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It's curtains for the Gibson Ampitheatre, the longstanding concert venue on the hill in Universal City. Today the theatre announced that they will be closing this September, citing the "end of the building's lease agreement."
Of course, that's not the whole story. It's not a new theatre that will set up in place of the Gibson, it's for something new at the theme park. The Gibson is going to be torn down to make way for a Harry Potter attraction. Not even wizardry can save the ol' theatre.
"Since opening as Universal Amphitheatre in 1972, originally as an outdoor venue on the Universal Studios lot, Gibson Amphitheatre has become a prime touring destination for top performers from across the musical spectrum," notes the press release from Live Nation.
Actually, that includes a few shows already on the books and with affected ticketholders, who are being told that venue operator Live Nation will secure alternate venues for those events.
The venue has been home to numerous annual local radio megashows, visits from politicians, awards shows, and a broad spectrum of big-name musical programming.
Rumors have been rampant that the Gibson was doomed, since talks began in earnest in recent years about redevelopment at Universal City and Studios. A Facebook page called Save the Gibson (Universal) Ampitheatre has been running since late 2010, and has been chronicling scuttlebutt regarding closure.
The theatre, however, will not be saved.
Live Nation says they are planning a "fitting farewell" to the Gibson with a lineup of performers they're assembling for some last shows at the venue. Details about those concerts should be forthcoming.
