Viper Room

Homes by Martina

The Viper Room: A Storied Hollywood Nightclub Nestled on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California, the Viper Room stands as an iconic nightclub with a rich history that intertwines with the lives of many prominent figures in the entertainment industry. Since its opening in 1993, the Viper Room has been a beacon of the Los Angeles music scene, attracting musicians, actors, and artists from around the globe. Its dark, intimate setting has been the backdrop for countless legendary performances, tragic moments, and tales of Hollywood excess.

Origins and Ownership The Viper Room was opened on August 14, 1993, by a group of investors including actor Johnny Depp and Sal Jenco, who starred alongside Depp in “21 Jump Street”. The venue was previously known as The Central, a somewhat rundown bar, before Depp and his partners transformed it into the stylish rock venue that quickly became the talk of the town. Depp’s involvement brought a certain cachet to the club, making it an instant hit among Hollywood’s elite and music enthusiasts alike.

The Music and the Scene From the outset, the Viper Room became known for its strict no-photography policy
and its intimate performances by big-name artists. It hosted a wide array of musical genres, from rock and punk to indie and blues. Over the years, the stage of the Viper Room has seen performances by Johnny Cash, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Oasis, Queens of the Stone Age, and many others. It also became a platform for up-and-coming bands to showcase their talent in front of a discerning audience.

Tragedy and Infamy The Viper Room is perhaps equally known for its darker moments, most notably the tragic death of actor River Phoenix. On October 31, 1993, Phoenix died of a drug overdose on the sidewalk outside the club, an event that cast a long shadow over the venue and became a part of its lore. This incident highlighted the excesses of young Hollywood and marked a somber chapter in the club’s history. The club was shut down for one week after his death, and closed every year on October 31 up until 2004, when Depp sold his share.

Changing Hands and Legacy Johnny Depp continued his involvement with the Viper Room until 2004, when he sold his share in the club. Since then, the venue has changed hands but has remained a staple of the Los Angeles music scene. Despite the transformations the Sunset Strip has undergone, the Viper Room has retained its edgy, rock ‘n’ roll spirit, continuing to draw crowds with live music and DJ sets.

In 2022, it was announced that The Viper Room will soon be demolished and replaced with a 12-storey glass high-rise. “Just what the Strip needs!” jokes Steve Cohn, Depp’s former construction manager and a Viper Room regular in the Nineties. “There’s so much crap like that. It’s so sad.”

Advocates for preserving the cultural and historical significance of the Viper Room have been vocal, hoping to save it from the fate that has befallen many other legendary venues in the city. The Viper Room remains a symbol of the heyday of the Sunset Strip, a place where music, fame, and tragedy intersect. Its story is a vivid reminder of the volatile mix of talent and turmoil that often characterizes the entertainment industry. As it stands, the Viper Room is not just a nightclub but a piece of Hollywood history, embodying the dreams, dramas, and decadence of an era.