Live: Jay-Z at the Reopening of the Hollywood Palladium

In 1940, the Hollywood Palladium opened its legendary doors with a performance by Frank Sinatra backed by the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. The star studded audience included Lana Turner, Judy Garland and Jack Benny. Fast forward 68 years, after a year of being shut down. The Hollywood Palladium reopened its doors this past Wednesday night with a performance from rapper Jay-Z who was joined on stage by an 8-piece band and DJ AM (who, in case you've been living in a cave, recently survived a plane crash in South Carolina).

It was quite the celebration with crowds gathered outside the venue, search lights, a red carpet entrance, lots of police and an audience of people who were willing to pay $150 a ticket. As can be expected in Hollywood, various stars of all ages and sizes were on hand to be seen....er...to christen the opening. Having last been at the venue to see Richard Pryor, (admittedly some of his memory may have some holes in it), Tommy Chong, all smiles and accompanied by his wife, gave his thoughts on Jay-Z. "Yeah, I'm a big fan. Who is he? He's a rapper guy, right? He does that black stuff. I like the black stuff." As to DJ AM, Chong said, "Is that the guy who wears his plants down around his butt? No, that's Lil' Kim. I always want to pull them up." And, yes, of course, Cheech was there, too.

Linkin Park's Joe Hahn, who had been at a party for DJ AM the night before, claimed he was at the event to support churros. No, that's not a guest MC. It's a sugar dipped pastry. "I'm looking forward to getting some churros. I tour a lot now, so they are hard to get. Usually, after something like this, there are bacon wrapped hot dogs on the street, too." When prodded, he was wiling to admit, "Yeah, I'm here to see Jay-Z, too."

As model/actor Tyrese Gibson made his way down the red carpet with charisma oozing off every ounce of his well toned body, he said that there were more paparazzi at this event than at the premiere for the film Max Payne he recently attended. Tsk Tsk, Tyrese. Everybody groaned. Not everyone holding a tape recorder and camera is paparazzi.

Los Angeles City Council president, Eric Garcetti, in true politician fashion, added some decorum to the red carpet. "The wrecking ball threatened this place for the last 8 years I've been in office and we always knew how beautiful it could be again," said Garcetti. "Tonight to see it...Jay-Z is the Frank Sinatra of our generation, so it's great to see him here. I refused to let the city authorize any development here that would have taken the Palladium down. And, DJ Am, all of our hearts have gone out to him. He's one of the geniuses, also, of our generation." Meanwhile, back at home, a true California politican through and through, Garcetti said he was TIVO-ing both the political debates and the Dodgers game. "I'm hoping the Dodgers win, Obama wins and that Jay-Z gives a heck of a concert." Sorry, Mr. Garcetti, about the Dodgers. Better luck next year.

Cypress Hill's B Real arrived solo in support of both Jay-Z and DJ AM. "I'm here to see Jay-Z and to finally see this place open again. It's a great venue. And, for DJ AM, it's a big comeback and I wish him and his family well tonight." Asked how he'd party tonight, B Real laughed and said, "I always party like a rock star."

Actors Marlon and Damon Wayans arrived on the red carpet wearing shades saying they both just had eye surgery. When asked about his favorite Jay-Z song, Damon wouldn't play favorites. "He's just got hits." said Damon, "I can't pick a favorite. It's like Michael Jordan. You can't pick a favorite shot."

Other celebrities including musician Tony Kanal (No Doubt) Nicky Hilton, actress Hayden Panettiere (Heroes), UFC fighter Chuck Liddell, actor Freddy Rodriguez and actresses Ellen Pompeo, Aimee Teegarden and Abbie Cornish attended the event as well.

As the stars gathered in the balcony above the packed and newly renovated (for a mere $18 million) venue, it felt like an excited high school dance party with a crowd of pumped up, smiling patrons. The changes to the venue include; the stage's infrastructure, expanded concessions, improved lighting, a raised ceiling, renovated bathrooms (unfortunately, they were already a mess before the show even started) and the outdoor marquee has been neonified to emulate the Hollywood Palladium's earlier and more glamorous days.

Jay-Z appeared on stage around 9:45 pm wearing a black leather jacket, a Rocawear t-shirt, and a necklace the size of his ego. His 8 piece band, which included 3 horn players and 2 drummers, were all dressed smartly in button down shirts, ties and vests. DJ AM, in his second public appearance since the plane crash, was off to the left side with his turntables. Jay-Z greeted the crowd saying, "I see you're trying to turn me on tonight. Y'all want to go all the way. I want to speak to the people a little bit. What's up LA? The last person to open this thing up was Frank Sinatra. I consider myself 'Ol' Brown Eyes', baby."