There’s a new documentary about a famous rock’n’roll hotel

The Sunset Marquis, located on a side street a hundred metres or so from Sunset, has been a rock’n’roll landmark for more than 60 years, a favourite pit stop for musicians of all stripes. It’s also where weird things happen.

Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode ODed and was declared legally dead for several minutes in one of the rooms at the back before he was revived. The last time I stayed there, I was at the bar by the pool and Billy Bob Thornton sat down beside me and struck up a conversation. (I later learned he’s the “unoffcial mayor” of the place.

At night, the lobby bar (which is small and very, very dark) could host just about anyone. On another visit, I saw Slash and some buddies in the corner. There’s a full recording studio in the basement near the front pool and just off the lobby. I met a couple of guys from System of a Down there for an interview.

Bands love it because it has a garage with a discreet entrance for tour buses. And the staff are very, very good at preserving their privacy.

There’s finally a documentary on the place. If These Walls Could Rock will premiere on August 14 in LA. It’ll then be available on Apple TV and Amazon.

Here’s a trailer.