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Iconic L.A. Theater to Close

Apr 24, 2013  •  Post A Comment

A venue that has been a fixture of the Los Angeles music scene for decades will close in September. Billboard reports that it has confirmed the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City will be shuttered when its lease agreement runs out.

The final concerts at the facility, which seats 6,000 people, will feature what the company calls “very special” lineups.

“On Tuesday, NBCUniversal was granted permission by the county board of supervisors to move forward with a $1.6 billion project at Universal Studios. The 25-year plan includes a new attraction, ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,’ which will be located in the upper area of the theme park near the Gibson,” the story reports.

In a statement, Bret Gallagher, president of North American concerts at Live Southern California/Las Vegas, said: “We, like music lovers across Los Angeles, will miss Gibson Amphitheatre. It is a tremendous venue with a uniquely intimate setting that has made it a very special place for fans and artists alike. The list of musicians that have played here is simply staggering. We are honored to have been a part of its remarkable story. While a change like this is difficult, we look forward to putting together a series of great shows that will celebrate everything about this marvelous building.”

The report adds: “When the Gibson closes its doors in September, the Greek Theatre, booked by Nederlander Concerts, will stand alone in Los Angeles as a mid-sized amphitheater-style venue.”

The Gibson opened in 1972 as an outdoor venue, with the original name Universal Amphitheatre.

“Ten years later it reopened with a roof,’ the piece notes. “Over the years, the venue has hosted such legendary acts as Frank Sinatra, Bob Marley, Johnny Cash, Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Madonna and Stevie Wonder. It has also been the home to other events, including the MTV Music Awards, Teen Choice Awards, VH1 Honors and the Academy of Country Music Awards.”

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