5. Hollywood Forever Cemetery
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F22UfxE61xs It almost breaks down comprehension that this particular venue makes it onto our list. Hollywood Forever Cemetery is located in California - which might not surprise people - and is one of the most valuable pieces of real estate in the region. It seems that even the dead can't find peace in this part of the world, since the Cemetery caters for everything from guided tours to concerts. You can even have a live webcast of your funeral broadcast worldwide for more the famous recently deceased. The cemetery was first opened in 1899 and became the backbone of old Hollywood with Paramount Studios still operating their lot on the latter half of what used to be cemetery land everyone from Jayne Mansfield to Johnny Ramone is buried somewhere within its boundaries. Its cultural events have included festivals, exhibitions and musical performances from artists Bon Iver and Sigur Ros rank among those who have performed most recently in the warm Californian sunlight to packed audiences. You have to imagine that this kind of performance only happens due to pay for the space and isn't intended to cause any sort of offence on the "residents" of the grounds or their families. Traditionally, the performances are from Folk Rock or mellow types of artists since it would be more than likely viewed terribly offensive if Ozzy Osbourne was allowed anywhere near the place with a microphone. Credit for promotion though must be given to The Flaming Lips they played at the cemetery in a two-night gig billed "Everyone You Know Someday Will Die," a line from one of their singles. Cute. Tours are conducted by film historian Karie A. Bible. Ms. Bible is the current "Lady In Black," carrying on the tradition of Ditra Flamé, daughter of a friend of Mr. Valentino, who put a rose on Rudolph Valentino's grave every year. This was first believed to have been a publicity stunt concocted in 1928 following Valentino's death two years previous but now there are reports of a number of fans who come to the cemetery on the anniversary each year and place their own rose.
Wayne Madden
Contributor
First studied Journalism in Ireland in 2003, returning to Sunderland University on the tenth anniversary of my first studies in the subject to continue towards an MA. Interested in all sorts including WWE, Music, Film, TV and Games. Has travelled around a bit to places like California, Ontario and Mexico and plans to do more of the same soon again.
Recently I've been writing pieces on my favourite topics which have included obscure theme music from nostalgic shows, Guns N' Roses and a few other surprises I'll be happy to share in time!
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Wayne