Pandora's Box (nightclub)

Pandora's Box was a rock and roll nightclub on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California. It was at the center of the Sunset Strip curfew riots in the mid-1960s.[1]

History

The club was located at 8118 Sunset Boulevard, at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Crescent Heights Boulevard. In 1962, the club was bought by deejay and Shindig! host Jimmy O'Neill. O'Neill's trendsetting booking policy made Pandora's Box the center of the Sunset Strip youth scene.[2]

In 1966, annoyed residents and business owners in the district had encouraged the passage of a strict 10:00pm curfew and loitering law to reduce the traffic congestion resulting from crowds of young club patrons.[1] This was perceived by young, local rock music fans as an infringement on their civil rights, and on Saturday, November 12, 1966, fliers were distributed along the Strip inviting people to demonstrate later that day.

Hours before the protest one of L.A's rock 'n' roll radio stations announced there would be a rally at Pandora's Box.[3] The Los Angeles Times reported that as many as 1,000 youthful demonstrators, including such celebrities as Frank Zappa, Sonny and Cher, Jack Nicholson and Peter Fonda (who was afterward handcuffed by police), erupted in protest against the perceived repressive enforcement of these recently invoked curfew laws.

In November 1966, the Los Angeles City Council voted to acquire and demolish the club.[4] The club was demolished in early August 1967.[5] The 1967 film Riot on Sunset Strip is a fictionalized depiction of the events. Buffalo Springfield's 1967 hit single "For What It's Worth (Stop, Hey, What's That Sound)" was written by group member Stephen Stills in response to the riot.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Rasmussen, Cecilia (2007-08-05). "Closing of club ignited the `Sunset Strip riots'". Los Angeles Times.
  2. ↑ http://www.vindicarlopandorasboxsite.com/
  3. ↑ Priore, Domenic (2007). Riot on Sunset Strip: Rock 'n' Roll's Last Stand in Hollywood. Jawbone Press. ISBN 978-1-906002-04-6.
  4. ↑ Baker, Erwin (November 30, 1966). City Moves Swiftly to Condemn Teen Club: Ordinance Will Lead to Buying of Pandora's Box. Los Angeles Times
  5. ↑ Felton, Dave (August 4, 1967). Hippies Pout, Politicians Cheer as Pandora's Box Is Wrecked. Los Angeles Times

Coordinates: 34°05′52″N 118°21′59″W / 34.0978°N 118.3664°W / 34.0978; -118.3664

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