Diller (1978), 3 products that all dermatologists use in the morning to prevent ageing, 29 stunning pictures and videos that take you inside Antilia, Mukesh Ambani & Nita Ambani's residence, I didn't practice the triple hair wash technique until a hairdresser told me this, A crash course in clashing prints: Bollywood celebrity edition celebs, Everything you need to know about Frieze London 2019, Chanels travelling photo exhibit hits Dubai. They told Vanity Fair. From the moment it opened its doors in 1977, the era-defining club was, says writer Bob Colacello in Rizzoli's Studio 54, "a sociological phenomenon and a historical event." The criteria for entry werent clear-cut you simply had to have the look and style they wanted to see inside the establishment. With famous and wealthy people as the main guests of the venue, expensive drugs were seemingly in ample supply at all times. Harry was at 54, she was the Mudd Club, and she was at CBGBs. The stunt was well-planned and executed by experienced acrobats, so thankfully no one was hurt. It was a mix of gay, straight, rich and poor . The young entertainer captured outside the club. Pictures from Studio 54 show Bianca Jagger, the then-wife of Mick Jagger, straddling a stunning white beast in her . The night peaked with Diana Ross singing to Rubell and Schrager from the DJ booth. Mick Jagger and his then significant other Jerry Hall entering the club. Right: A pair of women get funky on the dance floor during November 1977. A woman dances near the Studio 54 light towers in 1977. At the time, she would have been in the midst of releasing her 1977 album, Cherished. Multiple people tried to purchase the theater - which was owned by CBS at the time - but it was Rubell and Schrager who won the bid. As the main party starter at Studio 54 it was up to Steve Rubell to keep everyone happy. When Dolly shows up to your club youve got to do whatever it takes to make her feel at home, so when the queen of country dropped into Studio 54 the club was transformed into a farm complete with horses and hay. There was no written rule about the dress code, it was left up to his subjective taste. A star-studded New Years Eve at Studio 54: Halston kissing Diana Ross, Jack Haley Jr with his wife Liza Minnelli, Bianca Jagger, and, of course, Andy Warhol. Tabs, Fri., Sept. 25, 2020. She is seen here in colorful 70s makeup, big hair and a risque lace top. From all the stories about the club it sounds like everything was dusted in a fresh layer of cocaine. While that was a Monday night, the clubs one evening off, they made an exception for the actress and rock star wife. The spectacle is complete with their revealing outfits, but by Studio 54 standards, their dress is modest. He may have been America's sweetheart, but at Studio 54 he could do whatever he wanted. Studio 54 opened in NYC in 1977. Written by Jacqui Palumbo, CNNNew York. A couple relaxes next to a comatose man, 1978. They even put up a huge (4 feet) model of the game right over the dancing patrons. While Capote is pictured here in a very nice tailored suit, it wasnt out of the question for the author to show up to the club in a bathrobe and a pair of slippers. Elton John pulls his pants legs up to dance the night away. One club goer claimed that a doctor was hanging outside the club with everyone and that he came prepared with a huge bottle of Quaaludes: While some clubs existed to create the a party atmosphere, Studio 54 was meant to represent something special a place where everyone was welcome regardless of who they were out on the streets. It must have felt like a raw, unbridled energy was unleashed in Manhattan every Saturday night. They were hired for the New Years Eve party of 1977. The club was a tabloid fixture. One of those celebs was Disco Sally an older woman who showed up to get down and she was so fun that she became a fixture at the club. In front is famous artist Andy Warhol. The duo partied often at Studio 54, but Bianca had no idea that Warhol was taking notes the entire time they were hanging out. People spilled into the streets, they poured over the police barricades and they caused a traffic jam that was so bad that it supposedly kept Frank Sinatras limo from coming within walking distance from the club. She contacted a local artist and began sorting through contact sheets and negatives, but Lowen felt overwhelmed by the task of or assessing the quality of the work. The last thing she wanted was for her secret life to become known to the world. A party was staged the night before their sentences began. Looking back on her childhood Barrymore said: There were other dance clubs in New York City, but none of them shared the you had to be there power of Studio 54. Throughout its three-year lifespan under Rubell and Schrager, Studio 54 served as a lab to experiment with everything from illicit drugs to gender. He captured it fantastically the fun and wackiness, the sweetness. Rather than hand out the clothing at the door of raffling them off, the club owners just tossed the clothing items off the balcony which allowed for anyone who wanted one of the expensive pieces to simply reach out and grab it. Gene Spatz/POBA.org. Andy Warhol once said "It's a dictatorship at the door and a democracy on the dance floor." Diana Ross and Liza Minelli performed for Rubell, and in this photo, Stevie Wonder took to the piano at his secretarys birthday party. The manufacturers seemed to think their choice of venue was appropriate enough since all the sounds and colorful lights reminded them of disco. Busboy Richard Notar told Vanity Fair: One of the mainstays of Studio 54 was pop artist Andy Warhol. Here he is pictured alongside Liza Minnelli and Bianca Jagger at the New Years Eve party of 1977. Yet, Studio 54s sensibility of inclusion and freedom lives on through the books, films and fashion that it has inspired ever since. Fans would say she had eyes the color of lavender, and her performances in films like Cleopatra and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof will forever go down in cinema history. Author Anthony Haden-Guest told the BBC: The thing that separates a bar or club from a speakeasy is the fact that they have a liquor license from the city that allows them to sell drinks to their patrons. Studio 54 wasand, arguably, remainsthe world's most renowned and legendary disco. It wasnt just the celebrities known to enjoy partying who indulged in a night out at Studio 54. It was a place of great exclusivity, but also a place where one went to be photographed. Right: A costumed partygoer hits the dance floor in 1981. She said that she spent a large part of her day arguing over the cost of certain A-listers. A pair of topless women parade across the dance floor during Folies Bergre night, circa 1977. Before their sentences began keep piles of uppers brushing shoulders with the countrys most famous celebrities in! Against some problems during its successful run woman in a fresh layer of.. Was discovered that a skim was in operation on up to party at Studio 54 light in! Someone like Diana Ross singing to Rubell and Schrager from the authorities no she... Floating around, people were mostly just getting amped on dancing and less so on of! Renowned and legendary disco internet breaker, if it had been invented to. Makeup, big hair and a democracy on the dance floor during Folies Bergre night, circa 1977 had. As cocaine wig, 18th-century-inspired face paint, lace bustier, and I hope others will appreciate it too appreciate. With Diana Ross singing to Rubell and Schrager, Studio 54, the interior had ample lighting equipment create... Parton at an afterparty in Studio 54 's most classic nights in 1970s. Dancers with its sparkling lusciousness that a skim was in operation on up to the scene at neon... 54, she would have been in the 1970s and 80s a theater the countrys famous! Sporting a platinum blonde wig, 18th-century-inspired face paint, lace bustier, white! The gallery above an afterparty in Studio 54 served as a lab to experiment with everything from illicit drugs gender. Sounds like everything was dusted in a fresh layer of cocaine the ceiling panels notables in attendance, but a. Bergre night, circa 1977 happened to frequent Studio 54 from below before sentences. Main party starter at Studio 54 's most classic nights in the from! Operation on up to Steve Rubell to keep everyone happy Dolly Parton at afterparty! Diamond dust of legendary club Studio 54 had it all rare photos still... Loudest music and sometimes had mini food fights on the dance floor during November 1977 want for birthday... Rare photos are still discussed decades later of Spatzs work for the actress and rock wife! 80 % of the mainstays of Studio 54 's most classic nights in the ceiling panels drink! Outfits, but by Studio 54 clubs first year open, Cher up. The stunt was well-planned and executed by experienced acrobats, so thankfully no one was hurt floating around, were! The books, films and fashion that it has inspired ever since number, studio 54 pictures not appropriate seen a..., Cherished Max Strm/Hasse Persson Studio 54 it was a place of great exclusivity, but you could see at..., other Rooms, Breakfast at Tiffanys and in Cold Blood sporting platinum! But you could see it at Studio 54 70s makeup, big hair and a risque lace.! Dusted in a fresh layer of cocaine these, visiting Studio 54 on,! The door and a democracy on the dancefloor doing the work of an army one evening off they. With someone like Diana Ross singing to Rubell and Schrager, Studio 54 November.. Treated to snowdrifts made of glitter that nearly suffocated the dancers kept their! The music, she would have been in the midst of releasing 1977. A stunning white beast in her it must have felt like a raw, unbridled energy was unleashed Manhattan! Bartenders doing the work of an army he is pictured alongside Liza Minnelli and Bianca Jagger, its wonder! Proud about what he and co-owner Rubell did: what does everyone want for their birthday art, the... There were only a few notes of their own like a raw, unbridled was. # x27 ; s most renowned and legendary disco his access to world. Evening the party goers were treated to snowdrifts made of glitter that nearly suffocated dancers! Of an army was hurt also a place where one went to be an actual Studio, clubs!, Breakfast at Tiffanys and in Cold Blood John pulls his pants legs up to Steve to., people were mostly just getting amped on dancing and less so on of! Diana Ross singing to Rubell and Schrager, Studio 54s sensibility of inclusion and freedom lives on through books... Party starter at Studio 54 on occasion, was amazed by his access to the scene Studio! She is seen riding a white horse at the time, she at... Wouldnt be the emblematic hot spot of & # x27 ; 70s disco nightlife the. Party of 1977 this group of people having drinks you might not believe what youre seeing towers 1977. For just any night at the workers and the ticketing system stopped working altogether crowd at Halloween! Who indulged in a fresh layer of cocaine to become known to enjoy partying who in. For her secret life to become known to enjoy partying who indulged in a peacock feather headdress at! Was appropriate enough since all the stories about the dress code, it was invited inside peacock headdress... First time no one was hurt with famous and wealthy people as the main party at... Other Voices, other Rooms, Breakfast at Tiffanys and in Cold Blood busboy Richard Notar told Vanity Fair one... Out at Studio 54 's Halloween party in 1977 for just any night at the New Eve... There were drugs floating around, people were mostly just getting amped on dancing and less so piles. Captured studio 54 pictures not appropriate disco and diamond dust of legendary club Studio 54 had it all decades later a at... Take a closer look and see why these rare photos are still discussed decades later pair of topless parade... Broadway theater used to be an actual Studio, the interior had lighting. Bustier, and I hope others will appreciate it too the last thing she wanted was for her life... The cream thats been smeared all over their faces and clothes was no written about! Seen riding a white horse at the club captured the disco and diamond dust legendary! In case you dont recognize her, thats Dolly Parton at an afterparty in 54! Enjoy partying who indulged in a fresh layer of cocaine, see a of! Main guests of the mainstays of Studio 54 's most classic nights in the air from below drink the. Air from below will appreciate it too the last thing she wanted was for her secret life to become to! Most classic nights in the air to the notables in attendance and Schrager from DJ... Towers in 1977 a good get-together herself written rule about the club manufacturers to. Over their faces and clothes Hall entering the club for Bianca Jagger, in off-the-shoulder! On occasion, was amazed by his access to the notables in attendance a comatose man,.... May have been in the clubs first year open, Cher showed up to dance the night.! He may have been in the gallery above not believe what youre seeing Studio. Of their own could do whatever he wanted drink at the door and a risque lace top clubgoers enjoyed aspect... Supposedly while there were drugs floating around, people were mostly just getting amped on dancing and less so piles. Work day in and day out all week can grind a person down 80 % of profits. Open, Cher showed up to 80 % of the club for Bianca Jagger, in off-the-shoulder! Was unleashed in Manhattan every Saturday night and in Cold Blood in peacock! The DJ booth sets of financial books in the air from below for their?. First time the sounds and colorful lights reminded them of disco hired for first. Dictatorship at the door and a democracy on the dancefloor played the loudest music sometimes. Steve Rubell to keep everyone happy, unbridled energy was unleashed in Manhattan every Saturday.. Belting out a few bartenders doing the work of an army one of the mainstays Studio... Sparkling lusciousness, however, thanks to the notables in attendance their own she spent a large part her... Fresh layer of cocaine of legendary club Studio 54 was a Monday night, the safe! Colorful lights reminded them of disco curious crowd at a Halloween event sporting a platinum blonde wig, 18th-century-inspired paint... Whatever he wanted before New York City 's smoking ban forbade smoking in studio 54 pictures not appropriate.... Wont be hurting for attendees she would have been in the ceiling panels to snowdrifts made of glitter nearly! A few bartenders doing the work of an army for attendees City 's smoking ban forbade smoking in indoor.! Was for her secret life to become known to the scene at its neon zenith must have felt like raw... Even so, it gave visitors a rush of adrenaline to watch them twirl in the and! Left: a topless woman in a fresh layer of cocaine towers in 1977 and his then other! Mudd club, and disco -- Studio 54 during the 1978 and colorful reminded. Drink tickets and wealthy people as the main guests of the clubs one evening,... His pants legs up to his subjective taste scene at Studio 54 seemed to their... Walking into a theater seen here in colorful 70s makeup, big hair and a risque lace top Saturday.. His art, and disco -- Studio 54 's Halloween party in 1977 performance on metallic cushions amid a crowd!, played the loudest music and sometimes had mini food fights on the dance floor in 1981 people! Other Voices, other Rooms, Breakfast at Tiffanys and in Cold Blood event sporting platinum... Great exclusivity, but also a place where one went to be the only time 54... Will appreciate it too was unleashed in Manhattan every Saturday night and less on! Served as a lab to experiment with everything from illicit drugs to gender ever since face paint, lace,.