Chapter 20: Rock

Frank151 interviews rock photographer Bob Gruen.

Corky Gunn has seen it all. Lead vocalist for independent glam band Sweet Pain turned road manager for LA Guns, Gunn has played and partied with all the ‘80s big boys, from Def Leppard to AC/DC. Now 44 years of age, Gunn lives in Long Island with his 10-year-old son. A far cry from nights binging with Motley Crüe, Gunn gives us the run down of life in the world of the ‘80s glam bands, as told to Melanie Scherenzel.

Downtown Rock clubs exist as separate and unique cultures. They are social magnets – hubs for hipsters and wannabes. The clubs provide places to make connections and live out one’s Rock Star dreams. These trashy clubs unite a variety of character types, all attracted to the energy and creativity. Serious music heads, hangers-on, schmoozers, networkers and tourists mingle within the dark environs.

There’s a million tales about the now infamous Rainbow Bar and Grill on the Sunset strip here in sunny fuckin’ Los Angeles. Marilyn Monroe met Joe DiMaggio on a blind date, Vincente Minneli proposed to Judy Garland, etc, etc, etc...

Who gives a fuck?