The Forum

The Forum is kick-ass for metal concerts.  I saw Metallica here on December 18, 2008.  I remember that night too well.

This place is huge and I got to see Metallica up close.  The highlight of the concert was when James Hetfield threw out guitar picks at the audience.  I so wish I caught one.

This concert was epic.  I received a free Metallica album along with my concert ticket.  I ordered my CD online and it arrived by mail. Score.

In the 1980's and parts of the 1990's, this arena was one of few NBA meccas.  From the Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain era to Magic's Showtime, the Fabulous Forum played home to many of the most entertaining NBA teams in history.  With Chick Hearn's radio and TV calls, Angelenos were lavishly entertained by a different brand of basketball emphasizing both speed and team play.  I was fortunate to catch the latter years of Magic's career when he doubled as coach and player.  Seeing the many artifacts with those '70's (Goodrich, West, Chamberlain, Baylor, Hairston, and McMillan) and '80's (Magic, Kareem, Worthy, Byron, Nixon, Rambis, and A.C.) Lakers widened my eyes and brought a grin to my face.  I still remember seeing Jerry West standing in the walkway tunnel peering out to glance at the game.  It was nice to see the various trophies and awards in the glass cases, now moved to the Lakers' new home named Staples.  It was also cool to see James Wood waiting in the food line with us.
Fast forward twenty years....  this venue is located in Inglewood, now equal in fame to the Rodney King riots. Since this time, the Lakers have won a few more NBA championships with some guys named Kobe, Shaquille, and Pau.  Heck, even the Kings (can they play hockey in SoCal?) have won a Stanley Cup since departing.  So what is left here?  The recent reviews reveal that this is now a concert venue, outdated and now disappointing.  
As Bob Hope used to say, "Thanks for the memories!"

A bit run down, saw Prince here but now I come to run on weekends!