Whisky A Go Go

ok listen up all you head bangers and heavy metal fans. there is a new band in town called "SPELLCASTER" they are out of portland and headed to the whiskey. this is your chance to hear some really good rock and roll! they have pure talent and i think they are going to set the stage on fire! i think you will all agree!!!! the drummer has the beat that will take this band to the top!!!!! check them out on heavy artillery web site or myspace and listen to what is going to take the music world into something that is not yet discovered!!!!! you will not want nothing more from them because they give you it all!!!! so dont miss out on "SPELLCASTER" more

I was lucky enough to be part of the Whisky Booking office from the punk late 70's thru 1983. I consider this time to be the last great period of music on the Strip. Sure there have been a few other times when a great band or two came of age there, but the true sense of what the Whisky can be hasn't been seen since. What happened? During the second wave of the British invasion, record companies, which small clubs like the Whisky, Roxy, Starwood, Gazarri's, etc. relied upon to financially support their new touring acts with ticket purchases, signed way too many new acts. As many new bands records failed to sell, tour support dried up. Up to that point the Whisky always paid its bands. A decision was made by Mario, Elmer & Lou to close down for a short time in September of 82 with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and the Plimsouls opening being the last bands to take the stage.. The intent was to reopen in a few months as a (makes me sick) Dance Club. Elmer, up to that time was responsible for the booking of both the Roxy and Whisky. Our office upstairs was disbanded a short time after. I went to work at the Roxy office for several more months. When the Whisky started to book bands again, it initiated the pay to play policy. That was it for me. New bands didn't stand a chance unless they coughed up $500 up front, in exchange for 100 ticket they had to sell themselves to family and friends, or just plain eat the cost. Sad. Hope that explains a little of what happened, and why the Whisky will never be the same. Althought, I hate to say it, the Whisky is still there because these decisions were made. I consider myself lucky to have been there, at that time. Miss you Elmer. Pros: rock & roll history Cons: Pay to Play Killed the Strip more

I went to see my favorite band play at the whisky and I must say it was amazing. Of course they take extra precautions and ask you for your knife (all other weapons, etc.). People come here of all ages. The sound quality is also very amazing!!! The security isn't very friendly though, they just kind of push the fans and people out of the way and walk through sometimes. I love the Whisky A Go Go, but what happened to great, amazing bands playing there? Reading up on its history, it would usually just be awesome Rock N Roll bookings (Motley Crue, Van Halen, The Misfits, and The Runaways!) Now, its just another washed-up rapper who wants a CD release party or just another suck "band" (as they call themselves). I say... There are so many real, talented bands that would love to play here, and most aren't even discovered yet. Whoever has taken over the bookings should be fired, and they should hire someone else worthy to actually work at The Whisky A Go Go. Pros: Excellent place to go to your favorite bands concert Cons: Booking from month to month is horrid. more

What the hell happened? The bands aren't good, security treats folks like animals with searches for knives and guns, it draws hip-hop hoods with "bling" who try to sell CD's (and get violent if you don't buy), and the bookers are real exclusive now. I've played this place a bunch of times, but they seem oblivious to acts who have been performers in the past who are now "outsiders" to their clique. Come on; this is not a popular place. This hasn't been for well over 30 years, and it won't be anytime soon. VERY DISAPPOINTING GIVEN IT'S HISTORY AND MY OWN AT THE VENUE. Whomever has taken over the bookings and their crew should be dismissed immediately, because their version of running a successful venue is not offering shows to the groups who have a history at the club under previous management. They "scout" pay-to-play bands on myspace, with no real success. Too bad; it was very cool, being a repeat performer between the years 2003-2007. Never again, I guess. One thing: watch out, bands; they've gone up on the ticket buying prices, which means you're not getting a good deal at all unless you have a fan base of 50 or up, which is not the case for most groups, I've found (especially during the week). Play somewhere else. Your fans will appreciate it more. I mean, they won't book a show with you (or at least they wouldn't in my case) that takes place in any kind of time that would allow for a reasonable marketing effort. The booker wanted to book me for one week later, even though I asked for a date a bit further in the future so I could market it (like all the other dates I played there under Gina). The person (Matt) pretty much blew me off in the old "Hollywood" manner. If you call them on June 1, they will offer you a show on June 7, and for most people, that kind of prep time is impossible. If you call in June and are seeking a July or August date (very reasonable for working people), you will be treated like a second class citizen, as I was by Matt. Pros: Soundman was pro, soundsystem was ok, club was better a few years ago. Gena was a better booker. Cons: Used to be good, but it's almost "dive-like" now, aura of violence inside and out, very inconsiderate booking agents with attitude. Whisky has lost whatever it had. more

So I went there to see a friend's band, which was awsome, but I was constantly irritateted by the staff and confused by the crowd. Now I'm old school, like 23, so I think rock concert I think movement- there was no movement from anyone, but my group. Head nodding was a rarity in the crown that had come to see rap/rock. What left me never wanting to come to this venue ever again, however, was totally the venue's fault. The staff was not only not friendly, not concert encouraging, but mean and rude. I seriously got pushed by the staff to stay " inside the (imaginary) fire lines" a half a dosen times. My friend who is 19 went out side to join other friends for a ciggarett and when everyone came back in she was held outside and not allowed back in. Now I'm not sure if the doosh at the front door was trying to embarras her, or had just relized that she'll never sleep with him, much like every other women for love or cash and this was his paathetic way of excersizing his might over her. Anyway, one quick talk from someone sorta important and she was back it- but warned. My boyfriend was also warned for me, b/c i kept getting in the "fire lanes" and therefor might be asked to leave. So yeah- the do what you want rock and roll... ah not so much more like stay in the lines, follow the directions, obey the crowd masters, and stand perfectly still while listening to your favorite local band on a sub par sound sytem. Pros: good, local music Cons: everyone working there, sad still crowd more

I love this place. An intimate club/bar with a sweet sound system. Warning: It is loud. But for people like me, it's great! Feel the music and dance. The bar is decent, don't order anything real fancy, everything is served in a plastic cup, but hey, drinking here is only 1/8 of the fun. Historic value, great gigs, fun place. Parking is available in the back. Just a little warning, for those who have cars that ride low, find another spot to park, or bring another car. You can cause some serious damage in the uneven lot in back. It's in desperate need of some repaving. Pros: Great Sound, Good Bar, Great Staff more

I went to the whisky a gogo to see the room. The band that was playing was pretty lame, but the place has a lot of history with everyone from the doors to X getting their start there. Drinks are more than they should be. Worth checking out ,but not for the music. Pros: a landmark, decent sound Cons: overpriced drinks, lame bands more

Great spot to catch a show. This very divey venue packs in the crowd. The upside? You get up close and personal with the band, and it sounds pretty damn good too. The downside? Spilled beer and long bar lines are always a drag. All in all, definitely one of L.A.'s cooler venues. Pros: view of the stage Cons: pack people in more

Looking for some history...wanna see some local talent. Just about everyone in the music business has played on this stage. You name it. Check out the pictures on the wall, you will see them all there. Nowadays you can check out the local talent and get a pricey drink in a plastic cup. Still a popular stop for locals wanting to see their Fav Band on stage. It's getting kinda run down but it is still just as fun. more

What a great place to see a band. You might as well be on stage you're so close. Drinks are good. Don't worry about spilling, just try not to slip on the floor when everyone else does. more