He’s been the man behind some of the most infamous NYC parties. With no signs of stopping, I sat down with the legendary John Blair to discuss everything from go-go boys to Cher. Check out John Blair every Saturday at Stage 48, and visit his new bar Rise on 46th St. and 9th Ave.
Many people think of you as the OG of NYC gay nightlife. How do you feel about that title?
To most people going out now, I am, ‘cause I was on the scene. I’ve been doing this for 36 years.
You’ve thrown some of NYC’s most memorable parties at some of NYC’s most memorable venues. Do you have any favorites?
It’s very hard to play favorites, but my times at Studio 54 were amazing.
What do you think the secret to your success has been?
Nightlife is kind of surfing. You try to find a big wave and ride it for as long as you can. I’ve been very fortunate in my career, and I don’t take that for granted. Being married for 20 years to Beto, my business partner, helps to sustain the success.
How have you seen nightlife change over the years, and how have you professionally had to evolve to keep up with the ever-changing climate?
I don’t have a crystal ball. We’re seeing a lot less weekly events and big success with monthly circuit parties. Weekly events, truth be told, are hard to sustain. [Brian] Rafferty creates amazing content, and I think we will see a lot more from him, and I’m looking forward for that.
Congrats on Rise. What can we expect to see as far as programming?
We have what some might deem as unexpected with a rock-themed night, Shequida. On the weekends you can find great music from David Serrano and our new party called MENERGY, for the “man’s man.”
Many ask why do we need another gay bar in Hell’s Kitchen. How would you respond to that? Was HK your intended choice when thinking of opening Rise?
Well, we will find out soon if the neighborhood needed another gay bar. I will tell you that we are proud of the finished product, and the bar and clientele are a great mix of older and younger professionals, straight and gay. It’s a great date night spot and a place where everyone can happily coexist.
With Avalon, Studio 54, Roxy, Splash, XL and so many others a thing of the past, do you think we’ll see a shift back to Chelsea?
I know I personally would love to see that (no offense HK). Progress is progress, not regress. The fact is Chelsea has just become too expensive, but that is just my opinion.
With the premiere of John Blair Saturdays, what can we expect? Will it be the same content as Viva, or can we expect something new?
We always want to deliver that weekly circuit experience that’s all about the music. That’s the core. We’ve enhanced production with a new lighting system, confetti machine. We’re bringing in new dancers and adding new DJs to the existing favorites. We’re not trying to change too much of the formula, just enhance an already amazing evening.
How long have you and your husband Beto been together?
25 years.
What do you think the secret to that success has been?
Especially when you are also business partners, Beto and I at this point are in sync. I believe working together really helped us. We knew the scene. There will always be men and flirtation, but we know each other, and we trust each other.
If there were anything you could change about our current gay culture, what would it be?
More than anything I just want to see more progression. I remember the days when gay was a bad word, like cancer. We were out, but we were still closeted. I look forward to seeing what the community looks like in the next 10 years.
What’s John Blair doing when he’s not at the club?
Relaxing with my husband and partner Beto, and planning what’s next.
What is a common misconception about you?
That I’m out partying all the time, which could not be further from the truth.
Do you ever get nervous at the start of each event?
OMG, yes. Every Saturday for the first hour I sit at that door and just watch. I can tell how the night is going to go just based on the first hour. You’re only as good as your last party in New York, so you hope the last one was good enough that they will be back for more.
Can you share a disastrous or embarrassing experience from one of your events over the years?
There’s many, but here’s one that I’m willing to share. Cher was performing at the Roxy, and she came in early, had a great sound check. She comes out to a packed house and goes to speak and nothing. There was no sound coming from her microphone for an entire five minutes. You can imagine my horror. But she did what Cher does best—jutted her hip, said “Where the fuck is my sound?” and then delivered a killer performance.
