Legendary LA Roller Skating Rink Immortalised in New Book by Liberty Ross

by SHOWstudio on 19 October 2021

A new book published by Liberty Ross and IDEA captures the glory days of the iconic disco skating venue Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace in LA, ahead of its reopening.

A new book published by Liberty Ross and IDEA captures the glory days of the iconic disco skating venue Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace in LA, ahead of its reopening.

With an open door policy, Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace in LA was a disco-era haven. The one-of-a-kind skating venue flung open its doors to the city in 1981, and over the next three years Cher, Nile Rodgers and Laura Dern became regulars, cementing the joint's iconic status in history. The founder? Ian ‘Flipper’ Ross, whose daughter, the model Liberty Ross, has become a star in her own right and is now publishing a new photography book with IDEA immortalising her father's rink for a new generation.

Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace 1979-81, published by Liberty Ross and IDEA

With initial plans to launch in London, Ian ‘Flipper’ Ross moved his family, including a three year old Liberty, to L.A in 1981, just as roller disco culture was taking over. Ross was so enamoured by the inclusive and united nature of roller skating, that he infamously said he 'thought it was going to change the world'. Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace quickly became a beating heart in the city's social scene, and the new book charts the venue's brief but unforgettable history through never-before-seen photographs by the likes of Craig 'Cisco' Dietz and Jim Frank, with anecdotes from Liberty, her family, staff and rink regulars.

'For years, it has felt like everywhere I go, people tell me their memories of my parents’ roller rink – now, in such a hyper-accelerated, divided era, it feels like the perfect time to bring Flipper’s back in form as well as spirit. We all need a respite away from social media and infinite scrolling. Flipper’s represents fun, freedom and vital community, and I’m passionate about continuing the story for a new generation', says Ross.

The book comes ahead of the promise of two new Flipper's skating rinks in L.A and London, dates yet to be announced, and is available at Dover Street Market.

Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace 1979-81, published by Liberty Ross and IDEA

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