This veritable institution is a toxic mix of headlining bands and good old-fashioned sex drugs, and rock 'n roll. All this in a venue that once housed a strip joint, allegedly owned by Jerry Lewis.

Who hasn't played at the Roxy? Thanks to Zappa, Bowie and recent metal cover-band phenom Metal Skool (who've relocated to nearby Key Club), the legendary LA nightclub has been rocking the ages for over three decades. After undergoing a recent remodel, the Roxy has regained much of its former glory: the sound system is back to blasting distorted power cords, the light show's, um, light-showier. Thirsty? Though the tiny, attached On The Rox bar was once a rock-'n-roll hangout for the likes of John Lennon and Keith Moon, we suggest getting pre- and post-show libations next door at the Rainbow Bar & Grill, which had its heyday in the era of heavy metal and big hair. —Amir Kenan