Act two for Pioneertown, California is even better than act one. Not far from Joshua Tree National Park, a place that got famous for making movies has become legendary for superstars playing music.
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We’ve written in depth about the history of Pioneertown. A movie set built in the 40s for Hollywood westerns, its 1880s-themed main street, complete with saloon, stables, post office, mercantile and more, has been rejuvenated and preserved as a sort of friendly Westworld for new generations to explore. The original lodgings, where the actors would hang out and play poker, were turned into the Pioneertown Motel, a rustic boutique hotel that matches the authenticity of the old sets.
But there’s a completely separate reason for Pioneertown’s recent renaissance, and it involves one of the Beatles.
Years ago, the old cantina of Pioneertown was turned into Pappy & Hariett’s, a biker bar with outstanding barbecue. For decades, it was a relatively unknown watering hole in the middle of the desert. Now it’s a bona fide musical mecca. Over the last decade, the legend of Pappy’s snowballed. As Coachella grew into cultural ubiquity, headlining artists started to grow curious about this tiny little venue in the middle of an old movie set.
Major acts like The Pixies and Lorde have performed at Pap’s, as well as artists ranging from Slipknot to Andre 3000. Last year, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day played under the stars. But everything changed when Paul McCartney came to town. For one night in 2016, Sir Paul stepped on stage inside Pappy & Harriet’s and performed for around 200 people. And it’s clear when speaking with locals, having McCartney in town is something they take immense pride in all these years later.
As it turns 80 years old, it’s heartening to see Pioneertown’s spot as a show business hidden gem firmly renewed. Long ago, Roy Rogers and Gene Autry traipsed around the town. Now major musical acts view Pappy & Harriet’s as a bucket list venue. Even if there’s not a band you love up on the Pappy stage, the food and drinks and general atmosphere are unforgettable. Make a point to stop by, and to stay at the motel next door.
