Towleroad reported yesterday that NYC gay megaclub The Roxy might re-open. It closed last year and was supposed to be demolished to make way for condos. But apparently even MANHATTAN real estate is in a slump. Read the story here.
I LOVED The Roxy. Before I even moved here, I would take weekend trips from PA to NYC – and Saturday nights were ALL about the Roxy. And when I finally did move to NYC, I went almost every weekend.
Over the years, I saw performances by Chaka Khan, Gloria Gaynor, Cher, and Madonna (where I got a glimpse of Boy George and freaked out). I saw a totally wasted Calvin Klein picking up a go-go boy (something I saw him do in MORE THAN ONE bar!). Writer Michael Musto – one of my earliest gay heroes – was also there every Saturday, although I was always too chicken-shit to talk to him. Roxy doorman Derek always let me bypass the line, and Cathy (the head bartender) always made sure my drinks were strong and quick. It was always a good time.
I LOVED The Roxy. Before I even moved here, I would take weekend trips from PA to NYC – and Saturday nights were ALL about the Roxy. And when I finally did move to NYC, I went almost every weekend.
Over the years, I saw performances by Chaka Khan, Gloria Gaynor, Cher, and Madonna (where I got a glimpse of Boy George and freaked out). I saw a totally wasted Calvin Klein picking up a go-go boy (something I saw him do in MORE THAN ONE bar!). Writer Michael Musto – one of my earliest gay heroes – was also there every Saturday, although I was always too chicken-shit to talk to him. Roxy doorman Derek always let me bypass the line, and Cathy (the head bartender) always made sure my drinks were strong and quick. It was always a good time.
Perhaps the most unique thing about my Roxy experience was the method by which my friends and I would find each other. The Roxy is an old roller skating rink, with the oval-shaped “rink” acting as a huge dance floor. The whole way around the oval was a walk way, allowing you to literally walk in circles (actually, ovals) all night. When I was there, I always walked in a “clockwise” direction – ALWAYS. When someone wanted to find me, they would walk “counter-clockwise” and eventually we’d meet. It was a foolproof system that was so effective it made us giggle.
Back when I was REALLY young and reckless, when the Roxy would close at 4:00 or 5:00 am, we would head 10 blocks north to the old Sound Factory and listen to DJ Junior Vasquez spin until the next afternoon. THOSE were the days…
Back when I was REALLY young and reckless, when the Roxy would close at 4:00 or 5:00 am, we would head 10 blocks north to the old Sound Factory and listen to DJ Junior Vasquez spin until the next afternoon. THOSE were the days…
