This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Photos, Video: Large Turnout For City Hall's Bat-Signal Ceremony Honoring Adam West
On Thursday Night, the Bat-Signal lit up City Hall at a celebration to honor the late Adam West, who died at age 88 last week after a battle with leukemia. West brought Batman to international fame in his role as the title character for the perfectly kitschy Batman series in the 1960s.
The turnout for the event was large, with some of the "Bat-guests" dressed up as their favorite superheroes and villains. Also on hand were some of West's co-stars from the Batman series—Burt Ward (the original Robin) and Lee Meriwether (Catwoman)—as well as some of his family members, including his wife Marcelle West.
It worked! Batman showed up. (Photo by Tod Seelie/LAist)
Mayor Eric Garcetti and Police Chief Charlie Beck addressed the crowd, with the mayor declaring, “Like you, we all spent many hours in front of the TV, same bat time, same bat channe. Adam West taught us each one of us had a heart of gold. There will never be another Batman like Adam West and there will never be another Adam West.”
Beck later tweeted, "Everyday I think to myself 'if only I could flip on the bat signal' — tonight I got to." He also got to stand beside the red Bat-Phone! Two Batmobiles were also on display at the event.
We gather tonight to pay our respects to the original caped crusader, our beloved Adam West. #BrightKnight pic.twitter.com/ocW6aeXIgV
— Mayor Eric Garcetti (@MayorOfLA) June 16, 2017
When the Bat-Signal was finally switched on, around 9 p.m., car horns started blasting from all over, which you can hear in the video below. There were also two brief sing-a-longs, led by Garcetti, of the Batman theme song.
Sponsored message
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
