Watch Riot on the Dance Floor: The Story of Randy Now & City Gardens

Riot on the Dance Floor: The Story of Randy Now & City Gardens is a documentary film released in 2014. The film revolves around a legendary music club called City Gardens, which was located in Trenton, New Jersey, and its owner, Randy Now. City Gardens was a significant venue in the music scene of the 80s and 90s, and it hosted some of the most prominent punk, hardcore, and alternative bands of that time. The venue had a unique rawness and energy, which attracted a large number of fans from all over the country. Despite being in a rough neighborhood, City Gardens was a safe haven for young people who wanted to escape from societal norms and be a part of something bigger.

Randy Now, a former Wall Street stockbroker, bought City Gardens in 1979 and transformed it into a cultural hub for the music scene of New Jersey. He was one of the few club owners who cared about the bands and their fans, and he went to great lengths to make sure that everyone had a good time. Randy was an outgoing personality who connected with everyone, from the bouncers to the bartenders to the fans, and he made sure that City Gardens remained a top destination for underground bands.

The film explores Randy's journey from a Wall Street trader to a punk rock club owner, and how he built a community around a dilapidated building in Trenton. Through archival footage and interviews with his friends and family, we get a glimpse of his personality and his struggle to keep City Gardens alive against all odds. Randy faced several challenges, including police harassment, neighborhood violence, and bankruptcy, but he persevered and kept the club running for 17 years.

Riot on the Dance Floor also features interviews with some of the most iconic musicians who played at City Gardens, such as H.R. from Bad Brains, Dean Ween from Ween, Jack Irons from Red Hot Chili Peppers, and many others. They share their memories of the club and how it influenced their music careers. The film's soundtrack is a treasure trove of punk, hardcore, and alternative hits, which takes you back to the golden era of underground music.

The documentary sheds light on the impact of City Gardens on the music scene and how it influenced the culture of New Jersey. By showcasing the stories of the people who made it happen, Riot on the Dance Floor pays homage to a bygone era of live music, where authenticity and community ruled. The film captures the essence of an era and a unique space that shaped the lives of many.

In conclusion, Riot on the Dance Floor: The Story of Randy Now & City Gardens is an excellent documentary that offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane to the era of punk and alternative music. It explores the life of Randy Now and how he built a community around City Gardens, and how the club influenced the music scene of the 80s and 90s. The interviews with musicians and fans are insightful and entertaining, and the archival footage takes you back to the glory days of underground music. A must-watch for anyone who loves music and wants to know more about the cultural significance of City Gardens.