Jon Sidel - After Hours at the Burgundy Room Podcast

Jon Sidel is a legendary L.A. restaurant and nightclub impresario credited with creating “a scene that gave birth to 32 bars and restaurants, transformed Hollywood, and redefined L.A. nightlife.” He’s also a rock n’ roll jack of all trades, who’s worked with everyone from The Sex Pistols to The White Stripes.

In between signing rockstars and marrying movie stars, Sidel has owned some of the most swinging L.A. bars and restaurants, including Small’s K.O., Swingers, Dominick’s, Jones, and Good Luck Bar.

Raised on the mean streets of Manhattan, but decidedly more new age California today, Sidel’s a walking storybook, a man whose imprint on L.A. will be forever felt, and whose tales of insider excess continue to rival even those of Vinyl’s Richie Finestra. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this walk through the amazing life of a true rock n’ roll journeyman, Mr. Jon Sidel.

When I saw them (Guns N’ Roses) play the first time, I was like, ‘Oh, shit, that guy’s in a band?’ Because, you know, Axl was just this notorious trouble maker … a little rock guy you’d see in a fistfight at a club over a speed deal.Jon Sidel

Jon Sidel Discusses:

The origins of his love of music and clubs.
Seeing the New York Dolls play at Max’s Kansas City at age 14.
The influence of Dennis Hopper in Easy Rider.
New York city in the 70s.
Hanging at Studio 54 as a 15-year-old.
Making money versus making art.
Being covered in David Bowie’s spit in a mens room.
His involvement in L.A.’s first rap club, the Rhythm Lounge.
Being responsible for creating the velvet rope scene in L.A.
His mega club, Power Tools.
Buying his first bar in L.A.
Opening legendary Hollywood bar Small’s K.O. with partner Sean MacPherson.
Indochine restaurant in New York.
How he became an A&R guy.
His band, Fudge Factory Inc.
Selling all his bars and restaurants.
Working with Whiskeytown and Ryan Adams.
His long history with Guns N’ Roses.
The list of bars and restaurants he’s owned.
How trying to check into an insane asylum led to Good Luck Bar.
Partying at Small’s with: Paul Westerberg, Dave Gahan, Joe Strummer, Thelonius Monster, Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The night The Clash, Buzzcocks, and Sex Pistols all converged at Small’s.
Lady Gaga’s David Bowie Grammy tribute.
His current publishing company.
His podcast The Idelic Hour.
Artists he’s worked with: The White Stripes, Weezer, The Black Keys, The Strokes, Soundgarden, and Beck.
The best band he’s ever seen.
His amazing London Calling album cover story.
Sobriety.
The night River Phoenix died.