Rome: The iconic Piper Club, a symbol of Rome’s ‘Dolce Vita’, is marking its 60th anniversary with a celebration featuring historic DJs and live music, reflecting on its rich history as a vital venue for influential artists and vibrant nightlife in Italy.
The Piper Club in Rome, located on Via Tagliamento, is set to celebrate its 60th anniversary, marking a significant milestone in the history of Italian culture and nightlife. Renowned as a symbol of the Roman ‘Dolce Vita’ and the economic boom of the 1960s, the club has been a vital part of Italy’s cultural fabric, serving as a hub for artists and a venue where the country’s imaginative identity has been shaped.
Originally opened on 17th February 1965 in the luxurious Coppedè district, the Piper was founded by lawyer Alberigo Crocetta, car dealer Giancarlo Bornigia, and meat importer Alessandro Diotallevi. The premises started with a garage, which later transformed into one of Rome’s most iconic music venues.
Over the years, the Piper became a launching pad for various musical movements, including beat and ye ye, providing a space for renowned bands such as Equipe 84 and Rokes. The venue became a hotspot for those eager to experience the vibrant atmosphere filled with rockabilly and rock music that flowed from the United States and the United Kingdom.
Among its notable residents, singer Patty Pravo emerged as “the girl of the Piper.” The club welcomed many prominent Italian musicians, including Pooh, Lucio Battisti, and Rita Pavone, alongside international acts. Iconic performances included those by Pink Floyd, The Byrds, and Jimi Hendrix, who famously participated in a jam session post-concert at the Teatro Brancaccio. The Beatles even had a brief stint at the Piper.
Through the years, the Piper has witnessed the attendance of various celebrities, including actors and directors such as Vittorio Gassman, Franco Zeffirelli, and Anna Magnani. The club also heralded the arrival of Madonna in Italy, introducing her to the audience before she became a global sensation.
In its storied history, the Piper has seen transformations that included a brief period as a discotheque and changes in its name. It has occasionally faced challenges, including local protests over incidents of violence and public disturbance, leading to temporary closures and subsequent re-openings. Despite these challenges, the club has maintained its allure and cultural significance.
To commemorate its six decades of operation, a celebration featuring the club’s historic DJs, an orchestra led by Alberto Laurenti performing classic tunes from the 1960s, and attendees dressed in period-appropriate attire is planned.
Source: Noah Wire Services
