David Cassidy on the Web
40 years of concerts at DTE Energy Music Theatre
Monday, June 25, 2012
www.theoaklandpress.com
On June 25, 1972 — 40 years ago today — DTE Energy Music Theatre (then known as Pine Knob) hosted the venue's first-ever concert with a 3 p.m. performance by teen heartthrob David Cassidy.
DTE Energy Music Theatre was originally known as Pine Knob Music Theatre, and named as such due to its location next to the existing ski hill of the same name.
It was the nation's largest outdoor amphitheatre when it opened with a 3 p.m. performance by Cassidy.
The matinee show was deemed a "soft opening," to work out any glitches on a younger audience prior to its "official" opening —a five night stand with crooner Andy Williams, along with pianist Quincy Jones — on June 27 to July 1.
In its promotional material, the new amphitheatre was described this way, "Built in a beautiful setting, with a semi-thrust stage and bowl-shaped seating, the new facility is a modern entertainment concept. Refreshments of all types will be available, including ice-cold beer. A boutique row will give audiences a place to browse, and picnic areas will afford the opportunity to relax while being entertained by such great names as Andy Williams."
Since its opening, DTE Energy Music Theatre has hosted more than 3,000 shows and tens of millions of concert-goers but, amazingly, there are four acts from the original 1972 schedule set to appear this summer, 40 years later: The Beach Boys performing their 50th Anniversary tour featuring Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks on June 30, Neil Diamond on July 3, Chicago performing with Doobie Brothers on Aug. 1 and Smokey Robinson performing with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra on Sept. 15.
