MARIO MAGLIERI, 1924-2017

Legendary Hollywood club owner Mario Maglieri, 93, who helped create Sunset Strip icons Rainbow Bar & Grill and Whisky A Go-Go, has died. His passing was announced on the Rainbow’s Twitter.

Born in Italy, in 1924, Maglieri moved to the U.S. at age four, and left a large mark on the Hollywood rock scene. Known as The King of the Sunset Strip, he opened the Whisky in 1964, and played a significant role in the breakthroughs of several generations of artists­–from Johnny Rivers to The Doors to Guns N’ Roses.

The Rainbow opened in 1972 and quickly became a rock/celeb watering hole. In the mid-'70s, it was the clubhouse for the Hollywood Vampires, a loose conglomeration of drinking buddies that included John Lennon, Alice Cooper, Harry Nilsson and Micky Dolenz. The Rainbow also served John Belushi his last meal and was the home way from home for the late Lemmy Kilmister.

Maglieri is survived by his wife Scarlett, son Mikeal, and grandchildren Mikeal, Cheryl and Gina. A public memorial will be held at the Rainbow 5/28 at 1pm PST.