Arthur wrote most of Da Capo and where luminaries from throughout the rock elite
would crash while in LA....Grace and the Airplane, Janis, just about anyone who
was ANYONE crashed there without invitation. It was just the place to be...
the doors were never locked.
The CASTLE--
Built by silent movie director Maurice Tourneur in the 20's, it is a Spanish style
extravaganza of Hollywood extreme. It was rather run down at the time
Love took over. A friend who was "caretaker" arranged that if they paid
the taxes. Love could live there for "free". Arthure said he could have
bought it for $60.000 back then. Now it is likely worth in the 10's of
millions.
It is not in Laurel Canyon but rather in the exclusive area of LA called
Rancho Los Feliz, south of Griffith Park between Silver Lake and
Hollywood...it you want to drive by-- 4320 Cedarhurst Circle.
There is no mention of Bela Lugosi in John's book as owner (yet, I haven't finished) but that may
be so oft told, it was moot. It was also owned at one time by silent movie
star Norma Talmadge.
We can post some of the clips of Arthur giving the tour in Love Story after
it had been restored to its former glory. Fun stuff....
>>>I think the reason that Love's story is so much more fascinating that most
other bands that were just bands...even more than the DOORS is, of course
Arthur, but also the varying cast of Love and the colorful personalities of
the band members and how they got together. After all. Love really set
the scene (wink) and were the preeminent band of LA and the Strip.
When Love played
Bito Lido's that 's where everyone went. When Love played the Whiskey,
that is were the fans all followed. Love may have saved the Whiskey, an empty venue
until Love brought their adoring throng with them. Even before the Byrds,
Love defined the LA music scene,
When the after hour crowds followed Love to Ben Franks, they overflowed
with Love. When the crowds got too large and the cops started throwing
people out just for looking like freaks, the masses followed Love after hours, right
down the sidewalks, like a freak parade, over to Canters. It became the
place to be for fans, artists and stars. Still is. Love brought that with
them wherever they went.
People used to drive the strip just to go freak-watching, to see what they
were wearing. And Arthur was the most outrageous with his little diamond
shaped glasses and one boot, with his tight wide whale cords....he was one of the first
and original freaks. Long before Hendrix-- everyone else was dressing
like the Beatles, in nice suits or matching outfits.
Again, LOVE set the scene. Truly!
