The Unicorn was short-lived as a true 'gay' bar. It opened in February 1984 in the basement of the colorful Sidney HiH building, with its Grand Opening in March. (In the LGBT periodical 'In Step' (vol 1-02) advertisement at right, mentioning the upcoming Grand Opening with "leather male dancers" on Sundays, note the small icon in the lower left corner, reading "Come In.. the Rear Door"-- referring to a single windowless entry door in the dark rear/ north side of the building, just feet away from a towering freeway overhead (see photos to right). The double entendre can't be accidental!)

The bar was owned by Gus Hosseini, who also owned Gus' Mexican Cantini and managed the Sidney HiH bulding, in the basement of which The Unicorn operated. (It is reported that Gus immigrated to the United States from Iran as a young man in the 1970s.)

The Unicorn itself was preceeded by another short-lived gay bar in the same space. Called the Goldenshaft (or 'Golden Shaft'), it was a disco primarily frequented by gay men. According to an OnMilwaukee article, Golden Shaft was eventually owned by Gus Hosseini; but "when the disco scene started to wane, he knew it was time for a fresh concept. In preparation for the venue change, Hosseini remodeled the space and cut into the walls so the cave-like performance rooms were connected. He painted most of the space black, and one of the rooms he painted blood red.-- and he then reopened it as the Unicorn."

By September 1984 the Unicorn had closed as a 'gay' bar, and quickly reopened as an almost 'underground' bar (punk and alternative). It was to become famous for hosting many punk/ alternative bands. According the above 'OnMilwaukee' article, "The Unicorn went on to host many bands when they were on the cusp of fame, including the aforementioned Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden and Nirvana."

(An article from "OnMilwaukee.com" dated November 2005 recalls "Milwaukee's Best Bars of Yesteryear", which includes The Unicorn bar. It reads: "Remember the dingy cave in the basement of the Sidney-HiH building? The Unicorn opened in 1984 and became Milwaukee's premiere underground venue as the '90s dawned. The dank club -- with numerous rooms -- offered incredible underground shows, including Nine Inch Nails before they got famous (anyone else at this show?) and Brand New Heavies.")

In 1997, the space took on a third life in the gay community, as the Milwaukee Eagle, a levi/ leather bar. That bar had a better go of it (third time's the charm?), wildly popular for over two years.

More information about The Unicorn is welcomed from anyone who can contribute it.