City Council panel rejects Live Nation takeover of Greek Theatre

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A City Council committee rejected a recommendation to turn management of the Greek Theatre over to Live Nation on Monday. But the fight isn't over yet.

Supporters of both sides filled City Hall Monday during a meeting held by the Arts, Parks, Health, Aging and River Committee, who oversees who runs the Greek Theatre.

Nederlander Concerts currently operates the Greek Theatre and has done so for 39 years, but as its contract expires next October, a bid from Live Nation may edge the company out.

The Live Nation contract term would be for 10 years, starting after Nederlander's contract ends, with the possibility for two five-year extensions.

In October, the city's Recreation and Parks Commission voted to contract with Live Nation instead of sticking with its current operator. On Monday, the Arts, Parks, Health, Aging and River Committee rejected that recommendation 4-1.

Some neighborhood residents near the theater oppose Live Nation taking over, concerned the company will bring in more shows with louder music. One resident said they should hand Ambien, a sleeping pill, to residents if Live Nation is chosen.

Olympic athlete Rafer Johnson supports AEG Live in partnership with Nederlander.

"Take AEG, a very talented organization, and you add to it Nederlander, and I understand that they have been chosen the past 10 years as the number one small amphitheater, facility in this country. I think that you have a winning combination," he said.

Recreation and Parks commissioners want improvements to the Greek Theatre. They said an independent panel scored Live Nation higher because the company offered more money to improve the facilities than Nederlander.

Nederlander proposed repairing the venue's seating, stage and terrace, while Live Nation went a step further by proposing to replace those same parts of the theater, General Manager Mike Shull said.

"We believe the work we are proposing for the Greek Theatre, with Live Nation and our great team, will bring this tired, neglected monument back to its full glory so that it could be appreciated by all Griffith Park patrons and music lovers," Judy Smith-Clemente said, who supports Live Nation.

Live Nation also promised to schedule at least 70 shows a year, while Nederland guaranteed only 50, he said.

"With the support of over 30,000 individuals from the community who signed our petition, another 4,500 who signed supporter cards, and 12 Neighborhood Councils, representing roughly 240,000 Angelenos, that passed resolutions, the evidence is overwhelming that the Nederlander / AEG Live proposal is in the best interest of the City and the right choice for the future of the iconic Greek," said Alex Hodges, CEO of Nederlander Concerts.

The issue will now go to the full City Council for consideration.

City News Service contributed to this report.