At the end of 1974 — 47 years ago — the original Max's Kansas City in New York City closed down.
The venue had been a launching pad for such musical artists as The New York Dolls, Bruce Springsteen and The Velvet Underground. Bob Marley & the Wailers opened for Bruce Springsteen at Max's, beginning Marley's career on the international circuit. Fashion designer, Carlos Falchi, and artist, publisher and filmmaker, Anton Perich, were busboys there. Deborah Harry was a waitress.
Tim Buckley, Tom Waits, Bonnie Raitt, Odetta, Dave Van Ronk, John Herald, Garland Jeffreys, Sylvia Tyson, Emmylou Harris, Gram Parsons, Elliott Murphy and Country Joe were among the musicians that played at Max’s.
Max's quickly became a hangout of choice for artists and sculptors of the New York School, like John Chamberlain, Robert Rauschenberg and Larry Rivers, whose presence attracted hip celebrities and the jet set. It was also a favorite hangout of Andy Warhol and his entourage, who dominated the back room.
Other versions of Max’s Kansas City opened in later years, but none lasted.