Before the untimely death of River Phoenix, he had been struggling with cocaine and heroin abuse. YouTubeThis memorial in Arcadia, California was dedicated by Iris Burton the talent agent who discovered Phoenix. View The Gallery 1 / 11 Ghost Adventures Crew The Viper Room (West Hollywood) - All You Need to Know - Tripadvisor And sadly, these two drugs would spell his end at The Viper Room. The Viper Room is well known for its sketchy history which includes mobsters, drug overdoses, disappearances, and even a gambling ring. (The Viper Room) (Sunset Strip) 19932004 . [3] and in the 1980s, a jazz club called "The Central". But unlike Phoenix, he regularly used cocaine. Mobsters held the Sunset Strip in their grip, making money hand-over-fist from illegal prostitution, drug sales, and illegal gambling, all while offering financial incentives to local law enforcement who looked the other way. The properties total 38,000 square feet of land and 16,000 square feet of parking space, an attractive location for development in an otherwise land-poor city. Murder Mystery: Was Johnny Depp Involved In Disappearance Of His Looking to check out the haunts of Los Angeles for yourself, up close and personal? Watch your inbox for new Haunting Tales and tour updates. One of the most famous girl groups of all time originated at The Viper Room. Slash and Danny Saber play guitar at The Viper Room for the Jim Dunlop party in Los Angeles, California in 1999. 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. He holds dual bachelor's degrees from Pace University and a master's degree from New York University. August of 1993 is when it finally became The Viper Room after Johnny Depp became a co-owner and majority stockholder. Anthony Fox owned it before it was The Viper Room. After the tragedy, his brother's 911 call was broadcast all over the world. Anyone who's anyone in Los Angeles has heard of The Viper Room on Sunset Strip in West Hollywood The now-haunted hotspot rose to its infamy after River Phoenix passed away in the bar on Halloween night in 1993 from an overdose. The Viper Room (episode) | Ghost Adventures Wiki | Fandom In its place will be a 12-story mixed-use high rise at the corner of Sunset and Larrabee in West Hollywood. First, smoke crack or shoot coke directly into a vein for that ninety-second, electric brain-bell jangle., 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.. The Viper Room is also featured in the 2004 documentary Dig! The ring often included other actors such as Ben Affleck, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Matt Damon. That fateful night, a bouncer had escorted Phoenix outside the nightclub where he instantly dropped to the ground. He returned to Los Angeles on October 26, 1993. Anyone whos anyone in Los Angeles has heard of The Viper Room on Sunset Strip in West Hollywood The now-haunted hotspot rose to its infamy after River Phoenix passed away in the bar on Halloween night in 1993 from an overdose. Drugs, Dolls and Johnny Depp: The Viper Room's demolition is - Yahoo Credit: The Viper Room. I didnt see anyone doing drugs but he was high in a way that made me feel uncomfortable. Just a couple of hours later, he would be dead. 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. The Viper Room was opened in 1993 by Johnny Depp and his 21 Jump Street costar Sal Jenco, but now, after nearly 30 years, it's getting ready to close its doors for good. Law enforcement arrested Sam Farkas, Mickey Cohen's bodyguard, according to the Green Bench Monthly, on suspicion of robbery. Hollywood's Haunted Viper Room By Kristen Winiarski 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. Daily Themed Crossword Clues and Answers for May 2 2023 Despite all its history, The Viper Room is set to be developed into a high-rise starting in 2023. Few nights proved more happening than Aug. 14, 1993, on the south side of the Sunset Strip. Two theories have circulated about how the Viper Room got its name. Parking is $10 in the lot behind the Viper Room or adjoining the Viper Room. Save. In 2004, Depp signed over his share in the Viper Room to Fox's daughter, Amanda, who sold it in 2008 (via NME). Few spots in Los Angeles have played witness to more messed-up happenings. Over the years, mainstream stars including Scarlett Johansson, Christina Aguilera, and Gwen Stefani, appeared with the girl group. 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." Last Night at the Viper Room by Gavin Edwards | Waterstones Tributes at The Viper Room honoring River Phoenix the day after his death in 1993. The Viper Room To Be Torn Down And Remodeled As Part Of A12 - KIIS FM In 1972, River Phoenixs parents decided to join the Children of God cult. [9] The club changed hands multiple times between 2004 and 2016; the club is currently owned by Viper Room Holdings, Ltd. CEO James Cooper.[10][11]. There was almost another near-overdose at The Viper Room in January 1995. The Infamous Viper Room. The redesigned Viper Room. Dating back to 1921, it's one of the oldest buildings on The Stripand it didn't start out as a club. The Viper Room - Yeerongpilly Brothel - Girls, Prices, & More - Veneev It soon became a hotbed for young celebrities, and just two months later, on Halloween, its most famous tragedy happened. The iconic music venue was once co-owned by Johnny Depp, and is known for its Rock concerts. Rare Photos Inside Johnny Depp's Viper Room in Los Angeles - Esquire The city's growing pains came with a resurgence of interest in the unincorporated Sunset Strip's dealings and increasing public scrutiny. Meanwhile, he also wanted to ensure that his younger siblings were able to get the education that he was never able to receive. Drea de Matteo attends a performance by The Cult at The Viper Room in Los Angeles on . The Viper Room in West Hollywood to Be Redeveloped Into New 12-Story Johnny Depp was one of the owners (he would give up his stake in 2004). The club is named after the club in Hollywood and is decorated in the same style as the American club. It's been 20 years since River Phoenix died on October 31, 1993 at the Viper Room, where the 23-year-old Oscar nominee drank a "speedball" of heroin and cocaine dissolved into a drink before. At the beginning, it was home to a small grocery store. Inside The Viper Room, Hollywood's Notorious Rock Club The location was originally a grocery store, from 1921 into the 1940s. Of course, times have changed since the club's height, and events have made for a precarious future. Season 18 Episode 4: The Viper Room - Metacritic Her thesis examined menstrual education in Victorian England. The passing of Hollywood star River Phoenix cemented the Viper Rooms sordid reputation. Madeline Hiltz 1/19/2023. See inside scandal-ridden history of Los Angeles' club The Viper Room Sadly, River Phoenixs death in 1993 wasnt a complete surprise. Then, take a look at the mystery of Natalie Woods death. But a fire engulfed the rear of the building on Jan. 9, 1950, causing $10,000 in damages, writes Playground to the Stars. Station in North Hollywood, where festivities continued into the wee hours to live performances by Kiss, Guns and Roses, Great White, Motorhead, Metallica, and Mtley Cre. Despite the much-publicized death, the Viper Room persisted as a star-studded hangout throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. After getting booted from Rainbow Bar & Grill for throwing shot glasses at people, front man Corey Taylor took his drunken debauchery across the street to theViper Room. Weird Facts About the Viper Room in Los Angeles (PHOTOS - Thrillist I knew something was wrong that night, something I didnt understand, she said. Historic documents compiled by West Hollywood'sHistoric PreservationCommission show that a grocery store named Young's Market originally occupied the site at 8852 Sunset, supplying the inhabitants of Sherman, a blue-collar railroad community down the hill. In 2004, Johnny Depp sold his stake in The Viper Room. As Filthy McNasty's, the establishment attracted eclectic public figures like Elvis Presley, Phyllis Diller, Mick Jagger, Evel Knievel, and Tom Waits. a lot of fun, finished up doing a double with another lady absolutely blew my mind!!!!. 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 John Frusciante, who performed a bizarre, drug-fueled set in the '90s, and Queens of the Stone Age, who played for free after they already hit it big. Although the building started as an innocuous blue-collar grocery store, it would rise to infamy two decades later as a notorious gangster hangout and strip club. 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. Famous for his acting talent as well as his good looks, he seemed like he was destined for greatness. Despite his untimely death, River Phoenix left a huge mark on the world not only as a talented actor but also as a passionate animal rights activist and environmentalist. Johnny Cash performed at the venue, debuting material that would later appear on American Recordings (1994). The bouncer then pushed the two out of the nightclub. "Twenty years after his death, River Phoenix remains as enigmatic and elusive as ever. The exterior of The Viper Room the day after the death of actor River Phoenix. #5 of 35 Nightlife in West Hollywood. By then, the actor was already a common sight at drug-fueled parties. He reportedly stayed sober for two months while filming the movie Dark Blood in Utah and New Mexico. The Caf Continentale, associated withEast Coast mobster Mickey Cohen and located on Santa Monica, also came under fire, as did Billy Berg's on Vine, where jazz legends such as Billie Holiday crooned. The other part owner was Sal Jenco who starred in 21 Jump Street with Depp. Over the years, it attracted a steady crowd of recognizable faces, including Uma Thurman, Mick Jagger, Tommy Lee, Pamela Anderson, Charlize Theron, Pink, Juliette Lewis, Cameron Diaz, and more. By 2001, a court case was on the horizon, with Fox fully prepared to testify against Depp. Initially, Depp said it was hard returning to the Viper Room and haunting walking past the spot where Phoenix died. Together, Maguire and Curtis allegedly hand-picked players, eventually making off with millions. The Cotton Club enjoyed a limited run. when members of the band the Brian Jonestown Massacre began brawling with each other on stage while performing. See Tune-In Times Previous Episode Witches in Magna Next Episode Asylum 49 The History (and Future) of the Sunset Strip's Viper Room The Viper Room is known for the drug-fueled debauchery that ensued inside its doors during the '90s. If one could hop in a time-traveling DeLorean DMC-12, a night at this divey hotspot might yield a tete-a-tete with young celebs like Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Aniston, or Uma Thurman chokers, flannel, and all. On October 31, 1993, River Phoenix died from a drug overdose outside Johnny Depp's nightclub, the Viper Room. The Viper Room in West Hollywood. As Donovan later recalled in his memoir, With Johnny [Depp] on guitar, Michael [Hutchence] started to sing the Van Morrison classic Gloria We were halfway through the song, belting out the chorus, when I realized I was about to go. The Hollywood Ghosts of the Legendary Viper Room - YouTube In 2001, Johnny Depp found himself embroiled in a multi-million-dollar lawsuit launched by one of his Viper Room business partners, Anthony Fox, according to Medium. But as Playground to the Starspoints out, despite the evocative name, the Cotton Club had no connection to the wildly famous operation in Manhattan. Over the years, it attracted a steady crowd of recognizable faces, including Uma Thurman, Mick Jagger, Tommy Lee, Pamela Anderson, Charlize Theron, Pink, Juliette Lewis, Cameron Diaz, and more. When nights wound down at Filthy McNasty's, celebs relocated to the F.M. Have the dark energies of Hollywoods past endured a century of time? The original building where the club is currently located is slated to be demolished by 2023, to make way for a replacement club, retail and a five star hotel tower. I think I'm OD'ing." His skin began to gray, and he allegedly told Forrest, "I don't feel so good. Joaquin), witnessed the heartbreaking event, reports The Guardian, unable to save him despite CPR and a call to 911. In 2018, the Los Angeles Business Journal reported that the Viper Room sold along with three other Sunset Strip properties for a whopping $80 million to REM Finance, Inc., of Scottsdale, Ariz. Properties included the blocks of 8850 to 8860 Sunset Boulevard and 8874 to 8878 Sunset Boulevard. But if you assume the past holds the Viper Room's seediest episodes, think again. The Viper Room's role in rock 'n' roll debauchery gets all the attention. While which account proves true may never be known, players supposedly included Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, A-Rod, the Olsen twins, and Matt Damon. 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. In 1973, 8852 Sunset embraced a rock vibe as Filthy McNasty's, enjoying a long line of fascinating clientele, reports Wehoville. The Viper Room is known for the drug-fueled debauchery that ensued inside its doors during the '90s. There were also some traces of Valium, marijuana, and ephedrine found in his system. After being inside for a bit where he was acting strangely, they went out in front and River began convulsing while his brother called 911. It was established as The Viper Room in 1993[citation needed] and was partly owned by actor Johnny Depp. Remembering the Notorious Viper Room as It Closes Its - thevintagenews But before Phoenix entered Hollywood, his early life was a humble one and quite unconventional. Little did the world know how much pressure he was putting on himself. The Los Feliz Tragic Mansion. Maguire won nearly every week, and according to Curtis, they used Leonardo DiCaprio (unbeknownst to him)as a lure to draw other players. Id talk out loud to her, and shed text me a response. Before long, he was starring in other major films like 1988s Running On Empty and 1991s My Own Private Idaho. In theory, at least, The Viper Room will re-emerge from the rubble. I didnt even try to run; I just walked over and put my hands on the hood. In the early 2000s, the Viper Room was the host to a high-stakes game where a $50,000 buy-in was considered modest. I feel like in virtually every movie that I made, there was a connection to River in some way. GAC investigate the infamous on West Hollywood's . In the 1970s, the club changed again to Filthy Mcnastys, where rock n roll began to come in. Situated at 8852 Sunset Boulevard on West Hollywood's celebrated Sunset Strip, The Viper Room began life as a humble grocery store before being converted into a nightclub in 1946. Inside The Tragic Death Of River Phoenix And The Downward Spiral That Preceded It. But few in attendance could've predicted the future of the smoke-filled joint, as Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers inaugurated the location. It was a place that epitomized sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll, even after the club's ownership changedhands. [7], Despite the death of River Phoenix the year the venue opened, the club became and remained a hangout for Hollywood's most popular young actors and musicians. Located on the Sunset Strip, the historic nightclub was first established in 1993 and originally co-owned by Johnny Depp, business partner Anthony Fox and Sal Jenco, who starred in "21 Jump. Two of Phoenixs siblings, Joaquin and Rain, were also in attendance. It is one of the oldest built remaining structures on the Sunset Strip. Fox accused Depp and four other partners of conspiring to defraud the club of millions. 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. Celebrities Connected to . The Viper Room that we know today first opened on the Sunset Strip in 1993. It's not a haunted house; it's not a horror show at all." If you want to go to 'Clown Bar' When: 8 p.m. Nov. 11 and 12. Depp Was Once Sued By Business Partner Who Now Remains Mysteriously Inside debaucherous 90s club The Viper Room where a celeb - The Sun That same year, River Phoenix died of a drug overdose right outside the club. Despite its cleaned-up image, the Viper Room remains haunted with memories of rampant cocaine abuse and lives cut too short. Viper Room Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images I went on a tour that went past the Viper Room at one point and the tour guide gave out tickets to the venue (I couldn't go because not 21 but kept the ticket). The Viper Room Zak and the crew investigate the infamous Viper Room on West Hollywood's Sunset Strip. So despite its divey and dingey reputation, it was a haven for celebrities to escape the limelight and kick back like civilians. LA Curbed reports that the 1.7-mile stretch of Sunset Boulevard comprising the strip lay in an unincorporated region of Los Angeles County, outside of L.A. Police Department jurisdiction. Given the history of drugs and rock n roll, this is an interesting one to visit. DeVille of Poison. Oops, there was an error sending your message. The Viper Room has a ton of history, tragedy, and supernatural occurrences that span about 101 years. By the early 1990s, he had become a Hollywood star albeit one with a serious drug problem. Certainly, for me, it felt like it impeded the mourning process, right? Joaquin said, adding that he soon began to think of his late brother as the ultimate inspiration for his acting. The Viper Room in West Hollywood to be redeveloped into 12-story building 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. 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. Although illegal in the city of Los Angeles, gambling flourished on the Sunset Strip. One bartender who had worked at the Viper Room for sixteen years said that he felt like the bottom bar had a different energy than the top a more malevolent one. By the decade's end, the Greenwich Village Inn closed, and the Rue Angel briefly filled its spot. Tickets & Tours - Viper Room, Los Angeles - Viator The Strange History of The Most Infamous Hotels in Los Angeles - Ranker Prior to Phoenix's passing, the troubled actor allegedly went on adays-long drug binge with John Frusciante, the notorious drug-addicted guitarist from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Johnny Depp Had a Hard Time Returning to the Viper Room After River The club earned a reputation for being one of the few places where the audience often proved more famous than the entertainers. [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. Sadly, River flatlined before help arrived. Much to the horror of his siblings and girlfriend, he started going into convulsions. Entrepreneur Molly Bloom was hired to run the games, which ended up attracting a number of A-list movie stars, including Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Leonardo DiCaprio. I knew the symptoms all too well My heart was racing, my vision was blurry and I was becoming disoriented. Luckily, Donovan was okay and survived the overdose. Like Phoenix, Donovan maintained a clean-cut image. "It wouldn't be cool if anything was found on you by the medics,"he whispered. On top of all that, Phoenix was likely still grappling with his traumatic memories of being involved with a cult at an early age. His brother Joaquin recalled having a difficult time grieving, as the paparazzi often harassed the bereaved family. Cuando se inaugur, el 14 de agosto de 1993, The Viper Room era el lugar ms popular de la ciudad. The Viper Room opened on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood in 1993. A cop was sitting at a nearby red light and witnessed the whole thing. The Viper Room, where all Hollywood came to sell their soul 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. The Sunset Strip openly snubbed its nose at the early 1930s ban on strip clubs in Los Angeles. Inaugurated in 1993, owned partly by actor Johnny Depp who is under watch River Phoenix and his younger brother Joaquin, pictured in the early 1980s. Even younger talents like Leonardo DiCaprio were shaken by the news. Published Jan 15, 2019. Several scenes in the 2005 John Travolta film Be Cool were set at or in the club,[22][23] although only the exterior of the site was used in the shoot.[24]. As the old nightclub is set to be demolished, we thought wed look back at The Viper Rooms illustrious history. His brother, Joaquin, called 911. The Viper Room officially opened in 1993. In an interview with USA Today, Duritz recalls continuing to work at the Viper Room after hitting it big because of the happening scene. The Viper Room's latest feature has been in the series Pam & Tommy (featuring Lily James and Sebastian Stan), which details an altercation between Tommy Lee and two other bathroom goers, confirming the bar's popularity amongst the rock scene in the early nineties which still continues through to this day. Ghost Adventures: The Viper Room Next stop with the Ghost Adventures crew: the infamous Viper Room on West Hollywood's Sunset Strip. Jennifer Anniston and a friend arrive at The Viper Room, 1999. She loves spending quality time with her friends, family, and puppy Luna! It shatters and I turn around and there is a cop car sitting right at the red light. According to one waitress, she states that the Viper Room regularly hosted games featuring some of Hollywoods most elite stars like DiCaprio, Ben Affleck, and Tobey Maguire.