LOS ANGELES — The 6,000-plus capacity Gibson Amphitheatre, which opened as an outdoor venue within Universal City in 1972 before being enclosed in 1982, is set to close as its lease expires in September. Universal Studios is undergoing a major remodeling and will use the site for a Harry Potter-themed ride, according to reports.
Since it opened, the Gibson has hosted productions ranging from musicals to concerts and seasonal radio station shows. A long roster of top rock, pop and Latin artists, from Pitbull and Mary J. Blige to Bob Dylan, Madonna, Fleetwood Mac and David Bowie, have performed there, and five U.S. presidents have also spoken from its stage, including Barack Obama.
“The list of musicians that have played here is simply staggering,” said Live Nation spokesman Bret Gallagher, in a press statement. “We, like music lovers across Los Angeles, will miss Gibson Amphitheatre,” Gallagher added, praising the venue’s “uniquely intimate setting” that has made it “a very special place for fans and artists alike.” While acknowledging that “a change like this is difficult,” Gallagher noted that Live Nation is now “putting together a series of great shows that will celebrate everything about this marvelous building.”
Live Nation pledged that ticket-holders to shows scheduled for the venue after Sept. 2013 will be eligible for full refunds if those shows cannot be relocated. Other medium-sized venues in the vicinity include the 5,700-capacity Greek Theatre, the 4,000-capacity Hollywood Palladium and the 7,100-capacity Nokia Theatre at LA Live.
