Mario Maglieri, Rainbow and Whisky a Go Go Founder, Dies at 93

“A sad day for Hollywood and The Sunset Strip,” former Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum says of club founder’s death

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Mario Maglieri, the former owner of Hollywood’s Sunset Strip fixtures Rainbow Bar and Grill and Whisky a Go Go, died Thursday, according to the Rainbow’s Facebook page. He was 93.

“Dear Rainbow friends and family, it is with great sadness to announce the passing of our beloved Mario Maglieri. Owner and founder of The Rainbow Bar And Grill and The Whisky a Go Go,” the post, published Thursday afternoon read.

According to the Rainbow, Maglieri “passed this morning while surrounded by loved ones … We ask that you please allow the family time to grieve. Thank you for your understanding.”

Services will be announced “shortly,” the post noted.

The marquee of the Whisky paid tribute to Maglieri on Thursday, reading: “Rest in Peace Mario Maglieri King of the Sunset Strip 1924-2017.”

TMZ reports that Maglieri died at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles of natural causes, weeks after checking into the hospital. Maglieri reportedly hadn’t been feeling well after he broke his hip in April.

Former Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum paid tribute to Maglieri on Instagram, writing, “A sad day for Hollywood and The Sunset Strip we lost Mario Maglieri owner of @rainbowbarandgrill he fed me soup when had no money in the 70s when i came to Hollywood . #Rip Mario I love you.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTr774LD95a/?taken-by=mattsorum

According to the LA Weekly, both the Rainbow and the Whisky are currently owned by Maglieri’s son, Mikael Maglieri.

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