WORDS AND PHOTOS BY STEVEN BROWNLEE

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of The Roxy Theater located on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, CA, the Grammy Museum is hosting an exhibit in Los Angeles titled “Roxy: 50 and Still Rockin’” and it goes on until early January 2024.

The theater was opened in 1973 by Lou Adler and has been the host to many iconic acts such as The Clash, Sex Pistols, Frank Zappa, Bob Marley, New York Dolls, and Cheech & Chong among others. It was also the venue that debuted the North American run of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” in 1974 before it was adapted into a film. The late great Paul Reubens first introduced Pee-Wee Herman to a live audience at this famed venue.

I first watched a 20-minute documentary on Lou Adler and family and how The Roxy originated and was presented on a screen at the back of the exhibit. Photos framed on the wall showcased past show performances like Lou Reed and Neil Young, candid shots including Bianca and Mick Jagger at a table together and Iggy Pop sitting in Rodney Bingenheimer’s Cadilac (my personal favorite) and Hollywood heavyweights like Warren Beatty, Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise hanging out.

Rocky Horror had its own two walls set up with one part of a wall covered by Tim Curry as Dr. Frank-N-Furter and the other with photos from past performances of the show. Across from it was a glass case containing memorabilia such as an original admission ticket, paper masks for the audience, and instructions on how to do the Time Warp.

Notable pieces displayed included knick knacks like original ashtrays, polaroids, and wristbands. Of course, on display was the legendary white piano from On the Rox, a secret clubhouse by The Roxy for members only. The piano has been performed by artists including Elton John and Bruce Springsteen.

I recommend going down and checking out the exhibit whether you want to build your LA music history knowledge or looking for something to do with someone on a date. General admission is $18 and along with The Roxy exhibit, you can also experience the main Grammy Museum exhibit with your ticket.

PHOTOS