The Rainbow - A Documentary About the Historic Rainbow Bar on Hollywood's Sunset Strip

While the world around it has changed dramatically, The Rainbow Bar and Grill has remained as one of the last bastions of true Rock n' Roll on Hollywood's famed Sunset Strip. Legendary musicians recount their stories from the iconic venue.
#documentary #musicdocumentary #gunsnroses #ozzyosbourne #kiss #motörhead #lemmykilmister
Directed By: Zak Knutson
Starring: Ron Jeremy, Gene Simmons, Micky Dolenz, Slash, Ozzy Osbourne, Lita Ford, Lemmy Kilmister, Wendy Dio, James Pankow, Robert Lamm + Many More!
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[@brianpotter7520]

The 80's and early 90's what a great time to be a teenager.

[@Electricslam77]

I was there… right smack in the middle. Feel blessed!

[@mozziert]

Hell yeah

[@DavisMay74]

100% agree, It honestly must suck now, although teenagers today will never know how great it was not having every moment of your life on film. If that was the case, they would have locked a large portion of GenX up a long time ago.

[@adamhale2526]

Damn true statement. I was born in 83 and grew up in the 90's. That was the last great decade.

[@ArielZazzali]

​@@adamhale2526 Born '77 raised in the 80's , Partying in the 90's and then.... The end of the World as we knew it!. The last decade that something interesting happened. Greetings from Argentina.

[@juliemclaughlin5782]

Im a 64 yr old woman. I had my 21st birthday party at the Rainbow. I dont remember most of it except I do remember receiving a ceramic box shaped like a Quaalude as a gift. The 80s. It was the best of times and the worst of times. Im clean and sober now but i wouldnt wanna change a thing about that era....

[@pinkysunshine2423]

Omg ME TOO but the 90s I'm 50 and spent my high school years living there lol. I was lucky enough to have been there while you COULDN'T walk down the strip cuz it was packed with people. I also have a piece GAZZARIS after they knocked it down. Then grunge came and then the sidewalks cleared and all you could do is go to the Rainbow if there wasn't anything happening. I remember when the Bow would be so full it was busting at the seams. It would take all night just to make your way around all the booths. Those were days wait no THE NIGHTS lol sooooo many nights. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@saintfan9lb]

What year was Gazzaris demo’d

[@pinkysunshine2423]

@@saintfan9lb shit I'm guessing 1993 maybe or 95.

[@medic2807]

Went there for lunch with my wife and teenaged kids when we went to LA on vacation from North Dakota. We had tourist written all over us, our midwestern pallor burnt by the southern CA sun. Had no idea what to expect. The staff was so nice! Manager took us around, showing us the highlights, told us stories. The waitress was as sweet as any Midwestern farm girl. Probably the highlight of the trip. We are going back at the end of the month as will definitely be going back.

[@LivinginLosAngeles-re5yx]

Music unites us, greater than politics or regional stuff could ever be. Music bonds all of us. 👍

[@mohdsharuzsukuabdullah133]

60s,70s & 80s rock bands will forever shine like a Rainbow..'drugs,sex and rock&roll' ..what a documentary..I felt like teenage again..now I m 59yrs old..hell yeah❤

[@R0GUER0CK]

Im 51 and I wish I got to see those times. At least the beginning of metal.. I was like two.,born in 71..

[@michellekeith5602]

I gotta say how awesome it is that you spotlighted miguel the chef. You rarely hear about the guys in the background that literally dedicate their lives to making great memories for others 🤘🤘❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@JJMcClure]

Yes,

[@deborahwright9026]

Agree!!

[@marleonetti7]

the pizza was great there . i remember meeting ron jeremy the porn dude there , he was sitting at a table in the kitchen with two hot blonde ladies on each side of him . and back in the late 90s i met bill maher at dublins bar right down the street from the rainbow .

[@bethulrich5406]

AGREED.

[@stevea8590]

Phenomenal pizza and chicken parm. I would go there on a weekday afternoon by myself just for the food.

[@lightningboltbob8720]

I was the bass player of the Band Prowler late 80S / early 90s and we headlined the Whisky A Go Go many times. We would hang out at the Rainbow before the show and have beer and pizza. It was a great time to be alive and in the music industry, also I have played above the Rainbow for a private party and Lemmy of Moterhead stopped by, also played the Viper room, Gazzaris, Key Club. Troubadour , Cat Club

[@JakJam-fw4zo]

Congratulations 🎉

[@LivinginLosAngeles-re5yx]

How much did a band like yours make nightly on the strip then?

[@rocknroll7400]

You have met the minimum requirements to reach level 1 of Rainbow Bar and Grill patron status 🤝🤘

[@rocknroll7400]

​@@LivinginLosAngeles-re5yxWait , no one told him to charge, just pay to play. Break it to him gently jeez

[@Qrayon]

@@LivinginLosAngeles-re5yx They probably made nothing. In Los Angeles It was easy for nightclubs to exploit musicians because there were so many of them, a lot of really good ones.

[@eddieandrews3335]

Hats off to Mario, his family and the staff for basically being kind, especially to young guys chasing their dreams and providing a haven for stars to just chill and be themselves.

[@chrisrh281]

You can't duplicate it. It's rather sad. But at the same time, we could be thankful for being alive for it. It's how you look at it. Thank you to all the rock legends, you'll never die.

[@annalisavajda252]

As the son said that is "the real Hard Rock Cafe"

[@chrisrh281]

same with the rock n roll hall of fame@@annalisavajda252 🙄

[@AzhidaReminiec9999]

Could some of the night clubs be reopened under new management ?

[@WilliamKeckley]

Amen 😢

[@nudgefate8706]

🎉❤ 😊 🌈 🎶 🔊 🎸 🎤 👩‍🎤 👨‍🎤 🎶 💃🕺 💕 🙏 😊

[@Scottocaster6668]

Mario: "You gotta treat everybody good.....except Manson, fuck that guy!" Lol.

[@jacksonmarshallkramer5087]

started playing hair guitar in 1985. I was 15. I cannot begin to tell you, or over state, how incredible it was to be a teen and a new guitar player at the beginning of Mtv and the landslide election of hair metal to the throne of rock n roll. It was fantastic. If I had a Delorean, I would definitely go back to the 80s. 👍👍👍👍🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@ryanweatherman-holt4805]

Well said. We're the same age and started playing at the same time. Keep the faith!

[@stephaneherringtoniowritin4986]

​@@ryanweatherman-holt4805🤘

[@krishankochar3059]

Also started in 85’at 15.then graduated to the real deal soon after hearing slayer.

[@sheila1965troubles]

Going back to the 80s with today's wisdom 😋🤟🖤

[@Michael9-23-15]

And I'd be hitching a ride back there with you.

[@grouperkng1]

I always say give people a hand up not a hand out. This man did exactly what I mean. He helped people reach a goal

[@anthonypawnee611]

RIP Lemmy and Mario. Motorhead were huge pioneers for hard rock. One of the best bands ever even at his old age I saw him Phil and mickey kill it on stage.

[@kevinamymurphy7126]

I saw Motorhead play at a local bar here in Ontario - no advertising, zero public knowledge, nobody knew and we just walked into a bar for a bev with the "house band". Just wow when they walked on and I wasn't really a Motorhead fan until that night. Wow; a night to remember and a new fan was born out of the live music; not the albums. Wow.

[@izzydeadyet7336]

I was supposed to see them in Toronto when I was about 17, I was working and bought 2 tickets from ticket master, well my boyfriend got to take a friend because after purchasing the tickets I was informed it was 18+ ! So I missed my chance but I tried!

[@royronnie259]

I saw motorhead's 10th anniversary tour... that was probably the loudest concert I ever saw.

[@anthonypawnee611]

@@royronnie259 So you saw them in the 80s or?

[@anthonypawnee611]

@kevinamymurphy7126 That's the thing about motorhead. There's a reason they were loved around the world. Seeing lemmys old ass with a dew rag on in August in oklahoma is a testament to how tough him and the other guys were. Oklahoma summers are no joke. He kept complaining about the heat but played thru.

[@iCover480]

We got kicked out of Bar Maramont, not because we were 17, but because the bartender said we weren’t dressed right. So we went across the road to the Whiskey and then further down to the Rainbow and got hammered and listened to great music. It was a night to remember.

[@beauch1119]

I'm so jealous of the stuff he had to have seen. All the music acts from the 60's, 70's, and 80's rolling through there. A kid would be in heaven!

[@bobbyhelsel1160]

Glad the rabbit hole led me to the Rainbow on this Friday the 13th! For a 50 Yr old who grew up in the wheelhouse of the 80s, this was Excellent!

[@dixierae6063]

It's impossible for me to think about a band and front man that sounded amazing live without thinking of Jani. It always amazed me that he sounded the same if not better live. Bless his heart

[@sandraweilbrenner67]

He was such a a kind wounded soul.

[@mr.potter4661]

One of the best concerts I ever been to. Danger Daner opened, it was in our local arena but it wasn't promoted so there was only maybe 3000 people at the most. Caught a couple picks from the fellas. They played like it was their last gig ever. Riding on top of eachothers shoulders. Janie ripping handfuls of chest hair out of Joey's chest lol. Used every inch of that stage. And DD put on one hell of a show too. Never heard of them until that night but went out and got the cd the next day. Ahhh... to be 14 again lol.

[@bigdaddy7119]

Yep, I saw Warrant in a bar called “Rocky’s” in San Antonio in ‘94, and they blew the roof off the place. I was stationed at Ft Sam Houston and a buddy of mine and I hung out with Jani afterwards. He was very humble and was VERY supportive of the military.

[@cherienapoleon439]

R.I.P Jani ❤️

[@royronnie259]

They couldn't keep Gene simmons out of this? That friggin guy never hung out there. He didn't even drink. But, if he can stick his face in a film... buddy, he will... he just wants to see himself....

[@lorihoop3831]

He loves listening to himself talk, too. Can't stand him

[@royronnie259]

@lorihoop3831 and there is no Gene simmons statue

[@JoeJoe-uy6ck]

He also rags on artists using backing tracks..lol..what a clown

[@markcheetah4960]

KISS was from NYC and didn't even PLAY there, am I right? WTF

[@royronnie259]

@markcheetah4960 kiss did go to Hollywood and LA in those early days... Paul talks about that in his book. And Gene very well might have gone in there a time or two. But, you know that he never hung out at a bar. He only wants to stick his face in this film. He and Lemmy were like night and day. Lemmy was a good soul... and people loved him. Gene?

[@kellyhiggins4234]

I miss buying 45's , cassettes , 8 tracks most of all awaiting for a album . I was born in the best of generations.

[@lynn1464]

Me too

[@msaintpc]

I was there when it first opened in '64. I was there when Johnny Rivers got hired, when the Doors were hired, and was there when both were fired. I was there when Gene Autry broke the Champaign bottle at the opening of his hotel that later became the Continental Hyatt House. I was friends with the general manager, Mr. Griffith and the manager, Dennis Rizzo. I knew Mario very well, my first name is Mario too. I hung out at the Whisky and had an apartment right up above it. Rodney Bingenheimer was and still is a friend of mine. Those were some good days.

[@topfacemod]

You are one lucky individual!!!

[@Lickylongtym]

God bless ☠️ ROCK AND ROLL ✨️🎸🥁🎼🎵🤟 RIP our lost legends 🙏

[@Doesitmatter113]

Mario, from what he told me personally, served in WW2, was a combat veteran in Belgium in 1944-1945 during the Battle of the Bulge where America lost more soldiers than any other battle. Imagine what our experiences would have been if he had been KIA. One person living opened up thousands of experiences that could only be captured through the doors of the Rainbow.

[@bethulrich5406]

WOW!!!!!!!!-HIS BIGGEST Service to US All was WWll!!!+-& Then Served Us all Again with The Rainbow & Whisky!!!-RIP DEAR MARIO❤️🙏❤️💕❤️🎶🎵🎶 AND MIGUEL AND OUR LOVELY LEMMY❤️💋💞❤🖤❤♠️❤️

[@bethulrich5406]

And,-THAAANK YOU!!!!!!!!❤️🙏❤️💕❤️💕❤️💕❤️🇺🇸❤️💕❤️💕❤️

[@bigdaddy7119]

You can tell he’s an old combat vet, at least I can because I’m one as well.

[@Doesitmatter113]

@@bigdaddy7119 Yes. I think he was surprised I knew about his era. Two grandfather's and two uncles served as combat vets so you learn to see it a person. The battle he was in was the greatest loss of life ever to the US Army. I remember him telling me how cold it was.

[@bigdaddy7119]

@@Doesitmatter113 definitely! I come from a military family, and my Paternal grandfather served in the Army in WW2 in the Infantry. He landed on Utah Beach on D Day and fought in the Battle of the bulge, and all the way into Germany. That being said, those of us who have served can ALWAYS tell if someone else is a vet, because of the attitude, body language, how they talk, walk, etc. That’s how we can pick up on the stolen valor idiots so well and quickly lol! Especially when their “uniforms” and “awards” don’t match up! 🤣🤣🙄🤦🏼‍♂️

[@stacywallace6187]

God Bless The Rainbow!! I’m so grateful these Creatives found a HOME and I pray it will always be a HOME for whom needs it!!! ❤

[@sunnystormy4973]

-cheers !-

[@kristinosborne5323]

I used to frequent this place watching Guns and Roses play before they signed. I fucking love this!

[@Suffocation03]

I used to play guitar in the death metal band Suffocation and every time we played on the sunset strip, we would always go to the rainbow. I love that place and I’ve met a lot of crazy people there.

[@TheLunatic6]

I see Dying Fetus 54:00😂😂

[@lindawoods7610]

I grew up in the 70's, it really was the best period!!

[@kamijenkins4202]

The real Hard Rock Cafe!! Such a true comment!! :)

[@francescod2965]

Rock & Roll will never die and I pray God for these amazing legendary places to never shut down!! You need respect, protection and support as much as any museum in the city does! Much love and gratitude. keep rocking strong!!

[@ChrisChris-ky8cz]

All kinds of music will never die because new kids find it and listen to it get inspired and write their own master pieces keeping the groove alive music will always live on

[@vicronson]

After reading your comment I urge you to check out the band The Warning, they are fantastic!

[@easilyoffended7772]

Music is dead

[@KoRnBaL19]

A Truly great documentary about the 2 most iconic rock spots on the West Coast, that I didn't know were related. This needs to be forwarded and viewed by all who love rock!🍾🍷🍸🍹🍺🍻🥂🥃

[@dianachibas3544]

The greatest memories of my life. I lived across the street from the Whiskey in the 80’s. The Rainbow was our hangout. I love that place..they make the best pizza ever.

[@ConcertsANDhomeMOVIES]

I used to go there in 1974 to 1975 with my band. Saw all the guys in Les Zeppelin. Met Simon Kirk and Mick Ralph’s of Bad Company. Met Killer Kane of New York Dolls and Ritchie Blackmore of Deep Purple. Great memories there for sure. Long live the Rainbow!

[@RobertAWolf]

The late 80's were the best, I played the Whisky and hung out at the Rainbow back then. Met a lot of famous rockers, but most memorable is meeting Chris Squire (YES) and having a 4 hr conversation about everything at the Rainbow! RIP Chris and thank you!

[@marleonetti7]

the 90s stil had alot of famous people at the rainbow and on the strip too . alot of the 90s grunge bands were there and i met famous porn stars and even bill maher on the strip too , all in the 90s .

[@starcloud4959]

60s waaay better!

[@robertivers4200]

I styled Chris Squires hair in 96 when YES came to San Luis Obispo to do a concert. The whole band came to our salon🎉❤😊

[@taylorh1020]

I was just there. It hasn't changed - I'm so glad LA hasn't torn it down yet....Keep on rockin'

[@latrishabledsoe7766]

I love how the owner dealt with Charlie Manson😅

[@RS70_UGHC]

***** Great Documentay. Respects to the MAGLIERI FAMILIY .

[@shiragoldberg7744]

Man! What an EXCELLENT documentary! I remember when I first heard Welcome to the Jungle and knew that I had never heard anything like it. Good times! The BEST! Miss those days. Nothing like them since.🎸🎸🎸

[@TonyPhillips-jy7ev]

Back when rock was rock and the clubs were hot as hell that time is gone sad

[@gel6988]

Great, great documentary. As a fledgling classical music pianist in my youth, I first turned to rock and roll when I heard the Motown sound emanating from my crappy am radio in the late 60's. Then, I came into this understanding of what rock really meant when my sister gave me a copy of Black Sabbath's paranoid, because she "didn't like it." I was hooked and then I found Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Jimi Hendrix, the Who, Blue Oyster Cult, Nazareth, Thin Lizzy, Rory Ghalagher, UFO and many more bands - and I could never get enough. The 80's, however, turned out to be the most insane part of my rock awakening. Living in San Diego, I met and worked (in the restaurant industry) with the original singer for Iron Butterfly. It was a transformational time for me and I'm sure many others and the stories...

[@alkari3774]

I was lucky to meet Mario and Miguel. I still have the shirt Mario gave me. What an amazing iconic place. Rock & Rock will never Die long live the Whiskey and the Rainbow!

[@cfdemarco2]

I love Slash's story about dressing in DRAG to get in. Awesome!

[@nickwallace9955]

WOW! This is such a Great and Well put together documentary!

[@relevantinformation6655]

Fortunate enough to play as an opening band at a number of these legendary clubs. The load-ins were always very easy, which can sometimes be a hassle. People were easy and nice to deal with… the 70s gave me a start to a very good and continuing career. 🙏

[@telemat]

I came to both Rainbow and Whisky last summer from Paris France to feel those rock'n'roll vibes and celebrate being there. I still remember the goosebumps I had the first time I was there couple of years ago, wondering if that was true after years and years of dreaming of that place. The Sunset Strip and those places are history, rock'n'roll history and many rock'n'roll fans from anywhere in the world know it.

[@gdub713]

What a great documentary. loved this so much!!! long live rock and roll!!!

[@HEIDIBrayInMaine]

Tears of joy and happiness... this is my era this is what rock n roll was and means and why it'll never die .. we've lost too many legends so let's hope and pray to the rock gods that these kids boys and girls pick up guitars and drum sticks again stop acting like mamas boys and daddy's girls AND TURN THE MUSIC DIAL BACK AND TURN IT THE FUCK UP.... THANK YOU TO THE MAGLIERI FAMILY AND FLY HIGH AND REST EASY ALL YOU LEGENDS ❤

[@keithnielson7797]

Badass rockumentary, representing everything I know and love!!!!! Thank you so very much for this!!!! Long live rock and roll 🎸 baby!!!!!!

[@cindee1794]

This is the second time I've watched this in the last year and it was definitely worth seeing again.

[@1VinylFetish]

I love The Rainbow and the Whiskey. Been going to both 100s of times since the 80's. Mario and Tony were always nice to me and my Italian family. Mike and Mikey have always been cool to all patrons and great down to earth people to carry on the tradition on the Sunset Strip. Long live Rock and Roll!

[@alexlavigne2499]

Im 27. I travel regularly to LA from NYC strictly for the whisky/rainbow. I’ve never been somewhere that gives off such overwhelming vibes. Couldn’t imagine back then. What a time to be alive!

[@TempleOfTheMartyrs]

OUR BAND WILL PLAY THERE ONE DAY......... THATS A DREAM

[@BethWehman]

Such an awesome documentary, I really enjoyed going back for awhile. RIP Mr. Mario 🙏 and much respect to the family. Rock n Roll Forever! ❤️✌️

[@billbillards569]

Long Live Rock and Roll!!!

[@dbbubba1]

In May of 1980 stopped in Hollywood on trip from Dallas to visit a friend who lived in the San Francisco Bay area. We went to The Rainbow the first night I was there. I saw a born in Denmark, but raised in L.A. blonde and said, "I have to know you!" Well, there went two years of my life. Man, I had some fun with her! Thank you Mario for examining the $100 bill I had an deeming that it was legal tender. BTW... I only bought one drink that night. I had the Over the Rainbow bartender matching shots with me within a short time. We were rock stars from Texas!

[@bryonkidder6199]

Blackberry Smoke is the best band I've heard come out since the 2000's began...imo

[@charlesheck6812]

Rival Sons, too, imo

[@me67226]

Can't understand Ozzie. Mumble mumble

[@jeromethibodeau4378]

Guns and Roses..., I pray for the thunder, then pray for it to quietly pass me by.., loved that song...

[@MichaelABruce-ew8zs]

WHY is Gene Simmons even being interviewed? or even in this doc? Gezz

[@Winterstick549]

Why not?

[@Persephone715]

You really just asked that question?? You weren't there, were you? Kiss was HUGE during this era.

[@purplepeople9298]

Cuz he is a legend ! A true rockstar!

[@doodlebob3758]

​@@Persephone715Gene never went, they should've interviewed Paul, who ACTUALLY frequented the Raibow whenever he was in L.A.

[@glenstern8595]

Mario was amazing, spoiled me in infinite ways, gave me my first club gig on Sundays at On the rocks! Miss him, love him grateful for all the amazing minutes he gave me. He had a magic to make everyone feel important! ❤😅 I am sorry to hear that Michael passed last week😢😢. I will support the whiskey and the rainbow until I go!

[@drfrankenbass]

Wait, did he also own On the Rocks? Wasn't that in Woodland hills or Reseda or something? I used to go there regularly in the '90s when I lived in SoCal.

[@HumbleAstronaut]

Prince being mentioned is awesome!

[@foreverhomepetrescue]

From 1986 thru the late 90s I spent weekends on the Blvd... sometimes seeing bands in clubs, sometimes hanging at the Rainbow, sometimes just walking around. If I had a dollar for every flyer I got handed, I would never have had to work my whole life. The people watching on Sunset was AMAZING. Not long ago I went to the Rainbow with some musician friends and the place has barely changed.

[@maremiy9007]

And just when you forget how F*ckin awesome your youth was there’s this☝🏼 💞👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🎶🎵🙌🏻🎵🎶

[@rebeccareese6785]

I lived there in the mid 80’s to early 90’s. I don’t recall EVER seeing Gene there. Lemmy and Jimmy Bain, always. Such an amazing place!

[@MichaelLasotaWheresWaldo]

Some of this aged well, and some didn't. RIP Lemmy. And wow, Ron Jeremy... so much to unpack there.

[@marcelopqd5566]

Que Historia legal, o Sr. Mario era um Homem bom demais. Saudades dos anos 80. Gratidao por compartilhar esse documentario!

[@EdsterIII]

This was an absolutely amazing documentary about these iconic places. The owner of the Rainbow treated everyone with respect. His employees, his patrons, and the bands. Everyone was treated with respect or respectfully. Now if you disrespected him or his place, watch out. He didn't seem like a person who would back down from anyone. Star or not, if you acted like a *ss you were treated as such. But he always seemed to be willing to forgive. Help out people, and give them a chance. This was such a great opportunity to see the inner world of this place in the 70's and 80's. I was born in 67 so I don't have much experience with the late 60's and early 70's music, but I got into it much more in the later part of the 70's and especially the early 80's. I was given a cassette tape, Maxell/TDK and on side A was Twisted Sister's Stay Hungry. On side B was Mötley Crüe's Shout at the Devil. I first got really into side A. I was always a fan of crazy looking bands and Dee Snider was definitely crazy looking. KISS was one of my first bands/albums I got during the 70's. Mainly because of the look, the fire, the blood, etc. When I played the record? Um..... I wasn't that into it. But as I said once I got that cassette. The song We're Not Going to Take It, Stay Hungry, etc really got to me. I loved it. I listened to it for weeks. Then I finally flipped the cassette tape over. Mötley Crüe. In the Beginning started. It had a creepy feel, then 💥💥BOOM💥💥 Shout at the Devil started. Then She's Got Looks to Kill, and it never let up. Every song was so good. I had found my favorite band! I went to Mainstream Records and Tapes. A music store with a "head shop" in the back. I bought Shout at the Devil on cassette and the Album. I also grabbed their first album. From there I got more and more into the Heavy Metal scene. I saw my first Concert, Twisted Sister opened for Iron Maiden at the Mecca Arena and it was insane!! I got to see so many incredibly talented bands. Mötley Crüe over 15+ times, Metallica over 8-10 times, Iron Maiden at least 5 times. Ronnie James Dio(3-4x's), Ozzy Osborne(4-6x's), The Scorpions, Judas Priest, Aerosmith, AC⚡DC, Megadeath, RATT, Dokken, Whitesnake, Guns n` Roses, Cinderella, Bon Jovi, Boston, WASP, Armored Saint, Anthrax, Def Leppard, Van Halen(w/ both singers), ZZ Top, Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper, Krokus, Tesla, Great White, Queensryche, KISS, LA Guns, Heart, Twisted Sister, Nazareth, the Kinks, Metal Church, Stryper, Y & T, Lita Ford, and Loudness, the Japanese Heavy Metal band who was really good, and a few others that I missed. One early concert stands out, WASP, Metallica, and Armored Saint at the Eagles Club, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Growing up in Milwaukee during the 70's through the early 2000's we were able to see a lot of great bands at Summerfest and some other summer festivals. Plus Alpine Valley, but the one concert that still to this day was the most incredible, was PINK FLOYD at Milwaukee County🏟Stadium🏟!! I can't exactly remember the attendance, but it had to be over 30,000. Our seats were in the upper grandstand/box on the 3rd base/left field side. We could see everything! Mötley Crüe is my all-time favorite band, and I rank their concerts at the very top for every one I saw, but the Pink Floyd concert? 💗 Nothing has ever or will ever top that experience! Now these are experiences that happened 2,500 miles east. I can't even begin to imagine what it would have been like to have been at the Whiskey A Go-Go or the Rainbow back in those early days. Either the early 70's or into the early 80's it had to be an incredible experience/opportunity. Thank you for sharing this with us. This was a amazing time to be in Los Angeles. For his kids? That had to be incredible!

[@eightones]

Cant help but agreeing with every word at the end of this.... People used to love the thrill of making real music and the danger of embarrassment and such. Nowadays everything has to be perfect. I love imperfect music

[@brianbrodie2803]

Steven Riley my favorite drummer from my favorite band La Guns gets a shout out. RIP brother you will be missed

[@ChadChapman-i4n]

My very first concert ever !

[@AprilSandkuhl]

When life was good! Best of times

[@godspirate6250]

AAn era is definitely gone. I still have my memories though, and I never forget.

[@camasprairie1369]

Love The Rainbow.

[@jeanblanco2717]

Such a great documentary! Times were so good not that long ago. Born and raised in SoCal. Miss those days!

[@helzapoppin9810]

Lived in LA from around 86-92 and could regularly be found roaming the Strip. What an amazing time that was.

[@alfiend331]

I was an 80's east coast kid and used to read every rock magazine there was (you know the ones) to learn more about my favorite bands. The Rainbow and The Whisky were these mythical places that I dreamed to see one day, but never really thought I'd see. I've been to CA many times, and I ALWAYS find a way to hit them both. Last summer, I took my son out there. There's something absolutely magical about The Rainbow and The Whisky. I can't wait to go again.

[@seangarrison2323]

The best part of this documentary is the two are still standing and in the family - great memories

[@mikeday2393]

rip mario!!!!! dopeness incarnate. an absolute sweetheart u too lemmie

[@brewster84067]

As Gene stated, the music movement from 1958 - 1988 will never be duplicated again (and though he took a stab at country music, I would argue the same holds true in that genre). Coincidentally right before I watched this video, I was listening to the Love Gun album and it still gives me chills. What an incredible era of music, and what a moving tribute to the Maglieri family.

[@FreddyD177]

Actually if you look in the right place I think country is holding up just fine I think it's getting more popular but to be fair there's lots of subgenres in country lots of rap pop and hip hop country fusion but everyone knows the big dogs are guys like Sturgill Simpson Tyler Childers and Chris Stapleton Cody Jinks Whitey Morgan and that new guy who went viral overnight with one song Oliver Anthony that's real country those guys are doing just fine writing great music with great lyrics like older country legends

[@KarmasAbutch]

Gene - the Narcissist who doesn’t drink & didn’t hang out there lol

[@passiveaggressivenegotiato8087]

@@KarmasAbutch and he isn't talented enough to be that arrogant (sorry kiss fans, not enough Hits to match the attitude), and I liked "rock n roll all night" (good one hit wonder btw). Gene wasn't responsible for Beth, so that popular chic ballad doesn't even count.

[@D-Fens_1632]

Gene may be a douche but every once in a while he makes some great observations. I've always liked his appreciation for and knowledge of rock music despite him not having much talent for it himself.

[@paulyrock4352]

Please … kiss couldn’t come close to the 90’s bands that blew away most of those 80’s bands ,, never in the history of music did one generation obliterate another so as a NYC boy let me thank Seattle for putting soul and grit back in rock n roll..🤘✌️

[@JohnQPublic345]

Gene Simmons, and kiss, in fact... Total blow. I never liked them since the late 70s

[@jw.2507]

Played the Whisky with my band back in June, and we all hung out at the Rainbow after the show. It's a mystical place for sure, there's an aura in there that cant be matched. Food was good too and service was great. You can get away with murder in there, especially if you are in a band. Rock and Roll forever, thanks Rainbow!!

[@newforestpixie5297]

Rock music won’t die - it may become less mainstream as those original generations die out because young people enjoy video gaming as much as past generations spent their nights listening or learning music but as with Jazz or Classical or Folk etc it’s now become a cornerstone of western culture & folk will be moved by it . that’s what I think at least . Thankyou to everyone involved with this presentation 😁❤️

[@reneerioz6863]

My heaven is a lost angel in the 80s and 90s LA nightlife watching over everybody partying and having a great time

[@chad23male]

Thank you for posting this for us all.

[@poppyleon_6275]

Ow my heart... So many Hollywood memories. Never knew who you'd run into at the Rainbow in the mid/late 1980's... xoxo

[@petej.8676]

You keep people like Mario in your life always....if you're fortunate enough to meet a man such as him.✌️

[@Doesitmatter113]

I agree. In 2003 LA had a shit load of wild fires going on and it was affecting my work in a negative way monetarily wise and I can remember stopping by there after to get a beer late afternoon and Mario was there and I told him I hadn't made shit that day. He asked if I had more money then I started the day with and I said a little. He said think of it this way, you made something.

[@cherylmaden5989]

It was really touching to hear the way that these rock _ 'gods' were truly grateful that this bar owner cared about them and tried to talk to them when they needed it. You can tell watching them speak how much it still means to them now. That's a good dude

[@gregcornell6910]

I heard today Steve Riley passed away. Feels great to see him here with his wild stories

[@robertrickman3531]

I work as FOH at a Club in NW Iowa.. I grew up with *this* being on the edge my my Formative years... and with That being said..'m a ROCKER, and my Love for music was developed from what came out of the Sun Set Strip. That will stay with me FOREVER!!

[@EdsterIII]

The one part of this that really is important and decent is around the 47:55 mark of the video. When they are talking about how the owner of the club took them aside and told him that he was overdoing it with his 🍺🍻drinking🍻🍺. How this club owner truly cared about these "kids", or young guys, 20, 21, 22 years old. Breaking out with their first big record deal. Having big-time money for the first time. The fact that he tried to keep them from getting or going off the deep end, showed that he wasn't out for money. He cared about these guys and ladies. Lita Ford mentioned how he'd feed them a bowl of soup when they were down and out. He ALWAYS treated people the same, with RESPECT! Whether you were rich and famous or a down and out rock star looking for your big break, he would give you the same respect, and THAT IS A GREAT MAN! He sees the person. He doesn't see a person's status, bank account, race, ethnicity, gender, or lifestyle, he sees a human being and every human being deserves respect. But if that person again is disrespectful towards him or is disrespectful to his family or his business, he may lose that respect until he learns how to act respectfully and there is NOTHING WRONG with that at all! It's no wonder why this man has the loyalty he has and deserves. It really seems this man, this family, has been helping upcoming musicians for years, decades. Helping them when they were starting out, with a chance and a place to play their music, food when they needed to eat, and once they became "famous" a place that they could still come to and not be overwhelmed. Truly a great man.

[@JSp4wN]

So iconic that people from around the world (whom have never even been to the states) know it's The cornerstone for Everything rock and the ever evolving culture within. 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@stephanierojo5789]

Rock and roll will live om but will never be the same

[@Beardviking13]

Pure legend of rock...end of ...

[@alfiesflower8218]

An amazing documentary, really enjoyed it. Well made and well put together . Very, very good.💞💞💞

[@TheMotherCourageExperience]

Two very historic rock places ✌️ I am fortunate to have spent some of my wild younger days rockin out down there. I met Mario there in 89. I met Mikeal in the 90’s. May they both rest in peace. Thank you for such an awesome episode. 🔥🎥🔥 This was fantastic to watch 😘

[@theresamckenna3176]

Rock and Roll will never die!!!❤

[@hollyj.fisher8872]

This is the best documentary EVER. I LAUGHED AND CRIED THROUGH THE WHOLE DOC. Thank you, and god bless

[@mitchellkiggins3862]

Use to frequent the Rainbow with a friend of mine that passed awhile back. RIP Eddie Paradise.

[@CCerwin]

You father, grandfather and “family” (all of us too) are proud of you young man !!

[@raider7829]

I always wish I could go back One Night from the Best Times of Our Rocker Lives! Oh the memories!! ❤❤❤ Great video. ❤❤❤

[@grungil7570]

I must visit the Rainbow before i die. Someday i will..

[@nancikuba42]

That was my hangout between 1973-1976. Many stories to tell.

[@kayjay2588]

I love this documentary... Here in Baltimore and surrounding areas we had clubs like Hammerjacks, The Marble Bar, The Seagull Inn, and Coast-to-Coast...nothing like LA...or NYC. Then we had DC... Baltimore just didn't have the money...

[@robaxl3088]

34:57 I wish we all lived by these words. The world would be a better place for sure.