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Roxy Roller Freak

In the 1970’s & 80’s images of celebrities’ roller disco skating began to flood the media. A young Cher, skating with roller disco king Bill Butler sparked roller fever for a new generation.  New York roller disco’s like Roxy and The Empire became hotspots for celebrities and chic roller enthusiasts. Roll-A-Rena the drag on wheels had become an icon. The world had fallen in love with roller disco and thus came the reinvention of roller-skating. Since then inline skates became the dominant skate of the 90’s but just recently we are seeing a new wave of interest in roller disco and the 4-wheeled skates. Madonna’s recent Drowned Concert Tour featured roller skaters doing death-defying stunts on stage and Madonna’s Sorry Video featured her skating up a storm. Fashion has also recently seen a young designer gracing the catwalks on roller skates. Richie Rich from Heatherette who is a successful young designer currently dressing young trendy celebrities. Unfortunately New York’s demand for real estate and million dollar condos is pushing landmark roller rinks out of site. Is Roxy & The Empire soon to be extinct? Text by Nick London NICKY LONDON COLUMN