As the hordes of Hollywood’s hopefuls packed up their wagons and headed back home, rock and roll proprietor Filthy McNasty knew it was last call. With little notice or fanfare, FM Station Live in North Hollywood, CA closed its doors for good in 1997. One of LA’s premiere live music clubs was gone. The new owners crowned their investment “Salon Corona,” attracting silver-toothed cowboys and the occasional velvet-laced crooner, serenading local Latinas at capacity crowds. A new era had begun.
Filthy opened his first club in 1969 after purchasing the “Melody Room,” a pint-sized jazz joint on Sunset Strip. Dubbing it “Filthy McNasty’s,” LA’s latest watering hole embraced the exploding rock and roll scene with protective
arms, shielding its kin from invading paparazzi.
Celebrities such as Elvis, Mick, Jim and John (Wayne) appreciated his “no photo” low key environment where they could relax, get tanked, and leave with new friends without formal introductions from the Times the next morning.
Eventually, he sold the club to a group of young artists (including actor Johnny Depp) intent on retaining its venomous rock and roll history with Hollywood’s new “Generation Hip.” “The Viper Room” opened in 1993; achieving landmark status after River Phoenix kissed the speedball sidewalk on Halloween night later that year. Since then, it’s been home to several local bands as well as hosting the occasional midnight show for industry heavyweights.
With the advent of musician super tool MySpace, interest in LA’s 80’s hard rock scene has virtually resurrected tangible support for an era that refuses to go away. 
“When I created the FM Station Live page back in early 2006, I had no idea anyone would care, let alone cry about ‘Top Friend’ status,” reflects event producer Harley Mannix. “Soon, I knew a reunion was imminent.” Event coordinator Maureen Singleton had formally worked at FM Station Live and had Filthy’s home number. “At first, Filthy didn’t believe that anyone would remember him, or his club. After seeing the page and the friend requests, he thought, ‘Let’s have a party, damn it!”
“Support for this event has been overwhelming,” continues Mannix. “We have former FM Station heavyweights Jones Street reuniting after a decade, along with Pair-A-Dice and Hardly Dangerous. Also on the bill are Vains Of Jenna and Jetstream—both younger bands—but perfect for this event. They’ll attract the younger generation, exposing them to what their parents listened to while changing their diapers.”
Mannix and Singleton worked for almost a year convincing the new owners of Salon Corona to give up their club so they could recreate FM Station
Live for one night. “They absolutely wanted no part of it. They were convinced the old FM Station marquee would scare off their regular clientele,” Singleton confirms. “They finally offered us a Monday night—the night they normally close—but we said no.”
“We really felt that Friday was the only night this event could really happen, so we just kept up with the calls.” Mannix laughs; “Their manager changed his mobile number—TWICE!”
Also scheduled for the event is an all-star celebrity “TOP SECRET JAM” along with Filthy McNasty himself as Master of Ceremonies. “As Filthy would say”, Singleton ads ‘Come inside and buy me a drink!’
Subframe
10618 Magnolia Blvd North Hollywood CA 91601
Contact: Harley Mannix
Telephone: 310-866-3098
Cellphone: 310-878-9692
subframelosangeles@yahoo.com
