Rock n roll forever: The Whiskey a Go Go

Skye Gonzalez and Ashley Sendejas|May 30, 2023

An angled view of a sign located in front of the Whiskey A Go Go.

An angled view of a sign located in front of the Whiskey A Go Go.

Those who like to look back on their favorite band’s past will almost always hear the name Whiskey a Go Go, a venue located on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood.

It is said to be the most iconic club in Los Angeles.  In 1964 Whiskey a Go Go became a magnet for bands reaching for the limelight. The music venue was responsible for the discovery of many mainstream rock bands that we know of today, such as The Doors, Van Halen, Alice Cooper, Led Zeppelin, Soundgarden, and Nirvana.  

There were times when Fleetwood Mac would play for an empty room and times where The Doors were the opening band. You never knew who was going to show up that night or even make it on stage. 

The Sunset Strip is known for attracting tourists and people who are looking for an opportunity to get their foot in the industry.

In the early 1960s, Johnny Rivers visited the Whiskey and made a headline in the news. This brought Whiskey a Go Go its first significant exposure to the public. Various bands ended up wanting to use this venue as part of their tour. In 2006, Whiskey a Go Go was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a staple in the rock ‘n roll world.

Unfortunately during the punk rock scene in 1982, Whiskey a Go Go closed their doors. Crowds still showed up and hoped that the venue would one day open again. 

Just what fans had hoped for, in 1986 the Whiskey a Go Go opened up again to promoters and bands. The dance floor was packed to the brim with people happy that this beloved venue was back on track. 

Recently, the famous show, Daisy Jones and the Six filmed a few episodes at the Whiskey a Go Go. The show takes place in the 70s and follows the story of a fictional rock band called The Six. The band’s members take off to Hollywood from their small-town home in hopes to make their mark in the rock ‘n roll world. 

If you want a nostalgic LA experience, the Whiskey a Go Go is a definite must-go-to place. The shows are affordable, the food is amazing, and it’s a nice escape from reality to let loose and have a little fun with fellow music enthusiasts.