ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Roxy Theatre in West Hollywood is turning 50 this fall, and to mark the occasion owner Lou Adler has announced that Neil Young will return to the stage for an intimate anniversary concert on Sept. 20, 50 years to the day that he headlined the opening night at the iconic concert venue in 1973.
The concert will benefit The Painted Turtle and Bridge School. Additional performers slated to mark the 50th anniversary will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can sign up for information on ticket sales and other updates at theroxyturns50.com.
Acts like Bruce Springsteen, Bob Marley, The Ramones, Chuck Berry, Frank Zappa, Richard Pryor, Guns ‘N Roses and many, many more played the venue in the early stages of their careers. It’s also the spot where Adler launched “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” in the U.S. and where comedy duo Cheech & Chong got their start.
A slew of other special events are scheduled to take place, too, including a partnership with the Grammy Museum and the West Hollywood Library. The Grammy Museum Roxy50 exhibit will open on Sept. 15 with a special film screening and a Q&A session with Adler and his sons, Nic and Cisco. The exhibit will feature Roxy memorabilia, including the original piano from On The Rox, which has been played by Elton John, John Lennon and others. There will also be behind-the-scenes photos of the performers and special guests and items from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” which made its U.S. debut at The Roxy with Jack Nicholson, Cher and Mick Jagger in the crowd in 1974.
Inside the West Hollywood Library, an exhibit will open on Sept. 12 with a reception and conversation with Lou and Nic Adler and feature photographs from the venue curated by Jasen Emmons with written anecdotes from the key players involved. The exhibition will run through May 2024 and is free to the public with advance online RSVP.
