The Whisky a Go Go and Rainbow Bar & Grill paid tribute to Maglieri on their marquees. (photo courtesy of Mitchell Martin)
Many people in the West Hollywood community and the music industry are mourning Mikeal Maglieri, owner of the Whisky a Go Go and the Rainbow Bar & Grill, who died on Nov. 5 at age 73.
Maglieri had a profound influence on the Sunset Strip music scene and is credited with helping launch the careers of countless musicians and bands. He was the son of Whisky a Go Go founder Mario Maglieri, who died in 2017. The West Hollywood City Council recognized Maglieri at its meeting on Nov. 6 and adjourned in his memory.
“Mikeal made a significant impact on the music and entertainment industry. He continued his father Mario Maglieri’s legacy. He was the pioneer who helped spearhead the Sunset Strip Music Festival, and really bring a lot more live music to the Sunset Strip,” West Hollywood City Councilman John Heilman said. “Both the Rainbow and the Whisky are iconic venues in West Hollywood that have hosted so many rock legends over the years, and in large part, that’s due to Mike Maglieri‘s vision and his dedication. Our condolences go out to the entire Maglieri family during this very difficult time.”
Many of the most famous musicians and bands of all time played the Whisky a Go Go over the years, including Johnny Rivers, The Doors, The Byrds, Neil Young, Led Zeppelin, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, Van Halen, Motley Crue and Guns N’ Roses. The Rainbow Bar & Grill has long been a hangout for people involved with rock ‘n’ roll and the music industry. Social media accounts for the Whisky and the Rainbow Bar & Grill were flooded with tributes to Maglieri.
“He was the best person in the world. The most generous. The most loving. Just the best person in the world. Thank you, Mikeal, for everything. I can’t even begin to tell you how much you’re going to be missed,” read the post by the Whisky a Go Go on its Facebook page.
“He made the world more beautiful, creative, vibrant, raucous and fun,” Los Angeles County Supervisor and former West Hollywood city councilmember Lindsey Horvath posted. “The music, laughs and memories live on in my heart.”
“The Sunset Strip has lost a legend, a friend and a fixture of the Sunset Strip,” read a post by Alison Martino, of Vintage Los Angeles. “Mike Maglieri was a beautiful soul. I’m forever grateful that I was able to help share his history with the world.”
The Whisky a Go Go and Rainbow Bar & Grill also paid tribute to Maglieri with messages on their marquees. The sign at the Whisky fittingly read, “Mikeal Maglieri, Forever a Legend.”