In the early ’80s, the East Village was a vastly different place compared to what it is today. No upscale restaurants, chain stores, or hordes of tourists roamed the streets. New York University (NYU) dormitories did not extend as far east as they do now. Most of the shopping was done at makeshift sidewalk vendors who displayed their goods on sheets. Almost everyone I knew from that era had experienced being mugged, burglarized, or both. It was during this time that a 23-year-old Bobby Bradley and his partner, Alan Mace (known as Sister Dimension), teamed up with owner Richie Hajguchik to transform an old Ukrainian bar into what would eventually become the leading boy bar and nightclub in New York City.
Following in the footsteps of books like Edie (1982) by Jean Stein and Please Kill Me (1996) by Legs McNeil and Gillian McCain, We Started a Nightclub chronicles the rapid rise and tragic downfall of the Pyramid Club, which was a central hub of the 1980s East Village scene. The book, written by the late Brian Butterick, Kestutis Nakas, and Susan Martin, offers a series of oral histories that shed light on the key figures of one of America’s most creative communities. From legendary figures like RuPaul, Karen Finley, Keith Haring, and David Wojnarowicz to lesser-known but equally groundbreaking artists, the book provides a comprehensive look at the diverse talents that frequented the club. What began as a venue for camp drag performances evolved into a platform for political and social satire, readings, rants, and live music that helped launch the careers of bands like Nirvana and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Structured in short chapters that feature different voices recounting the club’s evolution over the years, We Started a Nightclub delves into the vibrant underground scene of downtown Manhattan. The book highlights the interconnectedness of the performers and employees who had previously worked at iconic venues like the Mudd Club, Club 57, and Interferon before they shuttered their doors.
The narrative is dominated by stories of artists and performers who graced the stage at the Pyramid Club. From the wild performances of John Sex, Tabboo!, and Ethyl Eichelberger to the groundbreaking shows by bands like 3 Teens Kill 4 and Deee-Lite, the club became a melting pot of creativity and innovation. Lady Bunny’s arrival in 1984 marked a turning point, leading to the creation of the Wigstock Festival, which attracted thousands of attendees and celebrities to celebrate drag culture and performance art.
As gentrification and the AIDS crisis took their toll on the East Village, the Pyramid Club’s heyday came to an end. Drug abuse among staff members, including the club’s manager Bobby Bradley, led to financial troubles and eventual closure. The loss of many talented performers to AIDS and drug overdoses cast a shadow over the once-vibrant scene, signaling the end of an era in downtown Manhattan.
We Started a Nightclub: The Birth of the Pyramid Cocktail Lounge as Told by Those Who Lived It offers a poignant and nostalgic look back at a time when creativity and diversity flourished in New York City’s underground scene. The book is a testament to the pioneering spirit of the Pyramid Club and the artists who made it a cultural landmark.
