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The sincerest form of flattery is on display almost every weekend inside the posh Platinum Room, with artists aping the moves and music of some of the world's most famous rock and pop acts, ranging from ABBA to Zeppelin. They aren't the only faux superstars taking the stage at the Peoria performance venue and supper club, as it hosts tribute and cover bands aplenty. This musical mimicry has paid off well, as he and the other members of Petty tribute act Breakdown have landed regular gigs at Skye. The similarities extend past outward appearances, as the 47-year-old Phoenician can not only strum his Telecaster just like Petty, but can also sing "Free Fallin'" and "You Don't Know How It Feels" in an equally folksy fashion. Scott Blackwell is almost a dead ringer for Tom Petty - from his lanky frame and stringy blond locks to his hangdog countenance and penchant for top hats. "It sounds like they're just clearing their throats." "I don't get much outta the music because I like songs where you can hear the lyrics," he says. Not that Russ is a fan of any of these heavy hitters, particularly practitioners of Cookie Monster-style vocals. Names like Mushroomhead, Testament, Powerman 5000, and Goatwhore have played the place, and there's no sign of the metal mayhem ceasing anytime soon. Thanks to Tony Toledo and his militaristic-sounding promotions company, Mosh Pit Army, UB's has become a hot spot for heavy metal, hard rock, and even darker acts, both local and national. Two decades of Air Force service might've cost Russ some hearing, but it also equipped him to endure the sludgy sonic booms supplied by the bombastic bands booked at his Mesa bar and grill. Sit a spell with the septuagenarian, however, and you'll gain insight into how UB's owner is more than suited for the job: Winn's open-minded, possessing the patience of Job, a substantial sense of humor, and an eagerness to meet new people (even if said individuals look like rejects from a Kerrang! cover shoot). He's in his late 70s, is a former military man, and an easy-listening lover, to boot. You have been warned.At first blush, Russ Winn doesn't seem like the kinda person you'd expect to find running a metal venue. The local police have taken quite a shine to the hot spot as well. Note: Horndogs aren’t the only ones trolling Vaseline Alley. However, if you are checked in at Vaseline Alley on Foursquare or spotted knocking on the window of a parked car in the shadows, your deniability will suffer a significant loss of plausibility. You could be walking to the neighboring parking lot after dinner at a local eatery like Marco’s or exiting the backdoor of Gold Coast after drinks. In other words, frequenting the dark recesses of this hormonally overactive alley does not necessarily mean that you’re there to cruise. Conveniently located behind the Gold Cost Bar-a local watering hole with innumerable nicknames like “The Old Coast,” “The Troll Coast” and “The Mold Coast” due primarily to its aging clientele-Vaseline Alley is one of those slyly cruisy spots that offers a degree of denial plausibility. But the truth is this infamous alley just off Santa Monica Blvd is still such a popular place to hook up that it has both its own Foursquare designation and Facebook page. Here, you better come correct or be prepared for a stare down with scathing judgment. Bottom line: This ain’t your roll out of bed and get a cup of joe Starbucks.
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However this is also the all-important leg that can create the perfect opening to chat with the hottie in line next to you or exchange furtive glances with the Clark Kent type in the glasses across the room who just happens to have an open seat with your name on it right next to him. The final leg of the runway runs from the entrance to the register, which can seem like an eternity on a busy day, especially given all the prying eyes peeking up over steaming non-fat soy lattes to rate every single patron who dares to take a turn through the store. The store’s always-packed outdoor tables along Santa Monica Blvd and Westmount Dr represent the first leg of the runway, where well-coiffed patrons (many fresh from the gym) are evaluated on presentation and form… and occasionally rewarded with nods or smiles of approval. Better known as “Gaybucks” to locals, this Starbucks location is as much a catwalk as it is a coffee house.
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Coffee? Tea? Or the hunk in the white tee? At this popular West Hollywood outpost, all of the above are on the menu.