Mario Maglieri, Sunset Strip’s Rainbow and Whisky a Go Go Owner, Dead at 93
Mario Maglieri – an owner of famed Sunset Strip clubs Rainbow Bar and Grill, The Roxy Theatre and Whisky a Go Go – died on Thursday. He was 93.
Rainbow Bar and Grill announced the news on its Facebook page. “Dear Rainbow friends and family, it is with great sadness to announce the passing of our beloved Mario Maglieri. Owner and founder of the Rainbow Bar and Grill and the Whisky a Go Go,” the bar posted and signed it from The Rainbow & Whisky Family. “He passed this morning while surrounded by loved ones.”
Whisky a Go Go paid tribute on its marquee, which read, “Rest in Peace Mario Maglieri King of the Sunset Strip 1924 – 2017.”
Whisky a Go Go launched in 1964 and showcased countless rock acts, among them The Doors, Led Zeppelin and Guns N’ Roses. The Rainbow, which opened in 1972, became a musician hangout haven and The Roxy, which also boasts many famed performances, opened in 1973.
Slash and Steven Adler hung out at Rainbow long before Guns N’ Roses formed, as Slash wrote in his autobiography. Slash paid tribute to Maglieri on Thursday. “Lost dear old friend Mario Maglieri today,” he tweeted. “Owner of Rainbow Bar & Grill & The Whisky, he kept rock and roll alive in Hollywood. We will never forget you.”
Former GnR drummer Matt Sorum also paid his respects. “A sad day for Hollywood and the Sunset Strip,” he posted on Instagram, along with a photo of Whisky’s marquee tribute. “He fed me soup as a starving musician in the Seventies when I came to Hollywood. #RIP Mario I love you.”
Sebastian Bach wrote a tribute on Facebook. “Very sad to hear this,” he posted. “Thank you Mario Maglieri [and] Rainbow Bar and Grill for the best place in the world.”
Maglieri is survived by his wife Scarlett, son Mikeal and grandchildren Mikeal, Cheryl and Gina. A public memorial will be held at Rainbow on May 28th at 1 p.m.