The Aquarius Theatre – Parts Of The Doors Album “Absolutely Live” Recorded Here

How many lives can one building have? Opened in 1938, by the time the 60’s rolled around it had already gone through several name changes, always playing the current musical style. For a while it was known as “The Hullabaloo” and then “The Kaleidoscope” before becoming “The Aquarius”.

In 1965, American International Pictures filmed the “Big TNT Show” here, which featured live performances by The Byrds, Donovan, Ike & Tina Turner, The Lovin’ Spoonful, Ray Charles, Bo Diddley, The Ronettes and Joan Baez.

The Doors played here on July 21, 1969 and parts of their performance appear on their album “Absolutely Live”. This was also the Los Angeles venue for the long running musical “Hair” in the late 60’s.

The theater was even the Chevy Chase Theatre for Chevy’s short lived talk show career. Two days after his talk show was canceled, his sign was being painted over, back to the Aquarius. Ah, Hollywood.

Noteworthy Concerts Held At The Aquarius Theatre

1/29/1974 – Steve Miller Band
2/19/1974 – Gladys Knight & The Pips
9/13/1973 – Mott the Hoople
9/12/1972 – T. Rex
12/28/1972 – The J. Geils Band
9/4/1971 – Bee Gees
3/31/1969 – Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band
7/14/1969 – The Flying Burrito Brothers
7/21/1969 – The Doors

The Aquarius Theatre
6230 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90028