Rock the Bricks: The Ritz / East Village - by Larry Ross

This month I am extremely excited to be discussing past historic music venue The Ritz, which was formerly located in Webster Hall at 119-125 East 11^th St. between 3^rd and 4^th Aves. in Manhattan’s historic East Village neighborhood. At times it was also a dance club, featuring New Wave music where my friends and I would often end up late at night. The club was founded in 1980 and was a pioneer in featuring giant video screens. On a historical note, MTV actually made its debut here which hosted a series of Saturday night concerts called “Live at The Ritz.” Some notable acts that appeared, and much too many to mention here, were Tina Turner, U2, Duran Duran, Kiss, Talking Heads, Sting, Ozzy, Depeche Mode, Squeeze and Frank Zappa. One of best performances according to some was by Guns & Roses. It was recorded Live on MTV in 1991 and featured all their classic hits and a shirtless Axl Rose diving into the crowd. On a personal level one of my most memorable shows was Split Enz (later “Crowded House,”) back on July 24, 1981.

The East Village, part of the Lower East Side, was originally occupied by the Lenape Native American Tribe and then the Dutch in the 17^th century, who created large farms called “Boweries.” By the middle of 18^th century there were wealthy estates located throughout the area. In the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries these estates gave way to a new street grid system, where Federal style rowhouses dotted the skyline. The neighborhood eventually became a gateway for immigrants from all over the world making it a true melting pot. Tenement buildings are one of the most identifiable aspects of the area and made for some of the worst living conditions in New York in the late 19^th century and early 1900s. The area had also been populated with independently owned and operated venues and was known as the Jewish theater district. The Garment Center also originated in this area where unsafe work conditions existed, leading to the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Co. fire near Washington Square Park and the deaths of 146 workers.

From the 1950s to the 1990s the East Village area began to take shape as beatniks, hippies, musicians, artists, and writers moved into the area. The area sometimes previously referred to as Alphabet City, Little Ukraine and the Bowery, was given a new name by its residents called the East Village, which is now the heart of the underground culture in New York.    

The building–which was landmarked in 2008–was built in 1886-87, with an addition in 1892. It historically served as a venue for social gatherings, masquerade balls, musical events, banquets, and labor rallies. It was also a speakeasy gathering during the time of prohibition. The property according to city records is 26,574 s/f sitting on a 9,000 s/f lot. The Ritz closed its doors in April 1989, however it would rename itself the “New Ritz” and move to the old Studio 54 Club on West 54^th, where it would eventually close once again. In 1992 the building, which remained intact, was reborn as Webster Hall and to this date carries on the tradition of hosting live performances and remains one of the premier live music venues in New York City.

If you wish to reach me please email [email protected].

Larry Ross is the founder of LJR Realty Associates, New York, NY.