Hi Robert, I read this upon publication... Brought back lots of similar memories of the same places. (I DJ'd at King Tut's after it changed ownership.) And some of the same people. (Jim Fouratt took me under his wing as well.) What I always loved about our music world, from the earliest days, was its Don't Ask Don't Tell mindset which, back when more formal areas of employment were actively prejudiced, seemed like radical inclusion. I came of age as a teen in London simply enjoying the fact that my music world had all sorts. In NYC, especially with personally gravitating into the club scene, that mindset was much more overt, more celebratory, and was an aspect of NYC I absolutely loved. Like you, fond memories of Wigstocks (and Mermaid Parades). And of the club kids who sadly went awry, less from disease (though I lost friends to AIDS) than drugs. Thanks for sharing your Pride.
Thanks for another vivid and engaging piece, Robert. I was born too soon to hang at the Hut, but had some good times nearby, at Hilly’s On The Bowery before it became CBGB.
Tut’s sure looked like my kind of watering hole back in those days. Hilly’s was fun until the Hells Angels set up their clubhouse in the neighborhood and co-opted the bar. I didn’t want to be around for an Altamont sequel.
I was watching from afar.
Amazed and yes, very proud
of you. Epic historical post.
Hi Robert, I read this upon publication... Brought back lots of similar memories of the same places. (I DJ'd at King Tut's after it changed ownership.) And some of the same people. (Jim Fouratt took me under his wing as well.) What I always loved about our music world, from the earliest days, was its Don't Ask Don't Tell mindset which, back when more formal areas of employment were actively prejudiced, seemed like radical inclusion. I came of age as a teen in London simply enjoying the fact that my music world had all sorts. In NYC, especially with personally gravitating into the club scene, that mindset was much more overt, more celebratory, and was an aspect of NYC I absolutely loved. Like you, fond memories of Wigstocks (and Mermaid Parades). And of the club kids who sadly went awry, less from disease (though I lost friends to AIDS) than drugs. Thanks for sharing your Pride.
Thanks so much, Tony. We were fortunate, even if we didn’t have cat videos.
Thanks for another vivid and engaging piece, Robert. I was born too soon to hang at the Hut, but had some good times nearby, at Hilly’s On The Bowery before it became CBGB.
On the contrary, brotherman! You would have for right in at King Tut’s! I can see you gettin some strange in the phone booth RIGHT NOW!
Tut’s sure looked like my kind of watering hole back in those days. Hilly’s was fun until the Hells Angels set up their clubhouse in the neighborhood and co-opted the bar. I didn’t want to be around for an Altamont sequel.
Great piece, loved the Wah Wah Hut!
Wonderful post, Rob! The East Village today is not what it was, but I love how it still has a faint residue vibe of edge.
Thank you. Yes, I still occasionally take a walk there. It’s still special. Different. Expensive. But special.