bright lights, big party Evelyn Lopez and Vanessa Leon
Michelle Harper
Jessica Hart and Nur Khan
Waris Ahluwalia
Mia Moretti
The answer to that question depends on your musical tastes. But a week later, I found myself secured in a house booth at the Hiro ballroom in the basement of the Maritime Hotel with Rachelle Hruska MacPherson, my fur vest covered with tequila from an eager patron in the packed room, as a pulsating crowd of some of New York’s youngest and most powerful waited to see one of the few bands they could sing along with, along with their parents: Guns N’ Roses. DeLéon Tequila had opened the doors to the crowd—which included Matt Damon, Justin Timberlake, and Chelsea Clinton—at 9 p.m. But those not overly eager to imbibe free tequila were smart enough to realize that Rose is of the old-school set. He keeps his fans waiting for what they want, and even what they don’t know they want. After midnight, he finally took the stage to an uproar that made girls climb on top of banquettes and guys ready themselves with another drink. To the right of me, Nur Khan had climbed back into his table after introducing the band. A pregnant Sienna Miller was not far in front of him in the VIP section, and the table where Jimmy Fallon once sat was now vacated. His loss.
To the right of me, Nur Khan had climbed back into his table after introducing the band. A pregnant Sienna Miller was not far in front of him in the VIP section, and the table where Jimmy Fallon once sat was now vacated.
Lauren Painter and Timo Weiland
Ten Travis
Chelsea Clinton Nathan Baccardo and DJ Elle Dee
The band did not disappoint, as they played all their greatest hits: “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Patience” and “Paradise City.” They played for so long, by the time a crowd traveled to the after-party next door at the Electric Room, it was after 2 a.m. There, Guns N’ Roses and Nur Khan took the seats of honor in the center of the room, with Axl Rose trickling in later. With the music still ringing in my ears, I sat at a table next door with Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss Winklevoss, as Amy Sacco swanned in like the belle of the club-room. I sought DJ Ashba out one evening at the Electric Room, to ask him what his past three years playing guitar for Guns N’ Roses has been like. Clad in a Mad-Hatter style get-up, he was gracious and laughed when I said if I ever get married, I want to walk down the aisle to an orchestra playing “Sweet Child O’ Mine.” “That’s f***ing awesome,” the rocker smiled. I should have inquired about booking fees when I had the chance. ✦ For Carson Griffith’s latest nightlife coverage, visit www.avenueinsider.com
32 | AVENUE MAGAZINE • APRIL 2012
©PATRICKMCMULLAN
Cara Delevigne