Warhol panel at New York Public Library June 23, 2010. From right: Steve Watson, Bibbe Hansen, John Wilcox, Taylor Mead, Gretchen Berg, Gerard Malanga. © Photo: Lindsay Pollock

By Mackie Healy, Art Market Views Contributor

Last night at the New York Public Library, a jam-packed room of Warhol acolytes, disciples and aging Superstars assembled for a panel on the occasion of re-release of John Wilcock’s enticingly titled 1971 book, The Autobiography and Sex Life of Andy Warhol.

The rollicking panel was moderated by Factory Made author and Warhol buff Steven Watson, who chatted up members of Warhol’s inner circle about sex, drugs and even Andy’s preferred diet pills: Oberol.

The panel included the Ray-Ban wearing Factory actress Bibbe Hansen, the soft-spoken photographer and journalist Gretchen Berg, who kept referring to Warhol as “the zen master,” cussing actor Taylor Mead, Warhol’s former right-hand man Gerard Malanga, and journalist John Wilcock, who proceeded to videotape the proceedings from his seat on stage.

Though Wilcock admitted the book is not an autobiography and contains nothing about Andy Warhol’s sex life, the gang didn’t hesitate to share stories about their encounters with the seedy going-ons at the famous Factory.

Malanga reminisced about the “amphetamine sub-culture” and the so-called “dawn-patrol’s” stumble to their hangout at the former diner on the corner of Lafayette and Bond Streets.

Taylor Mead quipped about Warhol movies shot in a borrowed suite at the Beverly Hills Hotel, a locale so dull the troupe moved to a motel.   Mead proved he hasn’t lost his sass.  When the screen behind him showed the infamous shot of his tush, a still from the aptly named Factory film, Taylor Mead’s Ass – the spritely Mead waved to his derriere, declaring it “his Georgia O’Keeffe” moment. He later admitted Warhol “tried to made it with me. Not my type.”

For those who missed last night’s banter, the book’s editor, Christopher Trela, along with Gretchen Berg and John Wilcock will be signing books at the Gagosian shop on Madison Avenue tonight from 6:00-8:00pm.

Warhol panel at New York Public LIbrary. © Photo: Lindsay Pollock

Warhol panel at New York Public Library. © Photo: Lindsay Pollock