Max's Kansas City

The Story

This club was founded by Mickey Ruskin in December 1965 and became the definitive spot for New York's artistic avant-garde. Andy Warhol and his Factory entourage dominated the back room, illuminated by a red light installation by Dan Flavin, and exchanged art for credit at the bar. The Velvet Underground played here regularly in the late 60s, including Lou Reed's last shows with the band in 1970, recorded live by Warhol associate Brigid Polk on a portable cassette recorder and released as a live album in 1972. Debbie Harry, future Blondie vocalist, worked as a waitress at the club before fame. Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Alice Cooper, New York Dolls, Patti Smith, Bruce Springsteen, Aerosmith, Billy Joel, and the Ramones also passed through the stage or the audience throughout the 70s. In 1981, Madonna performed here under her own name, leaving behind the bands Breakfast Club and Emmy and the Emmys from previous years. The club closed in November 1981, with Beastie Boys opening for Bad Brains on the last night. The building still exists, now occupied by other businesses.

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