The Saint Members only gay club opened on September 20, 1980 at the site of the former Fillmore East at 105 Second Avenue near 6th street in New York City. The Fillmore East originally a Yiddish theater built in 1926, it was built at a time when this area of the city was called the Jewish Rialto.
It’s name was the Commodore Theater and was taken over by the Loew’s Company and turned from a legitimate theater into a movie palace it was called the Village Theater. The theater held a capacity of 2700 seats. In 1968 it reopened as the Fillmore East a rock venue and featured the biggest acts in rock music at the time, it closed in 1971.
The theater changed hands again in 1980 when it became The Saint a private gay club opened by Bruce Mailman and his partner and architectural genius Charles Terrell the opening night DJ was Alan Dodd.
The club was destined to be a success with 2500 memberships sold even before it had opened. the memberships were $150 for the first 700 people to sign up and $250 for the rest of the memberships being made.
By the fall of 1981 the ugly face of AIDS had begun to take its toll on the membership of the club. The memberships prices were lowered and the clubs season had been extended into the summer making it open almost all year round.
The Saint was recognized for their performers. The club was a standard which all New York City clubs were measured. It was known for its design, annual makeovers, its invitations and the over the top floral arrangements.
The Saint was the best dance club of its time. known for its circular 5000 square foot dance floor and the 76 foot diameter by 38 foot high planetarium dome, in the center of the dance floor stood a circular light tree on a hydraulic lift. It had 1500 lights and a Spitz Space System hemisphere star projector, many times more powerful than those used at planetariums.
Under the dance floor was a big lounge with several bars. the beer was sometimes served free because the club did not have a liquor license. Above the dome was a balcony where anything and everything happened.
Many times throughout the yeas they would themed parties, such as the “Black Party” and the ” White Party” this would attract celebrities from all over the world.
The club closed it’s doors for the final time on May 2, 1988 after a 48 hour farewell party.
For many The Saint exemplified the very best attributes of camaraderie and sheer pleasure. The Saint became a focal point in which one could enjoy a spirit of “community”. This above all else is what made, and continues to make, The Saint special and meaningful. The Saint remains alive in the hearts and minds of those whose lives were indelibly touched by the magic…
Here is a short list of some the acts that appeared at The Saint:
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Tina Turner
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Betty Buckley
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Patti LuPone
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Natalie Cole
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Sylvester
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Tim Curry
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Lorna Luft
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Kiki Dee
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Devine
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Irene Cara
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Eartha Kitt
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Sam Harris
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Thelma Houston
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RuPaul
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Grace Jones
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Madleen Kane
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Jeff Stryker
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Swing Out Sister
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Bonnie Tyler
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The Weather Girls
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Viola Willis
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Bonnie Pointer
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Gloria Gaynor
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E G Dailey
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Brenda K Starr
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Jocelyn Brown
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Shannon
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The Cover Girls
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Red Hot Chili Pepers
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Expose
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Noel
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Dead or Alive
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And Many More
Stories of the Saint – Chapter 1: The Opening Courtesy of TheSaintAtLarge. Thank you
Gay Sex In the 70′s The Saint Disco New York City Courtesy of delosia. Thank you