Mikael Maglieri, the esteemed proprietor of the Sunset Strip’s iconic Rainbow Bar & Grill and Whisky A Go-Go in Hollywood, passed away Friday from a heart attack at the age of 73.
Mikael, taking the reins from his father Mario Maglieri, the original founder of Whisky and Rainbow who passed away in 2017 at age 93, carried on the family legacy within Hollywood’s vibrant music scene.
Since its inception in 1964, Whisky A Go Go has been a crucible for rock ‘n’ roll, graced by luminary acts such as The Doors, The Byrds, and Led Zeppelin, to name a few. Mario Maglieri, together with his partners, expanded this legacy by founding the Rainbow Bar & Grill, which quickly became a favorite haunt for artists like John Lennon and Alice Cooper.
Mario Maglieri, born in Italy in 1924 and emigrating to the U.S. at a young age, first cut his teeth in the hospitality industry in Chicago before transplanting to Los Angeles. Here, he established the now-legendary Rainbow, The Roxy, and Whisky, infusing the Rainbow with his Italian roots through its beloved cuisine.
Yesterday, I learned my friend left us & still can’t believe it 💔
He made the world more beautiful, creative, vibrant, raucous, & fun. The music, laughs, & memories live on in my heart.
Miss you, Mikeal. Sending ❤️ to the family @Rainbowlive & @TheWhiskyAGoGo pic.twitter.com/bOu4JYJgjK
— Lindsey P. Horvath (@LindseyPHorvath) November 6, 2023
Why so often is the true backbone of a family forgotten. SCARLET I am so sorry for your loss, through your life at the head of the Maglieri Family I have witnessed with you incredible pain and strength. I am so sorry for your loss. We enjoyed a bowl of soup and bread at the real kitchen table at the back of the house in the kitchen at the Rainbow as you worked with the crew to make sure the recipes were just right. “they’re always making the pasta sauce too hot” you would say. Daily you made sure Mario… Read more »
So much of what happened on The Strip happened because Mikael nurtured and sustained the vibe that is legendary. He was the living definition of cool, of Rock and Roll.
Mikael was a good friend and a pillar of the Sunset Strip, particularly the rock n’ roll festival and other special events. Mikael and his family had a deep commitment to the Sunset Strip and West Hollywood, which continues as the next generation carries on the torch. His generosity and wit will be missed. My heart felt condolences to Phil, Nancy and Mikael, Jr. But the Maglieri family epic will live on and provide a vision for the future of the Sunset Strip.
Shocked and heart broken. Mikael was one of the best humans on the planet. My deepest condolences to Mikael Jr and the Maglieri family, to Phil and to Nancy and the whole Rainbow and Whisky family. He will be so profoundly missed. I’ll see you on the patio, my dear friend.
RIP. young man.