Before RuPaul's Drag Race took drag and gender nonconformity mass market, there was the club kid movement. In fact, without the club kids, RuPaul's Drag Race may never have come to fruition at all, as the influences from his time with the club kids helped shape Ru into the glamazon monster we know and love today.
The club kids, including people like James St. James, Amanda Lepore, RuPaul, Richie Rich, and many more, were led by the bold and voracious, Michael Alig. Alig and his club kids were hired by all the hottest clubs around New York City to throw and host parties, dressing and acting in larger-than-life ways, bringing in young customers and attracting attention. This they did, and they did it very well.
The video below gives viewers a rare inside-look at the club kid scene, where you'll see Alig and RuPaul amongst others from the vibrant club kid scene:
The club kids, including people like James St. James, Amanda Lepore, RuPaul, Richie Rich, and many more, were led by the bold and voracious, Michael Alig. Alig and his club kids were hired by all the hottest clubs around New York City to throw and host parties, dressing and acting in larger-than-life ways, bringing in young customers and attracting attention. This they did, and they did it very well.
The video below gives viewers a rare inside-look at the club kid scene, where you'll see Alig and RuPaul amongst others from the vibrant club kid scene:
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Unfortunately, things quickly went south for the club kids as drug use became much more prominent and problematic. The club kids were shaken when one of their main dives, the Limelight, was shut down as a result of drug related investigations. However, the club kid movement was truly devastated, and arguably ended, when Alig was arrested and sentenced to nearly 20 years behind bars for murdering and dismembering their drug dealer, Andre "Angel" Melendez, while under the influence. This event heavily effected many close to Alig. James St. James eventually memorialized it in his book, Disco Bloodbath, which later became the basis for the 2003 film Party Monster.
Today, after nearly 20 years behind bars, Alig is scheduled for a conditional release from the Mid-State Correctional Facility in Marcy, NY. The release has sparked apprehension, controversy, and excitement amongst those who know and have followed Alig's story. Only time will tell whether he'll try to return to his old wiles, or if he's truly turned over a new leaf. Check out the video below of an interview with him during his time in prison, and tell us what you think! Do you think he'll return to his old tricks, or is this the beginning of a whole new and improved life for the notorious club kid king, Michael Alig?
Today, after nearly 20 years behind bars, Alig is scheduled for a conditional release from the Mid-State Correctional Facility in Marcy, NY. The release has sparked apprehension, controversy, and excitement amongst those who know and have followed Alig's story. Only time will tell whether he'll try to return to his old wiles, or if he's truly turned over a new leaf. Check out the video below of an interview with him during his time in prison, and tell us what you think! Do you think he'll return to his old tricks, or is this the beginning of a whole new and improved life for the notorious club kid king, Michael Alig?
