What happened in the basement of Studio 54?
Disco died when Studio 54 closed its doors Inside the club’s vault were drugs and unreported cash. In total, there was $2.5 million dollars undocumented. Both Rubell and Schrager served prison sentences for fraud and the club was closed permanently in 1980.
What was the rubber room at Studio 54?
Upstairs was a balcony space dubbed “the rubber room.” This area was reportedly a favorite of Saturday Night Live cast members, who would climb up the fire escape to the fifth floor of the club after their show. This area was allegedly where many would go for explicit activities.
Who snitched on Studio 54?
Mike Myers portrayed Steve Rubell in the 1998 drama film 54.
Who was Steve Rubell partner?
Ian Schrager
While attending college, Rubell met Ian Schrager, who became a lifelong friend and business partner. Rubell and Schrager were both brothers of the university’s chapter of the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity.
How much did it cost to get into Studio 54?
The $20 entrance fee to enter Studio 54 would be more than a band of four or five people would likely make to split between them from a gig at CBGB’s. Prior to being a nightclub, Studio 54 was a CBS television and radio studio.
What years was Studio 54 popular?
It was in midtown Manhattan where the Brooklyn-born entrepreneurs turned a former TV studio and opera house into the hottest nightclub of the 20th century, from 1977 to 1980.
Where did Steve Rubell go to jail?
Time in Alabama Far from the red carpet and hedonism of the disco scene, Rubell and Schrager were sent to the minimum security prison camp located next to Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery.
How much time did Steve Rubell serve?
By the end of 1979, the excess and business of Studio 54 caught up with Rubell and Schrager when they were arrested by the IRS for income tax evasion and were sentenced to three years in prison. They both were paroled after serving 13 months and tried operating Studio 54 but without success.
What happened to the owners of Studio 54?
On finding Studio 54’s books, it was discovered that a skim was in operation on up to 80% of the profits. Club founders Ian Schrager and Rubell were sent to jail in 1980.
Is Studio 54 the most crazy place in history?
There were few places in history crazier than Studio 54. Maybe the most bacchanalian parties of the Greeks or Romans could give the club a run for its money, but that’s about it. In a relatively small space were some of the most beautiful and richest people who ever lived.
Did Andy Warhol get sued at Studio 54?
One bartender co-wrote a novel in 1980 about a Studio 54-like club that was so close to reality, Andy Warhol wondered how he didn’t get sued. If a regular night at Studio 54 was crazy, it was the special parties that were totally unacceptable.
Did a man get stuck in a Studio 54 vent trying to enter?
The anecdote seemingly stems from Studio 54 associate Baird Jones, who told The Last Party author Anthony Haden-Guest this had actually happened: “This guy got stuck in a vent trying to get in. It smelled like a cat had died. He was in black tie.”