Info from LA Weekly
The Key Club has gone through many changes over the years since opening in 1967. It has hosted everyone from The Doors and The Byrds to Van Halen and Guns N' Roses to Scarface and Lil Kim. It helped define the glam metal movement of the '80s, and in recent years has been known for rock, metal, jazz, and hip-hop.
Formerly known as Gazzarri's, it was initially led by Bill Gazzarri. Called the “Godfather of Rock and Roll,” he was an iconic Strip figure until his death in 1991. The club then closed in 1993 before suffering damage in the Northridge earthquake of 1994. Then in 1995, a new building was built and a year later re-opened as Billboard Live, before becoming the Key Club in 1998.
The club has had its share of ups and downs, closing briefly at the end of 2009, and becoming a pay-to-play spot. Closed in 2013.