EPISODE 102
Keeping the Scene Alive
Directed by Fabrizio Dulanto
Produced by Win Scott & Mateo Simon · 23 min 59 sec
Legendary DJ Larry Tee, once titled “King of NYC nightlife,” longs for recognition for his contributions to queer history and culture, whilst reconciling with his past of addiction.
Keeping the Scene Alive chronicles the electric ascent of world-renowned DJ and songwriter Larry Tee. After rising to the peak of underground nightlife, Larry takes us back to 1980s New York City, a time where the misery of the AIDS crisis was met with sex, drugs, and a “live for today” mentality. Now sixty-six years old and fiercer than ever, Larry Tee emerges from the wreckage to stage a defiant final act to prove the commercial power of queer history and reclaim a spotlight that nearly went dark.
I read Jeremy Atherton Lin’s book Gay Bar: Why We Went Out last year, before I met Larry Tee. It instilled in me the kind of deep longing and rejoicing that queer spaces have held historically. Lips embraced in the dark. The neon pulse of the night. I placed myself in 1980s Larry’s shoes, going through all this against the Reagan current and AIDS Crisis. When I finally met him, I could sense that behind his wonderful eccentricity and playful manner, there was this sense of resilience that was built from fighting for the right to long and rejoice. Larry embodies the queer right to be alive, to live for today and for tomorrow.
Born Lawrence Thom, Larry Tee is an influential DJ, producer, and cultural tastemaker whose career spans more than three decades at the forefront of global nightlife and electronic music. Emerging from the underground scenes of Atlanta and New York in the 1980s, he became a defining presence in legendary clubs. He is best known for co-writing “Supermodel (You Better Work),” the breakout hit that launched RuPaul into international stardom, and for coining and popularizing the electroclash movement.
A Berlin-born performer, producer, and creative. Performing internationally as the drag queen Morgan Wood, Sam is known for blending sharp comedy, bold visuals, and fearless performance. Now based in Los Angeles with his husband, Larry Tee, Sam continues to develop projects in television while bringing his signature style to stages around the world. His latest live show, CringeFest, showcases his distinctive blend of humor, spectacle, and unapologetic camp.
Full credits, participant bios, high-resolution stills, and key art.