Post by tzinana on Aug 13, 2005 6:47:03 GMT
'Gramps' on the Strip
By TINA DAUNT
Los Angeles Times
November 17, 1993
In 30 years of running Sunset Boulevard hot spots, Mario Maglieri has seen Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin and many others destroyed by life's vices. But he is a survivor.
In a place known for its shimmering excesses and nonstop partying, Mario Maglieri is an anomaly—a silver-haired father figure who, at 70, maintains order amid the chaos of the Sunset Strip.
Known simply as "Gramps," Maglieri works from sunset to sunrise, keeping watch in West Hollywood over his glittery corner of the famous boulevard.
After 30 years as a proprietor of the Whisky, the Roxy and the Rainbow Bar and Grill--clubs considered the cradle for rock giants such as the Doors, David Bowie and Janis Joplin--Maglieri has seen it all.
He bought Joplin a bottle of Southern Comfort three days before she overdosed. He discussed world politics with John Lennon in the parking lot of the Roxy. And he lectured Jim Morrison about using too many drugs.
Some of the people around him were destroyed by life's vices, but Maglieri has survived.
...
"Jim Morrison was just like a big kid," said Maglieri, who still speaks with a tough Chicago accent. "He was a good boy. It's too bad I couldn't straighten him out, because I tried awful hard.
"He would look at me all goofed up, and say, 'Oh Mario, I love you.' The reprimanding I gave him didn't do any good. But I tried my best."
...
By TINA DAUNT
Los Angeles Times
November 17, 1993
In 30 years of running Sunset Boulevard hot spots, Mario Maglieri has seen Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin and many others destroyed by life's vices. But he is a survivor.
In a place known for its shimmering excesses and nonstop partying, Mario Maglieri is an anomaly—a silver-haired father figure who, at 70, maintains order amid the chaos of the Sunset Strip.
Known simply as "Gramps," Maglieri works from sunset to sunrise, keeping watch in West Hollywood over his glittery corner of the famous boulevard.
After 30 years as a proprietor of the Whisky, the Roxy and the Rainbow Bar and Grill--clubs considered the cradle for rock giants such as the Doors, David Bowie and Janis Joplin--Maglieri has seen it all.
He bought Joplin a bottle of Southern Comfort three days before she overdosed. He discussed world politics with John Lennon in the parking lot of the Roxy. And he lectured Jim Morrison about using too many drugs.
Some of the people around him were destroyed by life's vices, but Maglieri has survived.
...
"Jim Morrison was just like a big kid," said Maglieri, who still speaks with a tough Chicago accent. "He was a good boy. It's too bad I couldn't straighten him out, because I tried awful hard.
"He would look at me all goofed up, and say, 'Oh Mario, I love you.' The reprimanding I gave him didn't do any good. But I tried my best."
...