Hard Rock Hotel New York recently hosted an exclusive grand opening event, with some of the biggest names in music, film and nightlife in attendance. This included artists John Legend and DJ Cassidy, who turned up to celebrate the hotel’s debut. 

Guests attended the NYY Steak while art and entertainment were taking place at RT60, including artist and DJ Alec Monopoly painting a piece for auction. Sets were performed by Chantel Jeffries and DJ Coleman before the headlining performance began. 

The Venue on Music Row hosted the marquee event and main show, with the evening starting with a traditional blessing of the Seminole Tribe of Florida; given by SR Tommie, President of the largest Native American creative agency in the world, Redline Media Group.

Saturday Night Live's Kenan Thompson took the microphone to host, introducing leadership for the celebratory Hard Rock guitar smash moment. During this section of the evening, which was led by Chairman of Hard Rock Internation (HRI), Jim Allen, HRI pledged $100,000 donations to South Asian Youth Action and YWCA of Queens. 

Legend was the first of several headliners to perform. Following his set, DJ Cassidy took to the stage alongside Nas, Busta Rhymes and Fat Joe for the New York debut of his viral phenomenon, "Pass The Mic Live."

Partying continued into the early hours of the morning with Charly Jordan and Zack Bia performing in RT60, on the rooftop bar and terrace.