LA Music Venues: The Viper Room

The Viper Room, often referred to as Johnny Depp’s joint, is considered one of the legendary music venues on Sunset Strip. It didn’t open as the Viper Room until 1993, much later than the clubs that played such pivotal roles in launching the careers of the top bands of the late sixties and seventies. However, it has gained significant fame and notoriety.

In the seventies and eighties the club operated as the Central. A frequent performer at the club suggested to Johnny Depp that they revitalize the spot and name it the Viper Room. When it re-opened as the Viper Room in 1993, it was co-owned by Johnny Depp and Sal Jenco, who was Depp’s co-star in 21 Jump Street.

Aside from once being owned by Johnny Depp, the death of actor River Phoenix from an overdose while at the club not long after it first opened in 1993 hurled the club into the public spotlight.

It’s styled in the fashion of Harlem’s jazz clubs of the twenties and it quickly became known as a hangout for Hollywood’s elite. Regulars included Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Marie Presley, Jared Leto, Christina Applegate, Angeline Jolie, Rosario Dawson, Tobey Maguire, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

As of 2004 Depp is no longer an owner of the club.

If you are out on the Sunset Strip taking a tour of the clubs that played such prominent roles in the music industry, the Viper Room should be on your list. Within walking distance you will also find The Roxy and Whisky-A-Go-Go. Whiskys, as it is affectionately known, played one of the most significant roles in launching the careers of the music legends of the sixties and seventies.

The Viper Room is located on the Sunset Strip at 8852 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA

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