David Cassidy on the Web
40 years of memories at Pine Knob/DTE
May 18, 2012
By Gary Graff
www.dailytribune.com
Forty years ago, the hills — or at least the lawn — in Independence Township came alive with the sound of music.
Pine Knob Music Theatre, now known as the DTE Energy Music Theatre, opened its doors on June 25, 1972, to the screaming teen hordes for a concert by heartthrob David Cassidy. Two days later, their parents came out to hear crooner Andy Williams, and one of the country's most active and successful amphitheaters was in full swing.
At the time, Pine Knob was the largest amphitheater in the country, with a capacity of 12,500, later swelling to 15,000 when the tunnel that bisected the lawn was filled in during the early '80s. And where other "sheds" to that point had served as the summer homes to symphony orchestra, jazz and middle-of-the-road performers, Pine Knob gave a summer home to rock, pop, R&B and other contemporary styles, creating a template that was followed by more, and increasingly larger, outdoor venues.
Pine Knob/DTE has remained a Cadillac in the field, however, with more than 32 industry awards since 1991, including Billboard's Top Amphitheatre for attendance in 2011 and Pollstar's Top Amphitheatre Venue Worldwide for total tickets sold in 2011.
And, of course, the theater has piled up 40 years worth of memories — too many, really, to chronicle. But as DTE prepares to open on May 25, with its traditional Eddie Money concert, here's a look at 40 key events in its history:
• June 25, 1972 — "Partridge Family" heartthrob David Cassidy opens Pine Knob with a 3 p.m. matinee performance.
• June 27, 1972 — Andy Williams and Quincy Jones join forces for a five-night run that was considered the venue's "official" opening.
