Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Jay-Z to open newly renovated Hollywood Palladium

Live Nation (NYSE: LYV) announced today that Grammy award winning international superstar JAY-Z will christen the newly renovated, world famous Hollywood Palladium, with an intimate performance on Wednesday, October 15th. Reminiscent of Frank Sinatra, who was the first performer on the legendary stage in 1940, JAY-Z, with an incredible 12-piece band backing him, will be the first artist to play the venue which has undergone a year-long, top-to-bottom renovation, bringing the iconic music venue back to its original grandeur. Tickets for this event go on sale Friday, September 5th at 10am on www.livenation.com <http://www.livenation.com/> .

Built expressly for the purpose of showcasing live music, The Hollywood Palladium opened its doors on September 23, 1940 with a concert by the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra featuring the soon to be famous Frank Sinatra. In those days, the Palladium was the place to be seen for celebrities and wildly popular with local music and dance fans as well.

"I'm honored to play such an iconic venue. Just as Frank ushered in a golden era, I hope this opening will mark the beginning of a resurgence in generation defining live music," stated JAY-Z.

The venue is receiving a total renovation of all interior and exterior areas including a new dance floor, a new façade that emulates the building’s original architecture, expanded concessions, upgraded restrooms, improved interior lighting, as well as brand new paint and carpeting, all of which are congruent with the venue’s original look. In addition, major upgrades have been made to the stage infrastructure which will enable the venue to accommodate larger, modern productions. Sound experts are revamping the acoustic treatments on the inside of the venue, which is expected to give music fans the best concert experience possible.

In 1961 the venue became a television studio and over the years has served as the location for such award shows as the Emmy Awards, The Grammy Awards, The NAACP Awards and Country Music Awards. Eventually the venue returned to its musical roots, hosting many of the biggest names in rock and roll throughout the decades, including everyone from The Rolling Stones, James Brown, Led Zeppelin, The Who and Rod Stewart to The Police, The Replacements, The Clash, Public Enemy, Metallica, Jane’s Addiction, The Pixies, Beastie Boys, No Doubt and Red Hot Chili Peppers, just to name a few. Now, in 2008, JAY-Z ushers in a new generation of today’s top artists making Hollywood’s old jewel a brand new gem.

2 comments:

Betty Jo said...

I remember the Palladium being standing room only "back in the day"

Has anyone heard if they've installed seats?

Mickie said...

You're so right Betty Jo! I'm wondering the same thing...

Mickie