A black-and-white photo of a person mid-air in a Superman-style body suspension pose, supported by multiple hooks in their back and legs, smiling joyfully toward the camera. They are suspended horizontally in a large indoor space with high ceilings and visible rigging. A group of onlookers—some seated, some standing—watch with expressions of admiration, amusement, and support. The atmosphere is lively and communal, capturing a moment of shared experience and transformation.

Happy birthday to the almighty Gauntlet!

35 years ago today, body piercing moved out of the basements and into a proper storefront on 8720 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood, California. If not for this studio, it’s founders, it’s proteges and it’s legacy in general who knows where we would be today.

gauntlet

So take a minute out of your day to reflect back on our modern history and where our community came from.  Then thank the man behind the Gauntlet who is still an active member of this community and read some of the awesome articles he has written for BME in the past.

Comments

7 responses to “Happy birthday to the almighty Gauntlet!”

  1. peteD3 Avatar
    peteD3

    HELL YES!!

    Respect

  2. steven kelly Avatar

    hey i’ve been there. pfiq was a wonderful addition to my liabrary.

  3. Cease Avatar
    Cease

    Happy Birthday.
    Many wonderful thoughts

  4. Cristiano Avatar
    Cristiano

    HAPPY BDAY!!! And Thanks!

  5. Cristiano Avatar
    Cristiano

    HAPPY BDAY!!! And Thanks!

  6. JD Avatar
    JD

    Don’t forget the Gauntlet NYC.

  7. Brian Birde-mann Avatar

    i got my PA done at the Gauntlet in New York. good times.

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