The Whisky A Go Go, The Byrds And The Doors Played Here Early In Their Careers

More rock and roll history has taken place in this one building than in most of the cities in the United States combined. Go-go girls, mini skirted dancers in cages, were all started here in the early 60’s. This helped create a craze and a national chain of “Whisky-A-Go-Go’s”.

The rock and roll scene in Los Angeles was born when the Whisky started operation. From rock to punk to heavy metal, the club stood at the forefront of many musical trends.

The Whisky played an important role in many musical careers, especially for bands based in Southern California. The Byrds were regulars and The Doors were the house band for a while. Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention got their record contract based on a performance at the Whisky. Jimi Hendrix came by to jam when Sam & Dave headlined. Otis Redding recorded his album Live at the Whisky in 1966.

The Turtles performed here when their newest (and biggest-selling) single “Happy Together” was becoming a hit, only to lose their new bassist, Chip Douglas (who had arranged the song), to The Monkees. Guitarist Michael Nesmith invited him to become their producer. (He returned to the Turtles a year later, to produce them.)

Noteworthy Concerts Held At The Whisky A Go Go

3/3/1993 – Van Halen
12/21/1980 – Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
1/27-28/1975 – John Mayall
11/13-14/1972 – Little Richard
12/30/1970-1/4/1971 – The Flying Burrito Brothers
1/14-18/1970 – Chicago
9/18-19/1970 – The Byrds
11/1-2/1968 – Spirit
11/16/1968 – The Mothers of Invention
2/14-21/1967 – The Doors
1/3-4/1967 – Love
5/17-18/1967 – Buffalo Springfield
12/10/1967 – Them
1/22/1966 – The Young Rascals
3/13/1966 – The Grass Roots
2/5/1966 – The Paul Butterfield Blues Band

The Whisky
8901 Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood CA 90069
310 652-4202