Arthur Weinstein's many friends have thoughtfully added their "Arthur" stories to a growing online tribute.
The stories, filled with both humor and sadness, touch on three main themes: how Arthur was an unforgettable New York character, a brilliant night club operator, and, more importantly, a loving family man.
In their obituary this week the New York Times had this to say about Arthur.
" In the glittery, manic, often ostentatiously naughty 1970s and ’80s, Arthur Weinstein was king of the night. His kingdom was a new breed of nightclubs that transcended disco balls, tired formulas and strobe lights to become ultrahip destinations for those deemed worthy of entering..."
The obituary also quotes hotelier and former night club operator Ian Schrager who had this to say. "(Schrager) who operated Studio 54 with Steven Rubell, placed Mr. Weinstein and his clubs on a continuum of New York night life that extends back through the Stork Club and the Cotton Club.
“Arthur is part of that,” said Mr. Schrager, who now develops hotels and other properties. “He would be one of the important people around that world that you would have to talk about.”
Mr. Schrager praised Hurrah as the first ’70s nightclub with style, meaning that it wasn’t “merely painted black.” He continued, “It was the first one that upped the stakes a bit.”
Other tributes:
Former night club owner Steve Lewis' tribute will have you in tears before you finish reading.
Tony Fletcher reports that he modeled one of the characters in his novel about nightclub culture (Hedonism) on Arthur.
Lots of great photos, including one from the 1970s, on this Arthur Weinstein Myspace tribute page.
Beauty Bar, Good Night Mr. Lewis
Luke Jorger & Indigo Toledo's Chelsea Movie features an interview with Arthur and other residents.
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