Roy Thode – DJ set at Ice Palace Reel-to-Reel (1977)

This original reel-to-reel tape documents a live DJ recording from The Ice Palace on Fire Island, dated August 28, 1977, and annotated “Bob Casey Birthday” on the tape box.

The Ice Palace was a central venue within Cherry Grove’s nightlife and a significant site within the broader 1970s New York disco circuit. During this period, the venue played an important role in the development of Fire Island’s club and dancefloor culture.

Roy Thode was active within the Fire Island and Long Island club scene before holding residencies at Studio 54 and The Saint, and was among the relatively small group of DJs to have performed at Paradise Garage. He died in May 1982 at age 33.

During the late 1970s, reel-to-reel tape was commonly used within clubs for recording live sets and performances, prior to the widespread use of cassettes. The audible crowd ambience and room acoustics support its origin as an on-site venue recording. There is no indication of any commercial release associated with this tape.

Key Details

- ¼” reel-to-reel tape

- Attributed to Roy Thode

- Live club recording from The Ice Palace, Fire Island

- No evidence of commercial release

Collectibility

- Provenance: Victor Simonelli’s personal copy, obtained directly from the family of DJ Roy Thode

- Rarity: Period reel-to-reel documentation of a 1977 Fire Island club set

- Historic Context: Relates to Roy Thode and the Fire Island disco scene, later connected to Studio 54, The Saint, and Paradise Garage