The Satellite nightclub, formerly known as Spaceland, holds a special place in the hearts of many music enthusiasts in Los Angeles. This iconic venue in Silver Lake was once a cultural landmark that hosted renowned acts like Lady Gaga and Foo Fighters. Unfortunately, like many other clubs and concert halls, The Satellite fell victim to the pandemic-induced decline in audiences and has been closed since 2020.
Ben Golomb, a member of the band Modern Time Machines, embarked on a nostalgic journey to pay homage to The Satellite and the bygone era of Silver Lake, Echo Park, and Hollywood. Golomb spent years collecting photos and footage to create a video that captures the essence of the vibrant music scene that once thrived in the area. His passion for preserving the history of his hometown led him to meticulously document the transformation of familiar landmarks over the years.
Inspiration struck Golomb in late 2019 as he witnessed the closure of the iconic Amoeba Music location on Sunset and the demolition of the Lytton Savings building. Determined to immortalize these vanishing landmarks, Golomb scrambled to film sequences for the video, capturing the before-and-after images of these historical sites. His dedication to authenticity led him to manually match time progression shots and utilize practical effects to create a visually compelling narrative.
As Golomb delved deeper into the project, he uncovered the rich history of The Satellite, tracing its origins back to the 1950s when it was known as The Happy Hollow and later as The Red Chimney. The closure of The Satellite struck a chord with many in the local music scene, leaving a void in the hearts of those who frequented the venue. Golomb’s video serves as a tribute to the memories and camaraderie shared at The Satellite, immortalizing its legacy through music and storytelling.
Modern Time Machines, the band behind the evocative soundtrack of the video, recorded a space rock tune titled “Ghost Signs (Sleight of Hand)” that reflects on the passage of time and the nostalgia associated with lost memories. The collaborative effort of bandmates Mike Morgan and Olya Volkova, along with friends Alex Jack, Nadia Franks, and Diana Christine Hereld, brought the hauntingly beautiful music to life. Golomb and Josiah Mazzaschi’s co-production further elevated the emotional resonance of the song.
Ben Golomb’s tribute to The Satellite/Spaceland serves as a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of music venues and the importance of preserving cultural memories. Through his labor of love, Golomb has immortalized a piece of LA’s music history, paying homage to the legacy of a beloved institution that will forever hold a special place in the hearts of music aficionados.
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