Discover the Whisky a Go-Go: A Historic Music Venue
History of the Whisky a Go-Go
Whisky a Go-Go is the oldest live music venue still operating on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. The venue first opened in 1964 and continues to thrive today after a brief closure in the 1980s.
The Whisky a Go-Go in LA was inspired by a “discotheque” with the same name in Chicago. The West Hollywood venue opened with Johnny Rivers performing live while a DJ played music for dancing in between sets. However, due to space limitations, the DJ booth was constructed as a glass-walled enclosure over the stage. Consequently, when the female DJ began dancing to the live band, the audience thought it was part of the performance and loved it. This led to the hiring of additional dancers, kicking off the Go-Go dance craze.
Throughout its history, many rock legends have graced the stage of the Whisky, helping to shape the careers of iconic artists. Shortly after its opening, the venue hosted Neil Young, Stephen Stills, and the newly formed Buffalo Springfield as the house band for a seven-week residency, followed by Jim Morrison and The Doors, who were discovered by scouts from Elektra Records while playing there.
Notable acts such as The Who, the Kinks, the Byrds, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Jimi Hendrix, Otis Redding, and Guns N’ Roses have all performed at the Whisky a Go-Go. Additionally, Avril Lavigne streamed an acoustic set live from the venue in 2009, highlighting its ongoing relevance in the music scene.
The Whisky faced challenges in the 1980s and closed as a club in 1982. It reopened in 1986 as a rental venue for promoters and bands, transitioning into the “pay to play” model, where bands pay the venue for ticket blocks to sell to their fans. This shift led to fans following specific bands rather than relying on venue reputation for quality music.
Current Music at the Whisky a Go-Go
Gone are the days of Go-Go Girls in white boots, and the music lineup now varies greatly. The Whisky showcases a diverse range of genres, from thrash metal to hip hop, although it tends to lean more towards metal. Moreover, you might encounter diverse themed nights or singer/songwriter performances, offering a unique twist to the venue’s offerings. For an updated schedule, check their website.
The Venue Today
The Whisky a Go-Go is an all-ages venue, making it common to see teenagers and the children of musicians in the audience. Located at 8901 Sunset Boulevard, the venue’s layout incorporates a dance floor that has undergone significant changes. Overlooking the dance floor are a limited number of tables on an upper balcony, often reserved for VIPs. Full bars are available both upstairs and downstairs for patrons over 21, enhancing the overall experience.
