The Roxy will kick off its 50th-anniversary celebrations this fall with a returning performance by Neil Young decades in the making. Five decades to the date that he headlined the venue’s now mythical opening night back on September 23, 1973, the iconic singer/songwriter will retake the stage for a single night on September 20th. A ticket on-sale date has yet to be announced but you’ll want to head to the website for the 50th anniversary to sign up to receive updates on the event!
A seminal voice of American rock and folk, the long winding thread of Neil Young’s music through the fabric of both genres began with his move to Los Angeles in the 1960s. There he cut his teeth in both Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young before releasing a string of pensive solo albums. And just like The Roxy, his classic album Harvest Moon also reached the 50-year milestone just last year.
To see Young perform on a stage he hasn’t set foot in just as much time is about as close to time travel as you’re likely to get. It will also no doubt be both a surreal and sublime experience to see the larger-than-life performer on a stage that isn’t sitting in the middle of some massive arena. The kind of intimacy that alone is going to imbue his set with will be truly unparalleled. The concert will also benefit both The Painted Turtle and Bridge School.
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But Young won’t be the only performer returning to The Roxy for its 50th celebration. A full schedule of concerts and events will be taking place in honor of the anniversary festivities. This will include a special exhibit at the GRAMMY Museum entitled “The Roxy: 50 Years On The Sunset Strip” which opens on September 15th.
There will also be a film screening and Q&A with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Roxy owner Lou Adler alongside his sons Nic and Cisco. As well as a viewing of rare/behind-the-scenes photographs of performers, notable regulars, and memorabilia like the original white piano from the club’s infamous On The Rox (played by the likes of John Lennon, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, and others) and items from The Rocky Horror Show, which made its US debut at The Roxy in 1974.
The West Hollywood Library will also participate in a free exhibit open to the public that starts on September 12th. One that will feature photographs from the venue curated by Jasen Emmons and accompanied by written anecdotes from the key players involved.
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See Neil Young for The Roxy’s 50th-anniversary celebration on September 20th. Sign-up with your email and phone number at the event’s official website to receive news on ticket sale times and announcements about additional performers.
Words: Steven Ward
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