Remembering Joe Gold by Wayne Gallasch

Joe Gold was born March 10, 1922 in Los Angeles, California, and died at tage 82 on July 11, 2004 in Marina del Rey, California. He was a much loved and admired American bodybuilder and an astute businessman. Joe was the founder of Gold's Gym and World Gym and has been credited by many with being the father of the American bodybuilding and fitness craze.

After selling Gold’s Gym in 1970, he later launched World Gym in 1977 in Santa Monica (later in Marina del Rey), which he owned and operated until his death. I first met Joe at his gym in Santa Monica before he was confined to a wheelchair with spinal deterioration.  I called in to see Ed Giuliani who was gym manager, and both Ed and Joe helped me with tips as to who was in top shape for filming, whenever I was in LA. I also met for the first time the famous Zabo Koszewski.

When Joe opened a new gym in Santa Monica he completely renovated everything in order to house his new World Gym Headquarters, and lived in one his two apartments across the car park on the second level. His old buddy Gordon Mitchell lived in the other apartment.

Joe had a sharp tongue, and often gave me advice, and I well recall trying not to give him any ammunition to fire at me, or to upset him when shooting film or video at his gym. He did however “get me” on several occasions, but nothing too serious!

Joe built some wonderful gym equipment and people came to his gym to see and train on this superb equipment, and to copy the designs and angles if they could!
Just some of the top guys I recall training when I was at the gym included Arnold, Franco Columbu, Dave Draper, Frank Zane, Al Beckles, Bertil Fox, Kal Szkalac, Brad Harris and many more. This was the Golden Era in California which for me went from 1970 to around about the early 80s.

In 2000, thanks to Bill Comstock, a LEGENDS REUNION AT WORLD GYM was organized as "A Reunion of Bodybuilding Greats Honouring Wayne Gallasch of GMV Productions.”  This wonderful event was held at the World Gym Corporate Headquarters, Marina Del Rey, California on October 25th, 2000.

Outstanding photographer and Iron Game identity Gene Mozée was the MC as he introduced some of the great legends of the Iron Game.  This was a rare celebration and opportunity for Bill Comstock to gather together my friends and associates in celebration of the legends and immortals of bodybuilding. In particular, thanks also to the kindness and generosity of Joe Gold for the venue. It was also a tribute to Joe and his huge contribution to the sport.

Champions present included many greats of the sport such as LARRY SCOTT, LOU FERRIGNO, DAVE DRAPER, TOM PLATZ, MICKEY HARGITAY, ED FURY, BOB PARIS, VINCE TAYLOR, ZABO, ROBBY ROBINSON, BRAD HARRIS, ERNIE SANTIAGO, CLINT BEYERLE, AL BECKLES, DON HOWORTH plus JOE GOLD, to name just a few.

I next saw Joe in February at the 2003 Iron Man Bill Pearl tribute luncheon in LA, organised and sponsored by John Balik. This was probably one of the last public appearances by Joe Gold. As usual he was in fine form, chatting with everyone who was present.
It has been my privilege to have known Joe Gold and to call him a friend.

THE LEGENDS REUNION AT WORLD GYM - 2 DISC SET   T his wonderful event was held at the World Gym Corporate Headquarters, Marina del Rey, California on October 25th, 2000. Legendary Gene Mozée was the compere as he introduced some of the great legends of the Iron Game. This was a rare celebration and opportunity for Bill Comstock to gather together Wayne’s friends and associates in celebration of the legends and immortals of bodybuilding Champions such as LARRY SCOTT, LOU FERRIGNO, DAVE DRAPER, TOM PLATZ, MICKEY HARGITAY, ED FURY, BOB PARIS, ZABO, JOE GOLD, ROBBY ROBINSON, BRAD HARRIS, ERNIE SANTIAGO, CLINT BEYERLE and AL BECKLES - to name just a few. GMV-444DVD | $39.95

2007 Ironage Reunion and Chuck Sipes Award to Roland Kickinger   2007 Ironage Reunion and Chuck Sipes Award to Roland Kickinger. LEGENDS OF BODYBUILDING GATHER AT THE 2007 ARNOLD WEEKEND. The first ever Ironage dinner was held in Columbus, Ohio on March 1st, 2007. Held in conjunction with the Arnold Sports Festival, this groundbreaking charitable event kicked off festivities for many ironage fans at the 2007 Arnold weekend. In particular the dinner was to honour the first annual Chuck Sipes award to ROLAND KICKINGER for his work with disadvantaged children. Roland has shown positive leadership to young people in his local community. GMV-674DVD | $34.95