The Party Starters: Announcing Next Magazine’s inaugural class of Nightlife Hall of Fame inductees

(Bob Pontarelli, Lady Bunny, Brian Landeche and John Blair [Not Pictured: Fred Pierce])

Gay nightlife in New York wouldn’t be what it is today without the tireless efforts of those who work day in and day out to make it happen. The promoters, club owners, performers, bartenders and DJs who make sure the party doesn’t stop every night are the human faces behind over-the-top world of going out in this city.

That’s why Next Magazine created The Nightlife Hall of Fame, to celebrate the legacies of those that have made New York what it is today. Every year, starting with 2012, we will select 4-6 people to induct into the Hall of Fame. They can be living or deceased, male or female, gay or straight, but they will all have made specific, lasting contributions to the New York’s nightlife. And be incredibly fierce.

That definitely applies to this year’s inaugural class of inductees, which ranges from iconic performers to the owners of some of the best-known bars and clubs in New York:

John Blair, promoter and bar owner, including XL Nightclub

Bob Pontarelli, bar and resturant owner, including Barracuda, Elmo and Industry

Fred Pierce, DJ and party promoter

Lady Bunny, drag performer

Brian Landeche, bar owner, including Splash

Look for Next’s special Nightlife Hall of Fame issue to hit stands August 24. In the meantime, check out these exclusive behind-the-scenes photos from our recent photo shoot with the honorees.