PHOTOS: A Look Back At Legendary Studio 54 NYE…Warhol, Minnelli, Ross And MORE

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Nowadays NYE parties are a dime a dozen, with every promoter and club vying to be the biggest, the most over-the-top, the best guarantee of getting you laid. One thing they all have in common? Emulating the most debaucherous NYE party of them all–Studio 54’s in the late 70s. To keep things in perspective, here’s a look back on some unforgettable moments from the infamous NYC club’s history, where celebs brushed shoulders with common folk, cocaine ran practically on tap, and NYE was truly a night to remember.

Wanna great party this New Year’s Eve? Check out the GayCities guide to NYE celebrations…

Celebrities during New Year's Eve party at Studio 54:
Andy Warhol, Bianca Jagger, Jack Haley Jr. and Liza Minelli ring in the start of 1978

If Liza's amused, we're amused

If Liza’s amused, we’re amused
Bianca is on a roll. Even Michael Jackson had to squeeze over to see what was so funny.
Bianca is on a roll. Even Michael Jackson had to squeeze over to see what was so funny.
With busboys like these, we'll definitely keep our tab open.
With busboys like these, we’ll definitely keep our tab open.
Andy Warhol, Jerry Hall and crew
Andy Warhol, Jerry Hall and crew
The insanely fabulous Grace Jones performs at the 1978 NYE bash
The insanely fabulous Grace Jones performs at the 1978 NYE bash
A prelude to the Santa Speedo Run?
A prelude to the Santa Speedo Run?
Diana Ross boogies her way into 1978
Diana Ross boogies her way into 1978
Diana has some requests for the DJ
Diana has some requests for the DJ

Even Truman Capote tries to lighten up for some NYE mayhem

Even Truman Capote tries to lighten up for some NYE mayhem
Michael Patterson, Cher and Sylvester at the 1978 Disco Convention Banquet.
Michael Patterson, Cher and Sylvester at the 1978 Disco Convention Banquet.
Ron Galella, Divine and Grace Jones celebrating her 30th, 1978.
Ron Galella, Divine and Grace Jones celebrating her 30th, 1978.
Bianca Jagger rides in (literally) on a white horse
Bianca Jagger rides in (literally) on a white horse
Olivia Newton-John and gal pal Elton John
Olivia Newton-John and gal pal Elton John
This guy is clearly doing it right
This guy is clearly doing it right
A whole lotta g-string
A whole lotta g-string
And just for good measure, here's Ryan Phillipe looking completely adorable in the 1998 film, Studio 54
And just for good measure, here’s Ryan Phillippe looking completely adorable in the 1998 film, Studio 54

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15 Comments

  • stanhope

    Those were the days! Studio 54 and, don’t forget THE SAINT. Funny when I was there I just knew that those days wouldn’t last. I can’t explain but I knew I should absorb every second because it was the end of days. That time will never ever be repeated. Those of us who were fortunate to be there should never forget.

  • Mark

    I’m guessing the writer is too young to be able to have identified GAY iconic designer Halston in photos 2, 3 and 4! He’s the man on the extreme left in each of the photos.

  • Cosmic

    Sad that all those people except for the straight women are probably long since dead.

  • AuntieChrist

    Then you must be the oracle cause I didn’t have a clue til Harvey was killed and then everyone started dying. Fun times though.

  • jonjct

    I remember that AIDS didn’t really take hold until after things at 54 had quieted down. Then a black cloud descended on NYC and everything was different. 1982 was the year everything changed. Suddenly, overnight, if you had been a gay man in NYC for the preceding year or two, chances are you were going to die. Most of us did. I remember 54, cocaine, juicy sex, celebrities, basically complete and utter debauchery. And it was fun. I would do it all over again. I am very fortunate to have come out of it alive. I love to see the pics. What an amazing time. Liza, do you still have my number?