Whisky a Go Go

Whisky a Go Go opened on the Sunset Strip on 16 January 1964 and quickly became one of the clubs that defined the Los Angeles rock scene. Its name, painted in large letters across the front of the building at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Clark Street, is a landmark of West Hollywood nightlife, and the club has been operating ever since.

In its early years the Whisky was a launchpad for many bands. The Doors were the house band for a period, playing seven nights a week, and the band Gypsy later held the role from 1969 to 1971. Through the 1970s and 1980s the club hosted punk and hard rock acts.

Today the Whisky continues to stage live music, often with several bands on a single bill, featuring rock, metal, punk and alternative acts as well as tribute nights. Tickets are sold online, mostly through TicketWeb, and through the links on the club's website. The venue lists itself as open from 6pm to 2am daily, but it advises calling before visiting, as hours vary with events.

It suits rock fans, music history enthusiasts and groups of friends looking for a loud night out on the Strip. The room is standing-focused and gets crowded, so wear comfortable shoes and keep your belongings secure. Age restrictions depend on the event, so check the listing and carry identification.

For enquiries the club lists a phone number and the email [email protected], with a separate address for booking acts. Show times are posted on the website, and headline sets often start late in the evening. Even if you are not a rock fan, the Whisky is worth seeing from the outside as a landmark of the Sunset Strip's musical history, and many visitors stop for a photograph of its famous frontage. Inside, the experience is unpretentious, with the focus firmly on the bands, and the crowd ranges from devoted fans of the night's headliner to visitors ticking off a piece of music history.

The Sunset Strip is home to several other well-known venues and bars, and a walk along the boulevard after a show is part of the experience. Parking is limited and expensive in the area, so a ride-share is the easiest way to arrive and leave. The Troubadour is a short drive south on Santa Monica Boulevard.