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More recently it's been known as the Gibson Amphitheatre, but by whatever name it's being closed to make way for the new Harry Potter attraction at the Universal theme park. It's part of NBCUniversal's massive revamping that was approved on Tuesday by the Board of Supervisors. The 6,200-seat amphitheatre opened in 1972 with the production of "Jesus Christ Superstar," and over the years it's been the kind of place that people could match to key moments in their lives - the time they saw Sinatra, the time they got engaged, whatever. Live Nation, which operates the venue, said that shows booked after September will be moved to other venues. From THR:
Initially, NBCU will spend $500 million on the Potter attraction and other initiatives, but eventually the 25-year plan calls for $1.6 billion in construction and improvements, including the possibility of two 500-room hotels and lots more parking. At full build-out, the theme park will have grown by 327,000 square feet and the studio by 1.45 million square feet. The company says, though, that the 391-acre Universal City property will not expand as a result of the improvements.
From the Live Nation release:
Since opening as Universal Amphitheatre in 1972, originally as an outdoor venue on the Universal Studios lot, Gibson Amphitheatre has become a prime touring destination for top performers from across the musical spectrum. Icons such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Marley, Johnny Cash and Miles Davis have all graced its stage. In fact, the Chairman of the Board headlined the amphitheatre's grand 1982 reopening as an enclosed theatre, calling it, "acoustically sensational... as large as the building is, I get a feeling that it's a small room." Now, "El Rey" - Norteno legend Vicente Fernandez -- who holds the venue's record for most consecutive sellouts (14), will close his final tour with three Gibson performances this weekend. Contemporary artists like Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Shakira, James Taylor, Elton John, Mary J. Blige, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Kanye West, Keith Urban, Paul Simon, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Lil' Wayne, D'Angelo, Joni Mitchell and BB King have played Gibson, as well as other legendary performers like The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, the Beach Boys, Steely Dan and the Grateful Dead.
Mark Lacter created the LA Biz Observed blog in 2006. He posted
until the day before his death on Nov. 13, 2013.