Moguls Getting Second Chance With the New North Stars

Budding North moguls Marc Smith and Eddie Harrah are already hammering away at their next project: revamping Moguls nightclub. The former operator of the Hollywood venue, Phil Duff, fought City Hall and a neighbor to keep it open but finally gave the goods to Smith and Harrah.

The young partners are aiming to create a live music space that’s as comfortable as it is aurally stimulating. That’s right, cushy seating and good sight lines. Unfortunately, though, the new club’s age ruling is 21 and over. The previous 18-and-over limit was at the root of many of Moguls’ problems and agreeing to raise it has already made things easier for the new kids on the block. Ricki Kline--who also designed North--is giving Moguls its much needed face lift, which of course will include an outdoor smoking patio.

Kline is also in charge of creating the new bar at the Standard, the bitchin’-looking new hotel on Sunset Boulevard, the one with the twinkly blue lights and upside-down sign that invites you to “Sleep Here Now.” The bar will undoubtedly be the next sweet spot in town. . . .

The rad ol’ Viper Room invited Stone Temple Pilots to perform Tuesday--yes, all four of them rocked the star-studded house, playing together for the first time in 26 months, since Weiland’s drug problems put a stop to things. Among those rockin’ out were Chris Rock, who shared a table with Marilyn Manson bandmate Twiggy Ramirez. Ramirez appeared to be enjoying the show, despite Weiland’s continual between-songs dogging of Manson. The newly mohawked singer even declared the show “a benefit for Manson’s ankle.” . . .

De La Soul’s Prince Paul, Bluebird’s Sam Velde and Rage Against the Machine’s Zack de la Rocha were among those who turned out in Los Feliz on Friday night to celebrate the expansion of Electric Lotus. The new Indian restaurant and performance space out-bid a Starbucks-Noah’s Bagels joint venture to nab the spot at the corner of Vermont and Franklin avenues.