Confessions from the Velvet Ropes

Confessions from the Velvet Ropes and Motherfucker -- the roving New York rock 'n' roll party -- featured in the New York Times

The New York Times Fashion and Styles section has a great feature on Motherfucker, the spectacular New York party for freaks, fashionistas and party animals of all stripes: Looking for a Way to Keep Rome Burning.

Confessions from the Velvet Ropes is mentioned in the article, as doorman Thomas Onorato -- the subject of my book -- has been working the velvet ropes there for six years. Confessions from the Velvet Ropes is chock full of wild, hilarious stories from this now-legendary party: From the chaotic night The Rapture performed in the midst of monsoon-like weather and gun fights at the party next door, to the book's entire first chapter which documents Motherfucker's outrageous circus-themed Fifth Anniversary party. The chapter takes you from the madness of Onorato's night herding rock 'n' roll circus freaks through the velvet ropes, to the inner sanctum of Michael T.'s DJ booth.

If you've read the book but never been to a Motherfucker party, now's your chance: On Sunday September 3rd, the Motherfucker Labor Day Party will be held at Avalon (formerly the Limelight) in New York City. You can book your tickets for the party at www.motherfuckernyc.com.

I'm extra excited about this party, because one of my favorite bands of all times, The Cramps, will be playing a special show. If you've never seen this notorious "punk-abilly" band live, now's your chance! During the 80s, when I was but a wee child, my favorite documentary was a film called Urrgh: A Music War in which The Cramps are featured. Below is the must-see-to-be believed clip for your viewing pleasure......

Thanks for reading and see you at MOTHERFUCKER!

Best,

Glenn Belverio

(PS - There was also this very amusing article about the book in the Village Voice recently.)

What lies behind the velvet ropes of New York's hottest parties and fashion shows? A few glimpses, plus a few tips on making the scene

While promoting her album, Confessions on a Dancefloor, Madonna made two "surprise" appearances at two Manhattan nightclubs last year: The Roxy and MisShapes. In Confessions from the Velvet Ropes, the tale of her DJ gig at MisShapes is detailed by author Glenn Belverio who was in attendance on that special night. The book also features a revealing profile of  Derek Neen - the doorman who has guarded the ropes at Roxy for fifteen years.

New York's #1 doorman, Thomas Onorato, provides readers of Confessions from the Velvet Ropes with tons of helpful tips on how ordinary people can make it behind the velvet ropes and into some of NY's best club parties -- if you heed his advice carefully, you may even make it into the VIP room!

Tip: "Work a look! Don't look like you've just been hit by a Banana Republic delivery truck. Think Carlos D. of Interpol at the opening of the new Dior Homme boutique in Transylvania, not Josh Groban at a Celine Dion fragrance launch."

MisShapes is the exclusive downtown Manhattan club that has been catering to music world cognoscenti and fashion trend-setters for over two years. Everyone from Hilary Duff to Asia Argento to Brandon Flowers of the Killers have worked the turntables at this now-legendary nightspot.

Tip: "Try adopting an outrageous nickname (and corresponding outfit) to get behind the velvet ropes and gain entry into a club. Examples: The Duchess of Razzle Dazzle, Hedda Lettuce, Butros Butros-Ghali."

Doorman Onorato has also guarded the gates to some of New York's most exciting fashion shows, such as Heatherette and Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons. It's not easy to snag an invite to these exclusive shows, but at least you can read Onorato's insider scoops in Confessions from the Velvet Ropes!

Tip: "Go with Stella McCartney or in Stella McCartney. If Stella isn't available, Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs, or Isaac Mizrahi for Target are acceptable plus ones (or outfit choices)."

FLASHBACK! Before Onorato was a doorman, back when he was still in high school, he snuck into parties with his fake ID at New York's famous church-cum-nightclub, the Limelight. The most popular party was Disco 2000. Below is a glimpse from that party, circa 1991.