On Wednesday, Live Nation announced the closing of the Gibson Amphitheater, a large indoor venue for concerts next to Universal Studios. It’s not a venue where I went very often – I prefer intimate ones! – but it still is a sad news to see a place like this one closing its doors. Nobody knows exactly why the place is shutting down, but the reason is probably a future Universal Studios’ expansion including new theme park attractions (something that has to do with Harry Potter), a new hotel and new studio space… and no concert place? They should consider that music is a huge part of entertainment! Live Nation simply released this statement:
‘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’
So at least there’s gonna be a series of farewell concerts. Still, I am sad, and to celebrate the Gibson, here are three memorable concerts I have attended there:
– The Shins last October: James Mercer couldn’t believe to play in that place, too big for them? Nah, they are now an arena rock band, which still plays intimate songs.
– Massive Attack in November 2010: A great memory, the concert was spectacular, and only those who have attended a Massive Attack’s gig can understand it is not an understatement. Trippy, poetic, politically charged and grandiose the show had some vibrant moments, that I lived even more intensely because I was first row – I managed to enter the pit despite having a seat ticket!
– Beck and the Flaming Lips in 2002: That was a while ago, but I still remember about it for several reasons. First when do you see this kind of bill with two of my favorite artists? I think it was not too long ago before the famous Beck-Wayne Coyne feud, you know the one that produced some hilarious comments like, 'Beck is a rock star, Beck is late because he is waiting for someone to put on his pants for him!'
And that same night, I realized I was seating 2 or 3 rows behind Elliott Smith, accompanied by his sister and girlfriend! He disappeared after the Flaming Lips set and never came back to his place. That was the same night he and his girlfriend got into a fight with an undercover cop who was harassing some kid and spent the following night in jail. I have always regretted not having followed him.
Bye bye Gibson Amphitheater.