Ep 2. The Viper Room: Hollywood's Sanctuary

In this episode of Dark Side of the '90s, viewers are taken on a trip down memory lane to the infamous Viper Room in Hollywood. The club, owned by actor Johnny Depp in the early '90s, quickly became a popular hangout spot for celebrities and regulars alike. However, the Viper Room also had a dark side that led to tragic events and scandals.

The episode begins by introducing the history of the Viper Room, which was a popular spot for musicians and actors to perform in the '90s. It was a small club on Sunset Strip that had a reputation for being a sanctuary for artists. Johnny Depp purchased the club in 1993 and became more involved in its management, often being seen hanging out there.

As the episode progresses, viewers learn about the infamous night in October 1993 when River Phoenix, the beloved young actor and musician, overdosed outside the Viper Room. The episode explores the events leading up to Phoenix's death, revealing new details and insights into what happened that night. The show also covers the aftermath of his death, how it affected his fans and fellow artists, and the impact it had on the Viper Room itself.

In addition to River Phoenix's tragic death, the episode also delves into other dark incidents that took place at the Viper Room during the '90s. The club was a hub for drug use and distribution, and many of its patrons were struggling with addiction. The episode looks at some of the other high-profile drug-related incidents involving the Viper Room, including the death of actor and pal of Depp, Jason Patric's relative, and the arrest of actor-comedian, Jim Carrey's girlfriend at the time, for possession of cocaine.

The show also examines the Viper Room's connection to the infamous Hollywood madam, Heidi Fleiss. The episode discusses how the club was a frequent spot for her and her clients, many of whom were famous actors. The club's reputation as a place of excess and debauchery only grew as more and more stories emerged about its glamorous but dark underbelly.

As the episode draws to a close, it explores how the Viper Room's image evolved over the years. In the wake of Phoenix's death, the club gained a new reputation that was hard to shake. Depp eventually sold the club in 2004, and the Viper Room survived but never regained its former notoriety. Now, almost three decades after it became a Hollywood hotspot, the Viper Room remains standing as a reminder of the darker side of the '90s.

Overall, this episode of Dark Side of the '90s provides a fascinating look at one of the most notorious clubs of the era. By delving into the tragedies and scandals that took place there, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the culture and excesses of the time. The episode paints a vivid picture of the Viper Room's heyday and its eventual downfall, highlighting the high price of fame and the dangerous allure of the Hollywood lifestyle.