Joaquin), witnessed the heartbreaking event, reports The Guardian, unable to save him despite CPR and a call to 911. Photo courtesy of Fllckr, jennyfersure CC-2.0, Given the death of River and the mobster connections, it would make sense for some interesting ghosts to be hanging around. River Phoenix died just outside the nightclub. Courtesy of Luxigon. I knew the symptoms all too well, for it was not the first time this had happened to me. At the same time, an increasing collection of brazen establishments drew Hollywood crowds. In 1972, River Phoenixs parents decided to join the Children of God cult. Law enforcement arrested Sam Farkas, Mickey Cohen's bodyguard, according to the Green Bench Monthly, on suspicion of robbery. A runway in the middle of the club permitted dancers to stray throughout the audience performing. River Pheonix in 1989, photo by Alan Light. He later died in the hospital. Despite blacking out and getting rushed to the hospital, Donovan survived the brush with fate. He was already gone, but was pronounced dead later at the hospital. The Viper Room opened on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood in 1993. But despite the benign sound of Phil and the Fours' show, the Greenwich Village Inn found itself, along with seven other Hollywood hotspots, embroiled in a statewide scandal. Number of pages: 288. His skin reportedly turned grey, and after telling his friend he thought he was overdosing, he collapsed outside of the club in front of his siblings. Samantha Mathis, Phoenix's girlfriend, and his siblings, Rain and Leaf (a.k.a. When she came out, she thought she saw Phoenix in a scuffle with another man. Newfound respect for the law meant a "last call" for the Last Call, which closed due to "lewd and lascivious" shows, likely featuring drag queens, on April 5, 1951. The poker ring inspired the 2017 movie Molly's Game, starring Jessica Chastain. Vintage Pics from the Early 1900s. It was announced in 2022 that the old Viper Room will be replaced with a . From 1951 to 1969, the location was a bar called "The Melody Lounge". Though he was wearing shorts, he took the dare, and the window shattered. The Pussycat Dolls performed at The Viper Room until 2001. Flickr/Francisco AntunesThe Viper Room in West Hollywood. I didnt even try to run; I just walked over and put my hands on the hood. AND you will pay a cover that varies in price (like $8-$10) to hear some average band play. Few nights proved more happening than Aug. 14, 1993, on the south side of the Sunset Strip. On October 31, 1993, actor River Phoenix died of a drug overdose outside the notorious Viper Room nightclub in Hollywood. The Viper Room was once the base of an underground poker ring, reportedly founded by actor Tobey Maguire. When Slipknot was recording Iowa in Los Angeles, the band spent a night onthe Sunset Strip where they had an unfortunate run-in with the cops. But this night was different because River was unusually wasted. A staff writer for All Thats Interesting, Marco Margaritoff has also published work at outlets including People, VICE, and Complex, covering everything from film to finance to technology. But if you assume the past holds the Viper Room's seediest episodes, think again. [citation needed] In Oliver Stone's film The Doors (1991), the building was used as a filming location for scenes depicting the London Fog, also of West Hollywood. I just start spitting at them and cursing them. According to an article in Vanity Fair penned by Bloom, she soon took full control of the high-profile games, becoming the mastermind of the operation and inspiring 2017's Molly's Game, starring Jessica Chastain. River Phoenixs death left a notable void in Hollywood. And sadly, these two drugs would spell his end at The Viper Room. He was officially pronounced dead at 1:51 a.m. An autopsy report later revealed that the promising young actor had died from an overdose of cocaine and heroin. The Viper Room is well known for its sketchy history which includes mobsters, drug overdoses, disappearances, and even a gambling ring. There, River started auditioning which led to some appearances on TV shows. Showing Editorial results for viper room. Born River Jude Bottom on August 23, 1970, Phoenix spent his first days on a farm in Oregon. The cops throw me in the back of the cop car, and I just passed out in the back seat. Sadly, River Phoenixs death in 1993 wasnt a complete surprise. Simoni King), a former sex worker and madam. He reportedly stayed sober for two months while filming the movie Dark Blood in Utah and New Mexico. He said he felt a constant pressure in his chest whenever he was down at the bottom bar, and that he had even seen glasses fly off of tables on their own. "But from the beginning, The Viper Room was a place where drug dealers flourished. In 1995, choreographer Robin Antin put together a modern burlesque group called The Pussycat Dolls. Im going back to the bad, bad town, Phoenix said. Eventually . And Hollywood tours still stop to point out the spot where the tragedy took place. According to witnesses, a tabloid cameraman bore the brunt of the attack after Lee allegedly threw him to the ground, damaging the man's hip. On Dec. 26, 1952, another salacious event took place on the sidewalk in front of the building. (Photo Credit: Steinfeldt/ Michael Ochs Archives/ Getty Images). On October 31, 1993, River Phoenix died from a drug overdose outside Johnny Depp's nightclub, the Viper Room. a lot of fun, finished up doing a double with another lady absolutely blew my mind!!!!. But according to the Chicago Tribune, a violent scuffle would put a negative spotlight on the Viper Room on Sept. 29, 1996. Station club. Looking to check out the haunts of Los Angeles for yourself, up close and personal? After learning about River Phoenixs death, read about the tragic demise of Amy Winehouse. Advertisements urged visitors to "Take a Trip to the Strip" for entertainment by the Phil Moore Four. I didnt see anyone doing drugs but he was high in a way that made me feel uncomfortable I was in way over my head. On the evening of October 30, Mathis went to the bathroom. Messed Up Things That Happened At The Viper Room, University of Southern California Libraries. It wasnt uncommon to see A-list stars, including Charlize Theron, Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Anniston, Pamela Anderson, and a young Leonardo DiCaprio, all rubbing shoulders at The Viper Room on any given evening. But since he wasnt needed for a certain night shoot, director George Sluizer allowed him to return to California. At just 23-years-old, River Phoenix was one of the most beloved stars of the 1990s. While on a filming break, Phoenix returned to Los Angeles. The Viper Room has a reputation for being cursed, and its venom can prove deadly. Adam Duritz, the lead singer of Counting Crows, worked as a Viper Room bartender in late 1994 and early 1995 to escape his newfound fame. The Viper Room circa 2020. Tributes at The Viper Room honoring River Phoenix the day after his death in 1993. According to LAist, The Viper Room is closing it's doors (for now) and will be remodeled as part of a 12-story high rise. Her thesis examined menstrual education in Victorian England. https://www.ranker.com/list/what-has-happened-at-the-viper-room/mariel-loveland, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Viper_Room, https://www.travelchannel.com/shows/ghost-adventures/photos/ghost-adventures-the-viper-room. River Phoenix died just outside the nightclub. Friends knew that River Phoenix had been abusing drugs, but his fatal overdose still came as a shock to many people. Actors Johnny Depp and Sal Jenco owned the nightclub. Tragically, this would culminate in his death outside the notorious Viper Room nightclub. LA's Creepiest Haunted Hotels. It marked the launch of Johnny Depp and his business partners' Viper Room, the site of some of the most notorious happenings in Los Angeles. The most wide-publicized death took place just months after The Viper Room opened. The Ghost Who Haunts the Hollywood Sign. A year-and-half after River Phoenix's tragic death outside the Viper Room, another dark episode unfolded, involving Australian singer Jason Donovan. In 2004, Johnny Depp sold his stake in The Viper Room. Behind the nondescript front doors, musicians,. Rivers unfortunate drug-related death isnt the only upsetting story linked with The Viper Room. In 1969, it became "Filthy McNasty's". Over the years, mainstream stars including Scarlett Johansson, Christina Aguilera, and Gwen Stefani, appeared with the girl group. Many people associate 8852 Sunset with Cohen's headquarters, Michael's Exclusive Haberdashery, although the haberdashery sat one block east at 8804 Sunset. During Ritas decade-long tenure at the Viper Room, shes experienced some pretty unexplainable things: Ive had my hair yanked, a hand on my leg. Directors, producers, and silver screen stars demanded luxuries and depravities alike, from exclusive boutiques to high-end cafes, gambling halls to alcohol-fueled speakeasies. It is one of the oldest built remaining structures on the Sunset Strip. The LIFE Picture Collection/Getty ImagesRiver Phoenix (left) with Liza Minnelli (right) in 1991. ", 10 Wild, Violent, And Tragic Stories From The Viper Room, The Legendary Bar Owned By Johnny Depp, The Viper Room rose to Hollywood infamy after, The night club's reputation has calmed in recent years aftershifting ownership and focusingon breaking underground talent rather than housing well-known rock stars like, River Phoenix's tragic death cemented the Viper Room's infamous reputation. And during Prohibition, the back rooms of local businesses never quit pouring booze. HOME PLAYMATES RATES DISCRETION TOUR SCHEDULE WHAT'S HAPPENING Depp wanted to open a venue where he could hang out with his famous friends and where he could play guitar away from the prying eyes (and lens) of the paparazzi. While predominantly known as a music venue, the Viper Room also hosts a lower level below the stage and audience area, which is home to a large whiskey bar. Located at 8852 Sunset Boulevard, The Viper Room's storied address has a surprisingly long history behind it. He saw then-23-year-old Phoenix "disappear in front of my very eyes." For a time, fans blamed Depp for Phoenix's tragic death. The Viper Room has a ton of history, tragedy, and supernatural occurrences that span about 101 years. Though he was wearing shorts, he took the dare, and the window shattered. The games took place downstairs, overseen by Molly Bloom, a 26-year-old cocktail waitress. Venomous African viper: Room opening that may "swing" or "revolve": Restaurant overseer, for short: Golf prop: There you have it, every crossword clue and answer from the Daily Themed Crossword on May 2 2023. Then, just a couple of years later, rock star Michael Hutchence played at the club mere days before he died by suicide. Maguire won nearly every week, and according to Curtis, they used Leonardo DiCaprio (unbeknownst to him)as a lure to draw other players. Daily traffic increases justified paving the highway as the surrounding neighborhood evolved into a celebrity playground. Mobsters assaulted her after she refused them a percentage, and she was eventually caught and received twelve months of probation. The call was later leaked to news stations. But few people realize just how historic its location at 8852 Sunset really is. In the early morning hours of October 31, 1993, actor River Phoenix went to The Viper Room, along with his girlfriend, Samantha Mathis, and his 19-year-old younger brother, Joaquin Phoenix. Budding superstar River Phoenix died aged 23 outside the venue on Halloween night in 1993 as his brother Joaquin watched on. After all, the actor appeared to be turning the corner. She was mad that I couldnt see her.. #5 of 35 Nightlife in West Hollywood. Although photos of the hedonistic event prove rare, tales (and fashion) from the party remain the stuff of legends, according to Vogue. Following the tragic event, Depp closed the Viper Room every October 31 in commemoration of Phoenix's death, reports LA Magazine. Given the history of drugs and rock n roll, this is an interesting one to visit. He was wheeled out of the Viper Room ona stretcher. The Viper Room has been through a lot of changes and names over the years, moving from a bar to a music venue to an adult club, until Pirates of the Caribbean actor Johnny . A pesar de la minscula capacidad del lugar con forma de cueva de solo 250 personas, el cartel estelar de esa primera noche cont con Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Evan Dando de Lemonheads y el vocalista de Pogues, Shane MacGowan. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty ImagesTributes at The Viper Room honoring River Phoenix the day after his death in 1993. Probably most famous for being the site where River Phoenix lost his life, The Viper Room goes back way before that fateful day in 1993 when he collapsed out front. While Joaquin and Rain didnt notice anything unusual, Mathis had a feeling that something was off with River. Produit par My-Tupelo Entertainment, le programme suit les chasseurs de fantmes Zak Bagans, Aaron Goodwin, Jason Wasley et Billy Tolley alors qu'ils enqutent sur des endroits signals hants. The most famous of these vipers, Louis Armstrong, peppered songs with the term, including 1928's "Muggles," as did Cab Calloway in his iconic "Reefer Man" from 1932 (via Jazziz). It was established as The Viper Room in 1993 [citation needed] and was partly owned by actor Johnny Depp. Drea de Matteo attends a performance by The Cult at The Viper Room in Los Angeles on . [8], As part of the settlement of a lawsuit involving the disappearance of co-owner Anthony Fox in December 2001, Depp relinquished his ownership of the Viper Room in 2004. 8852 Sunset Blvd. Although he no longer has any ownership in the club, he did have a rocky start after he got involved. DeVille of Poison. By the late 1920s, the market, neighborhood, and winding "County Strip" thoroughfare became the site of transformation, according to Playground to the Stars. There is also a nightclub in Stockholm, Sweden, "as well as ones in Harrogate, UK, Vienna, Austria, and another in Sheffield UK similarly named." While working as missionaries for the controversial group, the family shuttled between Texas, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. For those whove followed Joaquin Phoenixs career, its no secret how closely he holds his older brothers memory. Where: Viper Room, 8852 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood. Joaquin, who would go on to star in Walk the Line and Gladiator, desperately called 911 after his brother had seizures on the sidewalk. With a famous owner, the tragic death of a beloved actor and the unsolved disappearance of a business partner, the nightclub is filled with sinister energy. Even though the actor was transported to the hospital, a paramedic said that he was clinically dead when they arrived at the club. When this waitress started to take a cut from each game, it launched the Viper Room into the realm of organized crime. I think I'm OD'ing." at Laherty, West Hollywood, CA 90069. Caught on tape, Lee would later settle the lawsuit, according to Deseret News. But as Playground to the Starspoints out, despite the evocative name, the Cotton Club had no connection to the wildly famous operation in Manhattan. Curtis claims Tobey Maguire staged the illegal games. I must have blacked out again after that - the next memory I have is of being carried out of the club by paramedics on a stretcher. [4][5] This nightclub was close to shutting down before Chuck E. Weiss, who had performed there for years, suggested to Depp that he should revitalize the spot and rename it "The Viper Room". He latertold Spin: I kicked that plate glass window, wearing shorts. In the late 1940s, Los Angeles experienced significant growth during the post-World War II manufacturing boom. In the 1940s it was converted into a nightclub called the "Cotton Club", entirely unrelated to the Harlem original. The bouncer then pushed the two out of the nightclub. But he didnt stay there for long. Some say Johnny Depp named the place after a Louisiana jazz club, and others say it refers to pot-smoking jazz musicians of that era. Then, take a look at the mystery of Natalie Woods death. In 2017, the television ghost-hunting crew Ghost Adventures paid the club a visit. The artist was admittedly "hammered" when his friend daredhim to kick his foot through the glass window of the famed LA club. By mid-1947, it permanently shuttered, making way for a new venue, the Greenwich Village Inn, as confirmed by historic archives located atUniversity of Southern California Libraries. He returned to Los Angeles on October 26, 1993. Taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Donovan found himself at the same facility where Phoenix had been pronounced dead. But of course, those most affected by the death of River Phoenix were his devastated family members. "Have you got anything on you?" The Viper Room is also featured in the 2004 documentary Dig! In its place will be a 12-story mixed-use high rise at the corner of Sunset and Larrabee in West Hollywood. She loves spending quality time with her friends, family, and puppy Luna! Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}34525.7N 118234.8W / 34.090472N 118.384667W / 34.090472; -118.384667. During their investigation, they heard disembodied voices saying Im confused. They told the ticket-booth operator Rita about them, and she claims that this voice belonged to the ghost of River Phoenix, who passed suddenly and tragically at the club. Even younger talents like Leonardo DiCaprio were shaken by the news. But the illicit activities at the Viper Room wouldn't come to an end with Depp out of the picture. Since that day, the club has been in the hands of world-famous actor Johnny Depp, and has been a gathering place for Los Angeles celebrities. The eponymous nightclub paid homage to West Hollywood's most eclectic character, Filthy McNasty, a true man about town. Located on Los Angeles Sunset Strip, it is one of the oldest remaining structures. Murders That Go Unsolved. (Photo Credit: Brenda Chase/ Stringer/ Getty Images). GAC investigate the infamous on West Hollywood's . River Phoenix arrived at The Viper Room in the early morning hours of Halloween, along with his girlfriend and younger brother, Joaquin. She is passionate about Princess Diana, the Titanic, the Romanovs, and Egypt amongst other things. It was opened in 1993 and has been famous in the news for various reasons at various times. But the charges against Farkas would be dropped, and in 1958, he married the mob boss' ex-wife, Lavon (a.k.a. [14] On April 16, 2011, a nightclub named "The Viper Room" opened its doors in the city of Nijmegen in the Netherlands. But Rivers tragic passing wasnt the first. I am not sure what happened next but I do know that someone had pulled the plug on the music and was calling for an ambulance. In Last Night at the Viper Room, acclaimed author and journalist Gavin Edwards vividly recounts the life and tragic death of acclaimed actor River Phoenixa teen idol on the fast track to Hollywood royalty who died of a drug overdose in front of West Hollywood's storied club, the Viper Room, at the age of 23. Taylor had to pay $500 in damages to the Viper Room's owners in order to avoid having charges pressed against him. But perhaps the nail in the coffin remains the fact that trendy bands and A-List celebs grace the club less often these days. During a 21st birthday party hosted for supermodel Kate Moss, Neighbours star Jason Donovan suffered a cocaine-induced seizure at the club. Getty ImagesBefore the untimely death of River Phoenix, he had been struggling with cocaine and heroin abuse. The location was originally a grocery store, from 1921 into the 1940s. Few movie stars of the early 1990s were as beloved as River Phoenix. 945 Fairfield Rd, Yeerongpilly QLD 4105 07 3426 8126 Open Hours: 24/7 . His parents John Lee Bottom and Arlyn Dunetz were known for their nomadic lifestyle and financial instability. The music venue quickly became a gathering spot for. Though his loved ones quickly called 911, it was already too late to save him. Visitors to the club today say yes, and the stories that still emanate from this serpentine structure surely corroborate those claims. There was almost another near-overdose at The Viper Room in January 1995. I tried to steady myself but my legs buckled under me and I fell to the floor.". Phoenix collapsed outside of the club in front of his brother and sister, Joaquin and Rain Phoenix;Rainsat onRiver's chest to try and stop his convulsing. They soon changed their last name to Phoenix, converted to veganism, and moved to California. At the time, the Sunset Boulevard venue was partly owned by Johnny Depp. Besides the Greenwich, businesses involved in the controversy included La Brea Avenue's Flamingo, known for its drag shows. In addition to the drama Phoenix, one of the former co-owners, Anthony Fox, died in his office in 2001, while Michael Hutchence and Timothy Leary both died shortly after performing within the walls of the Viper. By today's standards, the Phil Moore Four marked a veritable yawn-fest, promising "Music with a Sweet Beat," and likely equally "Sweet Dreams." [12] Another "Viper Room" in Portland, Oregon, has also been told to stop using the name under threat of a trademark lawsuit, with the Viper Room's former owner claiming "Every dollar they make is the result of using our name. Learn more In early 1993, Johnny Depp met Anthony Fox, who owned a nightclub called The Central in West Hollywood. He chased it with Valium. "It wouldn't be cool if anything was found on you by the medics,"he whispered. Theyre ruining peoples lives.. The Viper Room does, however, remain open a tantalizing relic of Sunset Strip's debauched and colorful history. Since he disappeared so close to the day he was to testify, some believe that Depp exercised his power and is somehow responsible. [18] In 1997, the Viper Room was also a place of a few early solo live performances by John Frusciante at the time of his bad physical condition caused by drug abuse. The new businesses will be joined by a . As stories of West Hollywood's mayhem and debauchery reached the ears of legislators, the Greenwich Village Inn became the epicenter of the action. The 23-year-old Oscar nominee was poised to have a career on par with '90s contemporaries like Leonardo DiCaprio when he, Prior to Phoenix's passing, the troubled actor allegedly went on a, On the night River overdosed, he drank a speedball a mix of heroin and cocaine dissolved into a drink and chased it with Valium. But a tragic event brought the club permanent infamy just two-and-a-half months after opening. A piece of West Hollywood history will transition into a multi-use project starting next year. The most interesting professional visit happened in 2017 by theGhost Adventurescrew. Since then, the club famously owned by Johnny Depp has been known as a hotbed for unsavory activity. Fans have left flowers, candles and notes at the spot where he collapsed on November 1, 1993 in Los Angeles, California. So they moved around quite a bit with their baby son. With a famous owner, the tragic death of a beloved actor, and the unsolved disappearance of a business partner, the nightclub is filled with sinister energy. Like Phoenix, Donovan maintained a clean-cut image. After River Phoenixs death, The Viper Room temporarily closed in his honor. The location invited vice. While he survived, Austalian actor Jason Donovan had a coke-induced seizure while partying at the club in 1995. The Viper Room is a nightclub located in West Hollywood, California, United States, on the Sunset Strip. Creepy Occult Around Los Angeles. In a strange turn of events, DiCaprio actually saw Phoenix in Hollywood on the same night that he died just hours before he left this Earth. Phoenix's death was a tragedy that brought fans and . The other part owner was Sal Jenco who starred in 21 Jump Street with Depp. Donovan described the harrowing incident in his memoir Between the Lines: My Story Uncut. Sadly, when he returned to Los Angeles in late October 1993, he almost immediately went on a massive drug binge. By the early 1990s, he had become a Hollywood star. Sadly, hard drugs and Hollywood nightlife shattered that dream and led to River Phoenixs death on October 31, 1993, at the age of just 23. According to Dollar Times, that's the equivalent of more than $110,000 in 2021. Curtis claims he and Maguire used Bloom as a distraction so that players wouldn't get alarmed by their losses at the table. The Viper Room rose to Hollywood infamy after River Phoenix tragically overdosed there on Halloween night in 1993, and his brother's harrowing 911 call was broadcast on news channels around the world. Published Jan 15, 2019. Given the history of drugs and rock 'n roll, this is an interesting one to visit. [16], At Depp's request, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers performed on the club's opening night.[17]. In 2004, Depp signed over his share in the Viper Room to Fox's daughter, Amanda, who sold it in 2008 (via NME). I stayed in a supposedly haunted hotel (not on purpose). Soon, the Viper Room's siren call attracted a steady stream of A-Listers and music legends. According to Bob Forrest, one of Phoenix's close friends who also happened to be at the Viper Room that night, the group would regularly "smoke crack or shoot coke directly into a vein" then "shoot heroin to get a grip and come down enough to be able to carry on a conversation for a few minutes before you start the cycle again." "Courtney Love says Johnny Depp saved her life outside the Viper Room", "Filthy McNasty, LA club owner of lore", LA Observed, April 21, 2016, "Filthy McNasty, Icon of the Old Sunset Strip, Has Died", Whoville, April 23, 2016, "The History (and Future) of the Sunset Strips Viper Room", West Hollywood, July 5, 2018, Ten Things You Never Knew About Tom Waits, "A Christmas Murder In Hollywood, Part Three: Another Tragic Anniversary", "WeHo residents oppose Viper Room project", "Business Search - Business Entities - Business Programs | California Secretary of State", "Nightclub coils to strike in trademark infringement suits", "New Viper Room Mixed-Use Project Notches $60M Loan", How Johnny Cash became an even bigger star after his death, "24 Rare Photos of Celebrities Inside L.A.'s Infamous Viper Room", "Viper Room Sold on Sunset Strip; Site Could Be Redeveloped", "The real 'Molly's Game': Inside Tobey Maguire's high-stakes underground poker ring", "Watch Ed Sheeran's gender-flipped video for 'Blow', featuring Bruno Mars and Chris Stapleton", "Adam Duritz Went Back to Tending Bar at the Viper Room After Counting Crows Hit It Big", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Viper_Room&oldid=1150166675, The Viper Room is featured in an episode of paranormal series, The Viper Room basement is the setting for the initial set of poker games, In 2021, the Viper Room was the feature of season 1, episode 2 of, This page was last edited on 16 April 2023, at 17:37. In 1995, alittle more than a year after River Phoenix died from an overdose outside of the infamous club, Johnny Depp threw a birthday party for his then-girlfriend Kate Moss. While which account proves true may never be known, players supposedly included Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, A-Rod, the Olsen twins, and Matt Damon. YouTubeThis memorial in Arcadia, California was dedicated by Iris Burton the talent agent who discovered Phoenix.
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