Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Legendary Bookie's

At Hip in Detroit, we're always talking about how there are so many shows every night in Detroit that sometimes it's hard to decide which to go to. There are a ton of great venues and bars throughout the city, hosting local and national acts every night of the week. Well, back in the late 1970's, that wasn't the case. In the late '70s, there was Bookie's (a.k.a. Bookie's Club 870), and that was pretty much it as far as rock clubs went. The bar opened up in 1978, when the band The Sillies first started booking shows at Frank Gagen’s at 870 McNichols. The shows they booked did so well that it eventually took over Frank's, and the bar transformed into a punk club. Bands like The Misfits, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, The Police, and The Cramps all played Bookie's, with Detroit bands like The Romantics, The Mutants and The Sillies playing there on a regular basis. Even many celebrities made stops at Bookie's while they were in Detroit, just to check out this club that everyone was talking about. The venue only lasted a few years, changing owners and format in 1982, but in those few years it became legendary and Bookie's is a name that most Detroiters know. 

This Saturday night you have a chance to relive the awesomeness that was Bookie's by celebrating the bar and venues 40th anniversary! Bookie's is having an anniversary and reunion show at New Way Bar in Ferndale, featuring music from the band that started it all, The Sillies. Coldcock, R.U.R., and other surprise guests will also perform throughout the evening. Plus, there will be flyers and photos on display too, so you can either reminisce or experience Bookie's for the first time. Things are set to kick off at 9 p.m. and cover is free for this event. For more info, click here.

~C