Like many my age, I grew up a fan of the Los Angeles/Hollywood Hard Rock and Metal scene. If it was loud and obnoxious, I loved it. Motley Crue, RATT and Poison, were just a few of the many bands that I loved as a kid. In their prime, they were the Kings of the Sunset Strip but before anyone know who they were, they were just another slew of unknown bands that roamed the strip handing out flyers hoping to get folks to check out their shows as venues like Whiskey A Go Go, The Roxy, Gazarri’s and the Troubadour only to go hang out and post show party with friends and fans at the Rainbow Bar and Grill.
I remember growing up in New Orleans and reading about all these awesome places and thinking that this was an entire world away. I would just read all my magazines like Cream, Circus, Hit Parader, Metal Edge and Rip and day dream about what it would be like on a Friday night, walking up and down the strip handing out fliers to all the hot chicks, playing to packed houses of screaming fans and then partying like a debaucherous rock star at The Rainbow Bar and Grill until the wee hours of the morning. I would lose myself in these fantasies for hours as I laid in my bedroom with the headphones on blasting “Out Of The Cellar” or “Shout At The Devil”. I figured I would never get out to California to see these places so I just continued to dream and wonder about all of it’s splendor.
In November of 2009, I got to live the dream finally and go out to California. My wife’s sister and her family live out there so after being invited out to visit them, I excitedly took them up on the offer and made my way to California. The week before my trip, I carefully planned out my “Day In Hollywood” and figured out what I wanted to see and do. My awesome Sister-In-Law loaned me her vehicle and I made my way down the 101 for my Hollywood adventure. Most of you might be thinking, “Dude, why did you go during the day? Nothing is going on cuz everything happens at night brah!” Well, that’s just why. I had no real desire to take in the nightlife or to take in shows at any of the venues. This was a soul journey, much like my pilgrimage to Macon, GA last month. This was just about me taking in the vibe and the spirit of the city.
My first stop was the Rock Walk at Hollywood’s Guitar Center. Just walking up to the awning of the store gave me goosebumps. Seeing hand prints of all the greats was so awesome. I just made my rounds checking them all out and it was so much fun to see them. I literally got excited when I saw Ronnie James Dio’s prints and right away had to have my picture taken with it. Iron Maiden’s prints included prints from Eddie the ‘Ed and Zakk Wylde’s prints had not just his hands but his beer can as well. Motorhead’s prints featured Lemmy’s signature middle finger and Def Leppard’s prints included Rick Allen’s foot which I found to be pretty humorous. While I was there, I figured I’d go in and pick up some guitar strings since I needed some anyways for the gig the following week. The guys there were really super cool and offered me some great directions to my next stops down the road.
I found a pay lot a bit down Sunset so I pulled in and payed five bucks for unlimited time (SCORE!) and gathered my bag
and camera. I started walking down Sunset and right away I could literally feel the energy of the place. I could just pictures tons of long haired dudes walking up and down the sidewalk handing out fliers to their upcoming shows with hopes of being the next big thing out of California. As I made my way down the road, I see The Roxy, The Whiskey A Go Go, and The Rainbow Bar and Grill. This was it! This is the block where many bands played some legendary shows. This is where Van Halen was discovered, this is where Motley Crue played, this is where The Doors not only played but were signed. What an absolutely amazing thing it was to see these legendary places. I looked in the windows, took pictures of the marquees and took in the over all vibe and spirit of these places.
With a rumbling in my tummy, I strolled over to The Rainbow Bar & Grill. I seemed to be the only one there so I just walked in the front door and was greeted by the manager who was a really cool guy. I told him my lil story and that this was my first visit ever to Hollywood. He was so kind and invited me to tour the place which was really awesome. He pointed out to me all the places where all the famous people hang out inside. I saw the place where Guns N Roses filmed a scene for their “November Rain” video, I got to see where Ronnie James Dio has stat a few times and I even got to see the place where Lemmy of Motorhead frequently hangs out playing video games while drinking Jack & Coke at the outside bar. Once I took in all the cool sights inside, I made my way to the outside bar where I was greeted by my bartender Kat. She recommended the cheeseburger and fries which I got along with a cold Rolling Rock to wash it down. The food was amazing and Kat and the guys working there were super kind and friendly. They told me some great stories of folks that hang out there and seemed to be pretty stoked about having a first timer there.
As I finished my meal and beer, with a full stomach I felt like I had succeeded in taking in all that I wanted to take in. I picked up a t-shirt to show that I came, I saw and conquered (an awesome burger that is)! I paid homage to the greats and the spirits of those that were left behind. I had a great lunch at the legendary Rainbow Bar & Grill and had a great time hearing all of their stories and experiences. As I walked back to the car with a smile on my face I felt like a void in my life had been filled. I felt like all those years dreaming and wondering about what it was like could finally be replaced with actual experience. Ok, so I didn’t get to play these places or bang a ton of hot groupies but I did get to experience the town and take it in first hand like I’d always wanted to do. I can’t help but feel that while LA/Hollywood might not seem to have a heart, like Jerry Garcia says in “Shakedown Street”, “Don’t tell me this town aint got no heart. Ya just gotta poke around!”
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