When former clothing salesman Danny Fried opened the China Club with partner, former-police officer Michael Barrett, Ronald Reagan was president and Adam Ant was a major musical presence. This year, the club is celebrating its 25th anniversary as a veteran of New York’s music scene. The city has seen the exodus of a number of top venues over the past several years, but the China Club is still dedicated to being a hub of entertainment, whether it’s showcasing top artists or hosting a Broadway premier party.
At their original location on the Upper West Side, right next to the Beacon Theatre, everyone major player in the music world, from Walter Yetnikoff to Michael Jackson to David Bowie and Peter Frampton, came, played and partied. Billy Joel, Rod Stewart, Duran Duran, Elton John, Don Henley, they all came. Monday nights were reserved for the unofficial official jam session, where everyone from Herbie Hancock to Iggy Pop to The Eagles would show up and play.
Says Fried: “You never knew who exactly would show, but once they got to the stage, talked and played, it was magical.” Read more >
