Hollywood Palladium Information
The Hollywood Palladium signifies different sentiments for different generations. Once upon a time, Hollywood film producer Maurice M. Cohen had a dream. He contracted the architectural talents of Gordon Kaufman, designer of the Santa Anita Racetracks, to manifest his vision into something tangible. The Hollywood Palladium broke ground on the original Paramount Pictures on the famous Sunset Strip. Finally, on September 23, 1940, the Hollywood Palladium broke onto the Hollywood scene with a bang: at the height of the Big Band era, 24-year old Frank Sinatra and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra crooned to an over-flowing house of 3,000 couples as he sang their number one hit "I'll Never Smile Again." The Palladium's notoriety was forever etched into Hollywood 's history.
Just before the United States entered WWII, life in Hollywood encompassed glamour and romance. Teenagers had yet to hear of rock-and-roll and embrace that raw sexuality and gyrating hips; life was still, unjaded? With 11,200 square feet of maple dance floor, and coral and chromium interior, the Hollywood Palladium's design was Art Deco-years before fashionistas in the 70's would take note and follow suit.
The Palladium continued to host the biggest acts in entertainment. It seems the Hollywood Palladium's opening decade was its grandest. Or perhaps a World War took the excitement out of doing the jitterbug. Either way, during WWII, the Hollywood Palladium used to host radio broadcasts featuring Betty Grable, who would play song-requests of soldiers.
In the 1950's, the Palladium would host charity balls, car shows, concerts, and even political events in an effort to keep funs up. Lawrence Welk moved in from 1961 to 1976 and used the Hollywood Palladium for his television show on Saturdays.
But there was no denying the effects time was taking on the Palladium. As interest has ebbed and flowed, the Palladium has at times been home to the Emmy's, the musical talents of Keith Richards, Bad Religion, Bill Elliot's Swing Band, Grateful Dead, Metallica, Tom Petty, and more. And at other times its interior grew shabby and dank and big acts were few and far between.
Hollywood history connoisseurs had to finally face "the music" when in October 2007, Brit singer Morrisey literally brought the roof down when, mid-show, pipes burst in the Palladium and the ceiling caved in. They were slotted for ten shows that fall, but didn't get to see their last two.
So, the Hollywood Palladium underwent massive renovations. $20 million dollars and twelve months later, the Palladium once again made a grand re-opening in the biggest of fashions. October 15 th rapper legend Jay-Z fronted a 12-piece band, much like the one Sinatra fronted, to another sold-out dance floor.
Live Nation was the company who took it upon themselves to breathe life back into the Sunset historical gold mine. As a result, Jay Z played underneath the very same chandelier Sinatra did, its crystals recast. With cove lighting, the Palladiums newest architect, Christopher Cove, leaned on old newsreel's to replicate the original Hollywood Palladium lighting.
It seems, for now, the Hollywood Palladium has reclaimed its place on Hollywood 's exclusives. With the Roots, Jonas Brothers, Gym Class Heroes, Rise against, and almost 30 other acts scheduled in its opening season, the Hollywood Palladium has once again taken its seat at Hollywood 's throne.
Up and Coming Hollywood Palladium Shows
Alabama Shakes Tickets The Cult Tickets
Fiona Apple Tickets
One Republic Tickets
Jonas Brothers Tickets
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