The heart of the 80s and 90s debauchery is on display - photographs reveal famous figures within London's counterpart to 'Studio 54'
In the heart of London's district of Chelsea, where an abandoned 1880s Presbyterian church once stood, a legendary nightclub known as Limelight thrived. Opened in 1985, this iconic venue, which closed its doors in 2003, was dubbed Britain's Most Famous and could rival New York's Studio 54.
The Limelight Club was a hotspot for celebrities, musicians, and actors on the cusp of superstardom. George Michael, Boy George, Billy Idol, and even Prince Charles have been spotted gracing the dancefloor. In fact, the famed paparazzi photographer, David Koppel, has an archive of behind-the-scenes photos from the club, capturing these moments in black and white, as newspapers had yet to switch to color photography.
Koppel's images are a 'celebration of the nightlife of a time gone by, the start of a personal journey, and an evocation of the irresponsible spirit of the 1980s'. His upcoming book, Limelight, is a collection of these rare images, including pictures of George Michael, Belinda Carlisle, The Beastie Boys, Marilyn, and more.
The London Evening Standard newspaper once called David Koppel a 'celebrity's private nightmare'. Koppel would be forced to have stars hold up matches to their faces to be able to see them in the dark environment and for the camera to focus. Such challenges didn't deter Koppel from capturing the essence of the club and its patrons.
Limelight was the it-place to be 40 years ago, with Joan Rivers spending her birthday there in 1993 and Tommy Lee and Pamela Anderson being seen canoodling in 1995. Many of the images seen in Koppel's upcoming book have never been seen before, making it a unique insight into the club's vibrant history.
The Limelight exhibition at Zebra One Gallery in London will run from October 10 to October 20. For those unable to attend, Koppel's book, Limelight, can be purchased for £60 ($81) on his website.
Pictured: Robbie Coltrane and John Lydon inside Limelight, Sinitta and friends inside the club taken by Koppel, Two girls inside the club taken by Koppel, A large crowd and musicians enjoying themselves inside the club. These images offer a glimpse into the glamorous past that was the Limelight Club.
