The city that never sleeps earned that title for a reason. It is home to a population of human beings who live their lives by the mantra of work hard and play hard. And nobody plays harder than the residents of Manhattan. These days the club scene is populated by the immaculately dressed tastemakers of the sophisticated brunch set. However, once upon a time the party scene was ruled by a group of disco degenerates who could not be bothered to wake up in time for dinner, much less brunch. They ruled nightlife in an array of venues, each darker and rougher than the last. Most of these venues are closed down now (no surprise there that the Chanel wearing ladies and gents of the day couldn’t handle the hard core scene of these places) but we still remember the influential nightlife that once ruled the world, or at least the city. Here are five nightlife hot spots that we wish had never closed down.
Limelight
The former 6th avenue church was the epicenter for the New York City club kid scene in the early 1990’s. Ruled by the king of club land Michael Alig, the nightclub was shut down after the controversial murder of Angel Melendez and is now home to an array of designer shops.
CBGB
The birthplace of the punk rock scene in New York City featured many iconic rock and roll bands before they hit the big time. Lower East Side kids filtered into the site to watch everyone from the Ramones to the Talking Heads rule the filthy graffiti ridden stage of the Bowery nightclub. It has since been transformed into the designer John Varvatos store. Although the retail store still features original posters and artwork from the club, there will never again be a venue quite like the original CBGB.
Tunnel
Yet another club kid location popularized in the late 80’s the Tunnel was home of many up and coming celebrities in the New York nightlife scene. Deep in downtown Chelsea, the nightclub was famous for its many different rooms where several parties could be hosted simultaneously. Fun fact: Vin Diesel was once a bouncer here. It is now used as a warehouse where only the ghosts of parties past come to haunt.
Studio 54
Arguably the most famous and influential nightclub in history, Studio 54 was highly active in creating the 1970’s disco party scene. Famous models and rockstars such as Keith Richards and Naomi Campbell would converge on the scene. The space is now restaurant 54 Below but even those who never knew the nightclub, it will always be Studio 54.
Palladium
The cavernous nightclub was equal parts dance club as well as venue for iconic artists such as The Clash and The Rolling Stones. It has since been demolished and reconstructed as an NYU dorm, but it still maintains the name Palladium.
