Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace
“The beauty of roller skating is that you strap on the wheels and it’s a great equaliser. No one cares where you’re from, if you’re rich, if you’re poor, if you’re white, if you’re brown, if you’re famous or not famous.” - Liberty Ross. For just two years, from 1979 to 1981 ‘Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace’ was one of the hottest spots in Los Angeles. Prince, Cher, Robin Williams, Patrick Swayze, the Go-Go’s and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were among the bold-faced names to roller disco into the early hours. Founded by Ian “Flipper” Ross and located in the heart of WeHo at the corner of Santa Monica and La Cienega Boulevards, ‘Flipper’s’ was Studio 54 on wheels. Inside a mural of a showgirl with a giant banana headpiece standing in a field of strawberries was as well known as the neon signage on the outside. Now Ross’ daughter, Liberty Ross, is spearheading a ‘Flipper’s’ revival. First up is ‘Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace 1979-1981’ a 250-page book (published October 15, 2021) featuring never-before-seen photos as well as interviews with a now-retired Flipper (conducted by Liberty’s husband, Jimmy Iovine) and regulars like Laura Dern, who reminisces about going to the rink as a teen during its more family-friendly afternoon hours. In 1981 the rink was shut down by local authorities because Flipper never obtained the permits to operate the business. After announcing Halloween would be the last night he and promoter Denny Cordell sat on a rooftop across the street to say goodbye. Alongside the book Liberty will also release a line of ‘Flipper’s’ merchandise including sweatshirts and satin jackets. NOICE. ‘Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace’ is out now, published by ‘Idea’.
#neonurchin #neonurchinblog #dedicatedtothethingswelove #suzyurchin #ollyurchin #art #music #photography #fashion #film #design #words #pictures #dennycordell #santamonicaboulevard #lacienegaboulevard #ianflipperross #ianross #jimmyiovine #libertyrosse #merchandise #satinjackets #sweatshirts #idea #flippersrollerboogiepalace (at Los Angeles, California)
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