GOODBYE to the Legendary Viper Room 1986 - 2023

My LAST walk-around. The soon to be DEMOLISHED VIPER ROOM. The entire block of the Sunset Strip is to be DESTROYED for a new Hotel project
See also the Whisky-a-go-go The London Fog
"Scott Michaels knows where the bodies are buried!" - LA Times
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Hi I'm Scott Michaels.
Scott Michaels - the owner of Dearly Departed Tours in Hollywood and the original "Celebrity Death Guy." Originally behind the helm of the infamous Grave Line Tours, I owned and operated Dearly Departed Tours on the streets of Hollywood for 16 years.
I coined the term Death Hag on my webpage, www.Findadeath... has entertained people for over 25 years. My collection of one-of-a-kind death related (Tragical) Artifacts include the legendary Jayne Mansfield Death Car and Mae West's teeth. Yes.
On top of providing content here, I also have a podcast, and a FREE DEATH A DAY CALENDAR - daily smartphone app linked below.
GetDearlyDepart...
My Podcast with Mike Dorsey:
www.DearlyDepar...
Mailing address:
Dearly Departed Tours
1717 E. Vista Chino A7-619
Palm Springs, CA 92262
Available to purchase: Authentic Artifacts! Pieces of historic locations, documents etc: dearly-departe...
CAMEO - I'll make you a personal video message: www.cameo.com/...
#dearlydepartedtours

[@michellebelledejour]

Everything that made the Sunset Strip so full of life is being erased. It feels so dead now, it makes me sad. RIP Viper Room.

[@maryannemelenka9250]

Yes, I was there in 2014. Strip very run down, but historic. Glamour days are gone.

[@bumblbesss]

well that was back in the days were the Young used to go outside. today everyone's world consists of looking at a phone or staying in their room.

[@MissBrittany86]

I found your channel through Jordan RIP, the Viper room, my favorite actor you still only Johnny Depp I always wanted see it in person but unfortunately I never got the chance so thank you for taking me a long with you

[@SheriffofRottingham]

better get the Narcan

[@kristindubois8814]

​@MissB86 I was just at viper room at beginning of October of this year.its still open but not sure for how long you still have time...

[@paulahartsock4041]

I guess they call it progress. I call it getting rid of history 😢

[@octavius8562]

I guess they called it progress too when they took down buildings from the 20s and 30s, to replaced them with night clubs and liqueur stores you now want to preserve so badly. 😉

[@sevend1398]

Period

[@jackswing-ep7cf]

Right

[@showguyer]

Sad

[@davidtaylor6663]

sad, but inevitable

[@masonmurry8413]

I can't comprehend how they are going to give people the opportunity to "experience" West Hollywood if they are tearing all of it down. Being surrounded by a bunch of brand new hotels is not a reason people go to visit there. You cannot enjoy history if you remove what makes it historic. Anyways, thanks you Scott for being a badass like always.

[@melissamarie5947]

Exactly I feel the same

[@melissamarie5947]

It’s such a shame

[@joejones9520]

The homogenization of the nation is an abomination.

[@paulvon2378]

times change ...

[@CaptainHowdyDoUdewY]

​@@paulvon2378 do they? 😂 are you sure times change? We were all under the impression that time stands still forever kind of like that episode of twilight zone. I guess you learn something new everyday.

[@MusicHealsMusicSaves]

Glad the Rainbow, the Roxy and the Whisky-A-Go-Go are Designated Historic

[@michellerosebrown]

Yep.

[@shadow_hillsgrandma8224]

Mario's family WILL protect them.

[@MusicHealsMusicSaves]

@@shadow_hillsgrandma8224 They are already protected

[@colleb95]

I know my Aunt has been to the Whisky a go go. Not sure the viper room . She took me to the Hard Rock Cafe in Hollywood. I actually had a shirt from the Hard Rock Cafe. Lots of people calling it just the Whisky.

[@bigdaddy7862]

Yep and the Troubadour

[@GLK-London]

It's sad how Hollywood never seems to want to preserve any history. Another wonderful video, thank you.

[@charrua59]

Hollywood is dying like music industry already done. Like many US city's

[@dorothyblack8904]

New York is like that, too.

[@richardmorris7063]

We have a rock n roll hof & put rappers & country music artists in it..

[@brianpinion5844]

Hollywood just worries about lining there pockets, which who dont I know but you would think they would want to preserve it , But money talks

[@jonise2524]

Neither NYC ,we are going down the toilet, Manhattan looks the same, the majic is gone in the big American cities

[@MichelleonSunset]

The L.A. I grew up in was so full of originality with deep pockets of history. Punks, skaters, rockabilly kids, hip-hop lovers, new swing revival, aging metal heads. Depending on what night you were out, they’d be on that block. Now it’s just full of desperation, everyone looks the same and is dying for attention. What a waste.

[@HC-cb4yp]

We're going to destroy all the interesting places in Los Angeles to make housing for all the people who want to live in Los Angeles because of all of its interesting places.

[@breestone8978]

@@HC-cb4yp right?

[@charrua59]

Time to learn mandarin. Chinese buying up America

[@imhere653]

​@@HC-cb4yp Don Henley eas onto something when he sang the line, "Call someplace paradise, kiss it goodbye." -Pretty Maids All in a Row HOTEL CALIFORNIA

[@jeffreyg607]

@@imhere653 Bingo! 1976 Hotel California, otherwise known as The Lido lobby :) ❤❤

[@stirringthecauldronparax4039]

I worked the door at Filthy McNasty's for a while way back when. One night Evil Knievel and his crew stopped in and all of a sudden Filthy's rock band was playing Conga music. I couldn't see what was going on in the club until they formed a long Conga Line (band included) and danced out the door to Turner's and back. That's when the Sunset Strip was fun.

[@stargazer4299]

I remember when Filthy McNastys was in North Hollywood ...lankershim and dont remember cross street...but I lived across the street...that place was always packed...too young to go in..memories..that was mid 70s...

[@stirringthecauldronparax4039]

@@stargazer4299 Filthy called that club FM Station, and yes, it was always packed. He had a tremendous following.

[@stargazer4299]

@@stirringthecauldronparax4039 Ok...FM STATION sounds familiar... But where did I get the name FILTHY MCNASTYS from ??

[@adrianlopez2215]

FM station was cool partied with Ace Frehley on New Years Eve in 1995 remember him talking about the reunion and him saying nice things about my Jerry Garcia the bird tie

[@stargazer4299]

@@adrianlopez2215 what ever happened to the Palamino Club? I remember when Elvis Presley passed away.. Alot of impersonators came out ... place was always packed.. I used to work at Bobs Big Boy pretty much next door..customers would come in 2:00 in morning.. Great Tips..

[@movieedge7370]

It’s so sad that all those buildings are gonna be gone, especially the Viper room. knocking down history one building at a time 😢

[@teijaflink2226]

I don't understand why they couldn't save some historical places, I'm sure there is money in saving them too? Who has bought this place up, clearly someone who doesn't care, just take everything down, need to make money. Though I can see a point in cleaning this place up some, it looks pretty worn down but should at least preserve some legendary places.

[@CaptainHowdyDoUdewY]

​@@teijaflink2226 just take a look at who the people are that are buying up the real estate.

[@kamilyakadyr7063]

@@teijaflink2226 I could never understand this phenomenon in America. In Europe we have buildings and even little shops & restaurants that are older than the American country itself. Sadly it's more common to see tear downs and building changes in Northern Europe, more than Southern Europe (Italy, France & Spain are amazing at preserving tradition & historical buildings) , but it's definitely not as rapid as it is in the US. My apartment that I'm living in right now, is currently around 120 years old & my parents house has existed since like 1937. I'm glad we care about preserving things here in Europe, there are actually psychological and mental benefits to this.

[@barbarajohnson83]

I so wish I could have visited Hollywood in the 50’s and 60’s when the stars I grew up with were alive and at the top of their prime and the famous buildings were young and were where the action was. Sadly I was just too young at those times. Thank you Scott for sharing your videos.

[@jomama5186]

Nothing is sacred

[@Zahnclassof95]

i agree 💯 i bet that was when Hollywood was cool 😎 during the 50s an 60s i agree

[@andrewmcgee1001]

I agree. That would have been such a cool era to see these iconic landmarks. The vibe was different and thriving then too. It seems our culture is just going to s&%#...sad.

[@spokanetomcat1]

@@Zahnclassof95 My grandfather worked for the studios as a painter in the 30s-50s and the stories he told my dad when my dad became an adult. My dad knew many people including stars and support players who bowled at the old Hollywood Bowl Bowling Alley where he worked.

[@karencooper-ray6680]

I lived near there in the early 90s, just off Sunset in an apartment on Poinsettia. I remember the night River Phoenix died. I was out walking my little dog very late (or very early), and I saw all of emergency vehicles racing down Sunset. So much history in those street blocks.

[@maryroberts2099]

I lived there during the late 80s-early 90s

[@sonyagraske376]

Was river Phoenix at the viper room? 😢

[@MichaelScootpowerMilstead]

yes I lived on Poinsettia in the late 80s...played all those whole rock star thing

[@boomtownrat5106]

My dad was a waiter at the former Villa Nova restaurant from the early 1960s to 1967. The stories he use to tell about the celebrity clientele. The owners moved the restaurant to Newport Beach where it was a mainstay on PCH for many years. The 60s became the transition where old Hollywood was not frequenting the restaurants and night clubs on the strip but became the hang out for musicians and young people. Seeing the changes happening there in West Hollywood today, it reminds me of Dylan’s song: ‘Oh the times they are a-changing’ Sad.

[@peppercat8718]

Great memories, thanks for sharing Boomtown Rat :)

[@charrua59]

You got any Juicy storys to tell about some famous person?

[@boomtownrat5106]

@@charrua59 Plenty! My dad told me the most generous tippers were Frank Sinatra and Eddie Fisher. Sinatra would pass out hundred dollar bills to the maître d’, the sommelier, bartender, the waiter, and the bus boy and I’m sure to various and sundry employees. Mind you this is the mid-1960s. I grew up on the north end of the San Fernando Valley where our mortgage payment was $95 a month. And there is Mr. Sinatra passing out hundred dollar bills. Incredible generosity!

[@consortiumxf]

I hope your dad writes a book about his experience in 1960's LA and the celebrities he met

[@boomtownrat5106]

@@consortiumxf He was quite the raconteur. The stories he told could’ve filled a multi volume encyclopedia. The stories will have to stay with him because he’s not with us anymore. Sigh…

[@sidecar7714]

I recall Johnny Rotten commenting on this new style of development. He observed that the message of such designs is that you don’t matter.☮️

[@c.joyceb.8991]

It's sad to see old memories being erased...

[@ptarrow6817]

Elevated - a marketing word that describes replacing fun with boring and cheap with overpriced.

[@blurpledragon2779]

This makes me sick , they don't care about anything Scott !! All that wonderful old Hollywood history and nostalgia.

[@paulcarlsen4088]

Thanks Scott and Troy! I now feel melancholy. Definitely “Sunset Stripped”.

[@omartyre]

Overpriced apartments and hotels...we totally need more of them in LA

[@itkapatanka]

LA (or should I say West Hollywood) doesn't give a s**t about it's history. Thank you #dearlydepartedtours for trying to educate the people of LA.

[@pippadot679]

Very sad building to be gone. If anyone should show these places it's totally you Scott. All of these such iconic pieces of history. No one can tell these stories of nostalgia like you.

[@Brandilyn24]

This is so freakin sad to me I wish the history wasn't consistently destroyed.

[@HC-cb4yp]

The United States is always reinventing itself. Maybe it has to happen.

[@seascape1016]

Goodbye to a part of nostalgia and history that meant so much to so many people. Rest In Peace too River Phoenix. Really appreciate this update.

[@maripeti4036]

My son is in the Music Industry I am so glad he got to gigs in the Whiskey & The Viper!!!! This is beyond SAD I cannot believe this iconic buildings will be gone- it's beyond sad!!!! ;( Thank you for sharing this vlog with us!

[@hairycrocs5038]

The whiskey is staying at least

[@Debra-k1f]

​@hairycrocs5038 One bright spot, atleast.

[@anthony605]

Pretty sad to hear about this. I’m glad you have your finger on the pulse and able to film these before they’re gone.

[@donaadler6208]

Everything coming down down down! So sad for such an iconic stretch.....😢

[@jamesf4405]

It's called "getting old" brother... most of the people that were around and made those places famous are dead and gone. Us who still remember are now becoming senior citizens. Even Johnny Depp is becoming an old man, so is Axle Rose. The young people don't even listen to rock. Nothing lasts forever. I'm sure that back in the 1890s, some pretty cool saloons existed, but they're gone now and no one remembers. Sad.

[@sbrave]

So well said.Thank you! Depp is looking like he's ready for a retirement home. It couldn't last forever...

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

Yes. And it’s run down. The new building looks very nice.

[@shawnawesome7770]

Yes! Exactly what you said. There are so many places I'd go see bands play that are no longer around. Change happens. There will be new places.

[@CaptainHowdyDoUdewY]

​@@shawnawesome7770 its not the kind of change you are thinking though. Just take a look at the people who are buying up all the real estate. And its not specific to just this area. Its happening all throughout the country.

[@ForeverChanged7]

I hate alot about getting old and this is just a truth of life. I'm going to keep enjoying it until Either it's gone or I am gone. Lol

[@lisamartin3734]

Old Hollywood is slowly being destroyed for something else 😢

[@TinCupChalice40]

The Viper room is not “old Hollywood” for god sakes.

[@skyko]

Erasing our history

[@CaptainHowdyDoUdewY]

​@Marzapane You are aware the viper room is older then 1993 no? Filthy mcnastys? Even before that. It's been around for decades. That goes for alot of the buildings you're looking at in this video that are going to be destroyed. So please, give me a break.

[@CaptainHowdyDoUdewY]

​@Marzapane would you consider the 60s and 50s old Hollywood? How about the 40s? Because most people today would. Pay a little more attention. Nobody was referring to the viper room specifically. It's the building that holds the name that is historical. I'm not trying to be mean or rude but God damn. Do some research. I promise it doesn't hurt.

[@Debra-k1f]

​@@CaptainHowdyDoUdewY❤❤❤

[@leesashriber5097]

Why don't they leave the iconic parts of Hollywood alone. Sad day. I was in there the first year it opened. It's really sad.😢 Thank you for one more look.

[@catmom7286]

I still can’t believe they’re tearing it down, I spent so much time there when I was younger!

[@SuperLemoncupcake]

I wish this could all be stopped. Who wants these monstrosities?

[@charrua59]

The Chinese want this streets so they can have the land

[@sergpie]

Speculators that don’t live there. Localities are no longer influenced by local interests. Localities are subject to the whim of uprooted capital that has no stake in the livelihood and culture of these places.

[@Jersey1971]

​@charrua59 yes China controls California they are a threat to all of America

[@ArkOfMystery]

@@sergpie Damn.

[@Kenna198]

My brother used to be in a band in the early 70’s, they played at Gazzaris, I got to see Van Halen play there before they were famous, of course I had no idea who they were I just remember they were so loud I had to cover my ears. RIP Eddie

[@TimChessman]

Thanks for this, Scott: so much rich history continually destroyed in the name of “progress.” Funny how “progress” is little more than a euphemism for “gaudy, soulless and unnecessary.”

[@latentsea]

Chyna gobble it all up

[@elbestia106]

"Let's do a little documentation of this block"~Scott Michaels You are a Hollywood historian treasure!

[@kandn420]

I read in a article somewhere that the owners didn’t mind that the building goes but the stage should stay. The apartment complex wanted to incorporate the viper room in it. I am not sure if they will keep the stage. It still isn’t the same without that historic building or other buildings around it.

[@jeantuite-actress--imdb]

Hope they do and have the viper bar inside the complex I’ve moved out there some from Dallas and Austin and some places would no longer be there when I moved and same for here in Texas too whenever I’ve moved back here.

[@saramorris5738]

Typical LA. Tear down actual history to replace it with some overpriced multi-use monstrosity that will be a vandalized, gutted abomination in 2 years. Thanks again, Scott, for documenting these important landmarks that don't seem to be important anymore.

[@misspitters2766]

Word

[@Blueskys1972]

It's really sad to see that they're knocking so many historic places down 😢 these historic places are one of the reasons a lot of people like to come and live here or come and visit. Seems like they're trying to erase our history or something. I'm one of the last very few people left here, I think most people have moved away already. Sometimes change is not always better. I guess change is okay for people who just care about making money and having control. This is so hard to watch. I was actually crying during this video😢 thank you for documenting this ❤ I would like to go over there and take some photos. I've done this in my city Culver City, because they keep knocking things down here and building those buildings that I call stack and packs. They always seem to do it in places where people own small businesses.

[@kplante7881]

End of an era…. Thanks for sharing!

[@karenshow1963]

Thanks Scottt, it is so sad that this is happening, as you said to me, 'no one cares anymore' So sad.

[@kakauling]

So sad to see this area go. 😥 I remember Filthy McNasty's. I was glad when the Viper Room took over the space and kept things going. No new version could ever be the same.

[@Debra-k1f]

Soo true....❤

[@carolinewaite7185]

Awww no, it's a legend, so much has happened there. 😢RIP Viper Room and River Phoenix.

[@seagate1686]

Change sucks. I see it happening in my small town. Love your channel Scott!

[@ChilianaJones]

The Viper Room was pretty much my weekend night out spot my first time in LA back in 2004. Damn, Sunset Boulevard is losing its charm completely.

[@AllOuttaBubblegum123]

The legendary place where John frusciante puked on his mate. And shit his pants (according to Scott Ian) lol

[@KimonSheri]

It's gone. I traveled the entire nation last year, trying to find my past. Most of it is gone. But inside, it's alive.

[@DanBellFilmIt]

So depressing. LA is so generic now. Very few of the iconic old school buildings are left. New York is the same. It’s boring. Damn shame.

[@gypsyjezebel1651]

Not all change is good So Sad. I get chills thinking of Jim Morrison💙walking around there. RIP Viper room.

[@rattlesnake3113]

Such a sad day.. Legend gone. RIP Viper

[@TinCupChalice40]

Honestly the Viper ain’t nothing compared to everything else on Hollywood Blvd. in reality the Viper room is more of a shit stain on the memory of Hollywood so don’t hold in such high regard

[@normcochran9414]

@@TinCupChalice40 Bitten by a viper in the viper room, very fitting.

[@john_from_eastcoast.]

​@@TinCupChalice40 👍👍

[@john_from_eastcoast.]

It was actually Filthy Mcnastys Bar. That's how I remembered it in the 70s. I got mad when it was later changed to something else. The Viper room came later on... for you kiddies.

[@Zahnclassof95]

i enjoyed these Hollywood history tour vlogs . i watched jordan the lions an your dearly departed tours the old vlogs . i so glad that you and people like jordan preserve the history . i wonder would you and Troy open up a museum in Palm springs a history of old Hollywood . thank you Scott for taking all of us with you . much appreciated 👍👍

[@barbarajohnson83]

So very sad to see historic buildings are coming down and the memories with them. The same thing is happening in my state too. I understand the need to move forward, it’s called progress, but younger generations will have no places to visit. Just so sad.

[@charrua59]

It's insanity. Tourist come to see places like this and not some new hotel that can be seen in other places. It's insanity, that's what it is. In north of Europe they demolished old buildings to make way for Russian like giant store buildings. They regret it now. City Los Angeles gonna regret what they doing in the future

[@ognyc71]

So sad to hear. I've never visited LA but the Viper Room is so historic. The same "upgrade" happened in NYC. The legendary clubs are now condos & snobbish stores I have no interest in

[@john_from_eastcoast.]

Yes! They got rid of CBGBs and many places on Times Square. 😥

[@keithbenson2627]

It started when they rebuilt the Trade Center with that eye-sore ! They should’ve rebuilt the Twin Towers ! Every time I look at that new Tower it’s a constant reminder that we gave in to 911 !

[@consortiumxf]

Gone are the days where you could move to NYC with a few hundred bucks in your pocket and have a decent shot at building a life/career there. RIP

[@CaptainHowdyDoUdewY]

​@@consortiumxf you said it all brother. No fooling you. Very true.

[@CaptainHowdyDoUdewY]

​@@keithbenson2627 actually Keith, I've been there a few times. Its absolutley beautiful inside and out. I do agree with your comment but I dont see it as an eyesore. More of a 🖕

[@javiersalas7670]

Used to go to the Viper Room often in the early 90s....good times..and Turners! Drinks in the car before the Viper Room!😅

[@melaniekelly9907]

Scott, see if you can acquire the awning over the back entrance to the Viper Room. You should be there on the day of demolition to see what you can get your hands on such as bricks, etc. Love the video! I bet River's spirit haunts the new place 👻

[@chadmears136]

Thanks for sharing ....RIP Viper Room. Soo much History on the Strip

[@discoverthis]

Very sad to see all this history around LA disappear. Thank you for your video preservation and remembrances.

[@rogerdogger6969]

This is a very sad day this is a very sad video These are very sad times I feel fortunate that I was able to live through a lot of the recent Heyday of the strip but seeing the history that came before us being wiped away is very upsetting. It erases what was the heart and soul of Hollywood nightlife. I haven't even finished watching the video I have to take a break. Spent a lot of time running up and down in that neighborhood for fun and for work and to see a corporatized and demolished is heartbreaking.

[@latentsea]

Chinatized

[@sylvandelacruz]

I met and hung out with Elijah Wood on the Sunset side of Viper Room the night the original Metal Shop/Steel Panther performed. Those were fun times. Fun, wild, raucous times for sure. You can't relive the past and nothing will ever match it.

[@jamesedward2470]

Lived in Hollywood though the 80’s been to all those places several times, sad to see so much history be demolished

[@HC-cb4yp]

What Jim Carrey said about Hollywood applies equally to L.A. and all of California: "We're no longer the cool kids."

[@PapagenoMF]

No, California is definitely still the cool state, regardless of what Tucker Carlson might try to convince you of.

[@HC-cb4yp]

@@PapagenoMF It's not about politics. (Well, ultimately I guess it is, but...) You applaud the development that this video focuses on? You think it will be as memorable and interesting as the businesses it replaces? Really?

[@est4301]

YUP. Should retitled this, 'Guy Wakes Up and Realizes Hollywood Is No Longer the Epiccenter of Entertainment Culture'. Things have changed in the last 20 years. People can make their own music, their own movies, broadcast them and distribute them wherever and not have to deal with Hollywood's bullshit rules and politics. The bands and people were already leaving for outside of LA, and then eventually left California COMPLETELY. Then more after the pandemic left. Then comedians left. Now more are leaving. I love how everyone complains yet whenever I go out there, it's DEAD. Other cities? Alive and thriving. People are leaving for Nashville, Austin, Miami, other places. People are realizing they're paying a shit ton of money to try to be apart of an industry and culture that's gone. 💯

[@greatestever9086]

It def isn’t cool anymore. Most new movies suck all the good stars don’t go out like that anymore. Every legendary club is gone. Playboy mansion is gone. It’s not iconic at all.

[@tinabolesful5184]

yes times have to move on, however do buildings always have to be replaced with huge glass fronted structures that wouldn't be out of place in Dubai?

[@incog99skd11]

My parents drove us down Sunset Blvd. in 1961. Dino's was still there and it was spectacular. Now it's all gone and destroyed.

[@Hitcharoo]

This is absolutely heartbreaking

[@7389]

Very sad indeed. Michael Hutchence sang in the Viper Room with other musicians just a couple of days before he died.

[@Sproutopia7345]

Such a sad day of historic buildings being wastefully torn down. So much character going away 😢

[@Abeltin]

Just went to a show there on Sat night, still there, nothing's changed.

[@debbiejones3911]

So glad you are documenting these buildings. Very sad. Hopefully someone will take the old signs and take them to the sign graveyard.

[@johngrepo9976]

Bring the signs to me, I'll respect them!

[@allisonoconnor8055]

Great video so sad so much is coming down🤬. I've been to whiskey a go-go and Tower recordsb😢

[@ellesee7079]

I would've love to visit California, and visited all the historic homes of film stars, and iconic places I've seen on TV and films, even these notorious hang outs, but everything seems to have been razed to the ground and replaced! Such a shame there isn't more of a culture of repair and repurpose, rather than bulldoze and rebuild! At least I have your vids - thanks Scott.

[@TheNewsAnchorYouTrust]

❤😊🎉 The Viper Room basically existed my whole life. Just a few years less.

[@angusorvid8840]

When Ozzy got fried from Sabbath in '79 he lived in a motel by the strip. He'd go to Terner's all the time buying all the booze he could drink. That's when Sharon tracked him down and got him to clean up long enough to get a band together and record Blizzard of Ozz. The rest is history.

[@dolcevitausa6448]

Sad that so much of the storied past vanishes with little to no thought...San Francisco is another prime example.

[@latentsea]

Chyna joe at work

[@Chickentender77922]

So sad! I mean, those new buildings are so clean and sterile. We just can't keep anything with value. In the late 90s I rode up to L.A. from Huntington with some girlfriends. We followed the Cotton Mouth Kings to the Viper and they did a show. I was 19. I didn't order anything, but I did snoop around the back and ended up going out the back door to wander in the front. I was of course checking out where River Phoenix had been. I absolutely hated the Cotton Mouth Kings. They were friends with my friend Heather (who went on to be Paula Abdul's assistant for years). We had made a stop at a mansion on the way up and a few girls seemed to be interested in a possible business venture..... I realized later how close I was to being trafficked, or at the very least offered a role in porn. Oh the stories! Thank you for this video and documentation. 😢

[@raygreen5926]

Hi, from Ireland 🇮🇪, just confirm please that they are not going to touch the Whiskey ? I was there in 1994 and marvelled that The Doors played there during their heyday 🌕

[@1marvelfan707]

so much history of music and film in that area, its world known, and a shame progress happens, for all of us that love the past, its very sad

[@smithraymond09029]

I just attended a show at the Viper room (March 1st, 2024) It looked pretty intact to me :-)

[@NianioNostimos]

I use to work in the old “Bing Crosby Building” at the gun store that use to be in there. It was called L.A. Guns. The owner eventually turned it into a guitar shop, L.A. Guitars. I think it’s still there. It has a nice balcony in the back with great south of sunset views. The building has its original vintage elevator. I remember it was pretty loud and scary. Bob Peterson of Peterson Publishing and Guns & Ammo Magazine fame, and later The Peterson Automotive Museum, owned this building along with many others along the Sunset Strip.

[@Nino-vt9bt]

Thank you from UK for showing the iconic viper room . Wish I could see more of the GO GO as a big crue fan ❤

[@Lizablue0608]

Sad! When I heard Scott giggle and say “uh uh” I was screaming “grab a brick 🧱 Scott grab it!”…😂

[@diplomacy21]

Whatever replaces that building in it's place will have ghosts in it for sure, RIP River.

[@aprildiaz6298]

Thank you for videos & education on sites. Hope you & Troy are having a great day ❤️

[@DearlyDepartedTours]

I know this is late, but THANK YOU so much.

[@aprildiaz6298]

@@DearlyDepartedTours No one is ever too late. Plus I’m not looking for a thx. Just want to help you get to the next cool place or story. ❤️ So technically I’m doing this for me lol ❤️😏

[@currentphonograph7487]

Cool blog. Hollywood is great. I've scene many shows att Viper Room. Sad news

[@rongenung]

When Suset Boulevard (I think that's the street) is "modernized." and made to mimic most other big cities' glass and steel sterility, it will lose its character, its charm and its fascinating history. Sad.

[@henryardoin8513]

Got to watch the first time! Such a fitting tribute for such an iconic place " by such classy man" and handsome as well "! Troy is very lucky"👍🌟🧡🌟💙🌟💚🌟💛🌟❤️🌟💜😎✌️😉😏

[@RosieTime_]

Thanks for doing this video. You're so good at what you do here.

[@lkylaurenkay]

Iconic videography of what is soon to be long lost pop culture history.. Very Grateful for your videos.

[@marl0nbrand01]

Middle aged L.A native and current WeHo resident here. I’ve got fond memories of that block from childhood in the late 80s to teen years in the 90s. Sadly, it all has run its course much like the 20th century. The spirit of the 50s, 60s and 70s that electrified WeHo all these years is already dead or dying and there’s no ‘preservation society’ to help any of it stay the same.

[@jrockwv8658]

been a fan for 20 years your dearly departed websites introduced me to the grim side... im not worthy..lol thank you

[@Galloway278]

I was there 2 days ago. Did plans change? It was open and people were going into hear a band.

[@somedude2420]

My daughter's boyfriend has his picture up at the Viper Room. He's played there quite often. But even he's said the Strip has died and moved to Austin. Music moves like migrating birds. From NY, to Memphis, to Detroit, to San Fran, to LA, to Seattle, and now to Austin. I'm sure I missed some too.

[@RebeccadeWinter-t1c]

Atlanta was big a big deal in the early 1980s

[@noelleleto4700]

This is so cool Scott thank you for taking us along this journey documenting the last of these historic buildings! The one of Bing Crosby was really cool- you're the best Scott love love love your videos 🙏❤️

[@scottstallings5029]

GREAT VIDEO! THANK YOU SO MUCH 💓 💗 💛 ☺️ 💖

[@luckyguy600]

Your channel is called 'Dearly Departed' and is aptly named. I like it, because I am/was/ from that age group. A lot of the folks we knew are all dead from drugs and misadventures. And dying on the street beside that place isn't a great epitaph of one's life. But. I could be wrong. :)

[@paulday-lh5mx]

So many iconic buildings will be gone forever.

[@bucklebunny6661]

Thank You Scott for sharing all these nostalgic buildings with us, hate to see them go 😢. Your the go to guy All Things Hollywood . R.I.P. Viper Room .

[@Cat-qn1yw]

I was in the middle of watching when it went down. I’ll try again!

[@chriscourson2824]

Hate to see such a landmark go!

[@davidtaylor6663]

great video capturing the area. Well done

[@voiceofreason7856]

" Widened sidewalks and central location encourages walking, not driving". Indeed - getting everyone prepared for the day when private cars will NO longer be allowed - only to the uber rich....'15 minute cities' and all that....

[@mistyevans8160]

You really are invaluable to our history that is being erased quickly. Thank you for all the effort and time put in.

[@psychcorp4449]

Every video Scott Michaels produces is supremely legitimate, moving from strength to strength, and always with a creamy texture that informs, excites, and intrigues. I am thankful for having Scott in this world as should we all. Stay safe and be well.

[@lkylaurenkay]

100 100 100 !!!!!

[@michaelkrisko1014]

So sad lots of history there.lots of good times..😢

[@darryl.c7972]

Filthy McNasty's was Evel Knievel's got to spot when in LA. I met Filthy and his crew when I was 9, out at the Snake River Canyon at Evel's canyon attempt. My Dad worked for Evel. Sad to see the building go!

[@katmolina2627]

All that’s left of the old Hollywood buildings you can still see are in the classic movies. I’m thinking Sunset Boulevard ”🥀

[@PageCreations]

Thank you Scott for always keeping us informed and clearing up information that sometimes get lost or misunderstood. I've always thought Johnny Depp owned The Viper Room, not just a small percentage. California is notorious for trashing historical places. It's sad. To be perfectly candid, I seriously doubt that large monstrosity is going to do well. I just really don't. Wouldn't it be great to get ahold of the neon sign from The Viper Room and/or some of the other signage from that block? Thanks again for sharing this with us who aren't in a position to go and visit these places ourselves. Safe Travels!

[@BigTimeBoozer]

I loved the Viper Room, its cool clientele and the friendly staff. I always went out of my way to be friendly and chatty with anyone who was there. Now I won't be able to re-visit it. It'll have to be the Rainbow Bar, the Roxy or the Whisky A Go Go from now on.