In a new video released by a Los Angeles band, The Satellite nightclub, formerly known as Spaceland, is given a heartfelt tribute. This iconic venue in Silver Lake was once a cultural hub that hosted renowned acts like Lady Gaga and Foo Fighters. Unfortunately, like many other clubs and concert halls, The Satellite succumbed to the pandemic’s impact on live audiences, ultimately leading to its closure in 2020.
Ben Golomb, a member of the band Modern Time Machines, spearheaded the video project as a way to immortalize the legacy of The Satellite and capture the essence of a bygone era in Silver Lake, Echo Park, and Hollywood. Golomb, a proud LA native, embarked on a journey to collect photos and footage that showcased the venue’s transformation over the years. His dedication to preserving local history is evident in the meticulous attention to detail and authenticity in the video.
Inspiration struck Golomb in late 2019 when iconic landmarks like Amoeba Music on Sunset and the Lytton Savings building were facing closure and demolition. This sense of urgency motivated him to document these sites before they vanished, embodying a true labor of love for his craft. Golomb’s commitment to practical effects and hands-on filmmaking shines through in the video, as he painstakingly matched time progression shots and repurposed footage from past projects to convey the passage of time.
As Golomb delved deeper into the history of The Satellite, he uncovered layers of nostalgia and sentimentality that resonated with many in the local music scene. The venue, once a beacon of community and camaraderie, held a special place in the hearts of Silver Lake residents and music enthusiasts. The emotional connection to The Satellite is palpable in the video, as viewers are transported back in time through music and imagery that evoke a sense of longing for the past.
Modern Time Machines’ performance in the video adds an ethereal quality to the narrative, with their dreamy space rock tune “Ghost Signs (Sleight of Hand)” serving as a poignant soundtrack to the visual journey. Collaborating with fellow musicians and producers, Golomb and his team crafted a piece that not only pays homage to a lost landmark but also contemplates the nature of memory and the passage of time. Through their artistry, they invite viewers to reflect on the bittersweet beauty of nostalgia and the enduring power of music to transcend time and space.
The tribute to The Satellite/Spaceland in this new video stands as a testament to the resilience of creativity and the ability of art to preserve memories and stories that might otherwise be forgotten. As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of live entertainment and cultural hubs, it is essential to honor the legacies of venues like The Satellite and the impact they have had on shaping our collective experiences. Through projects like this video, we can pay tribute to the past while embracing the future with hope and reverence for the power of music and community.