Fifty years ago, the hills -- or at least the lawn -- in Independence Township came alive with the sound of music...
And they haven't stopped since. Pine Knob Music Theatre opened its doors in 1972, establishing a trend-setting, 13.5-acre music mecca in northern Oakland County that ushered in a new era in popular culture. The largest amphitheater of its kind at the time, Pine Knob became a home for all forms of music, from rock and pop to R&B, jazz and country and, later, hip-hop and EDM, along with family shows and special attractions in the parking lot areas. It's become a legendary stop on any act's touring itinerary and a launch pad for some of the most historic music festivals. Pine Knob hosted more than 3,100 events during its first 50 years and was named the world's top amphitheater by Pollstar in 2019.
As we begin the next 50 years, join us during any one of the amazing shows this summer to experience special celebratory features including the photo retrospective exhibit outside UWM’s West Entrance. We invite you to share memories, photos, listen to 50th themed playlists, view an online version of the photo retrospective gallery, and enjoy all things 50th at Pine Knob Music Theatre here.
50th Anniversary Photo Exhibit
Brought to you by Proud Partners United Wholesale Mortgage, Trinity Health and Ally Financial
So It Begins
Featured Artists
David Cassidy
Featured Photographers
Frank Pettis
33 Bob Seger Drive
Featured Artists
Bob Seger
Featured Photographers
Tom Weschler, Chris Schwegler, Darryl Pitt
Home Town Music Icons
Featured Artists
Kid Rock, Bob Seger, Ted Nugent, Lionel Richie, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, The Stooges, Alice Cooper, Anita Baker
Featured Photographers
Chris Schwegler, Marc Nader, Sue Plummer, Steve Galli, Mirak Habbiyyieh
Legends In The House
Featured Artists
Dolly Parton, Elton John, B.B. King, Prince, Chuck Berry, Liberace
Featured Photographers
Andy Freeberg, Ross Marino, Darryl Pitt, Ken Settle, David Griffith
Take Us Back...To Chicago
Featured Artists
Chicago, James Pankow, Lee Loughnane
Featured Photographers
Chris Schwegler, Andy Freeberg
The Scene
Featured Photos
Pine Knob Music Theatre Fans
Featured Photographers
Darryl Pitt, Andy Freeberg
Pine Knob Classics
Featured Artists
Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Jimmy Buffett, Allman Brothers Band, Neil Young, Rod Stewart, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jackson Brown, The Doobie Brothers, James Taylor, Carlos Santana
Featured Photographers
Sue Plummer, Darryl Pitt, Steve Galli, Andy Freeberg, Mike Ferdinande, Chris Schwegler
Live at Pine Knob
Featured Artists
Joni Mitchell, Peter Frampton, The J. Geils Band, Steve Miller Band, Barenaked Ladies
Featured Photographers
Darryl Pitt, Mike Ferdinande, Chris Schwegler
Rhythm Nation
Featured Artists
Tina Turner, Janet Jackson, Billy Preston, Teddy Pendergrass, Earth, Wind & Fire, Natalie Cole
Featured Photographers
Darryl Pitt, Mike Ferdinande, Chris Schwegler, Ken Settle
The Classics Continued
Featured Artists
Journey, Heart, Ringo Starr, Peter Frampton, Genesis, Jeff Beck, The Ramones, Eddie Money, Foreigner, B-52’s
Featured Photographers
Sue Plummer, Ross Marino, Chris Schwegler, Steve Galli, Mike Ferdinande
Heavy Metal Thunder
Featured Artists
Poison, Korn, Metallica, Van Halen, Motorhead, Judas Priest, Slayer, Slipknot, Rob Zombie
Featured Photographers
Scott Legato, Mirak Habbiyyieh, Ross Marino, Ken Settle, Chris Schwegler
Jammin' Out
Featured Artists
Slipknot, Sugar Ray
Featured Photographers
Chris Schwegler, Chris Balow
Festivals
Featured Artists
Patti Smith, Sarah McLachlan, David Bowie, Ozzy Osbourne, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Featured Photographers
Sue Plummer, Chris Schwegler, Ken Settle
Country Comfort
Featured Artists
Brad Paisley, Chris Stapleton, Jimmie Allen, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Kelsea Ballerini, Florida Georgia Line, Zac Brown Band, Garth Brooks, Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw
Featured Photographers
Steve Galli, Chris Schwegler, Mirak Habbiyyieh, Ken Settle, Mike Ferdinande
Just For Laughs
Featured Artists
Steve Martin, Jeff Ross, Amy Schumer, Jim Gaffigan, Dave Chappelle, Hannibal Buress
Featured Photographers
Andy Freeberg, Chris Schwegler, Brian Sevald
Hail
Featured Artists
Jack Johnson, Florence + The Machine, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Twenty One Pilots, Alanis Morissette, Foo Fighters
Featured Photographers
Brian Sevald, Chris Balow, Ken Settle, Chris Schwegler
Hip Hop
Featured Artists
Drake, Mac Miller, Future, Beastie Boys, Eve, Kendrick Lamar, Run DMC, Aerosmith, Wiz Khalifa, Nelly, TLC and Tyler, The Creator
Featured Photographers
Chris Schwegler, Steve Galli, Ross Marino, Sue Plummer
Pop Stars
Featured Artists
Britany Spears, Pitbull, Kesha, Backstreet Boys, Gwen Stefani, Jonas Brothers
Featured Photographers
Sue Plummer, Chris Schwegler, Steve Wiseman, Mirak Habbiyyieh
Rock On
Featured Artists
John Mayer, Bob Weir, Dead & Co, Bruce Springsteen with The Seeger Sessions Band, Tom Petty, Dave Matthews Band, The Black Crowes
Featured Photographers
Chris Schwegler, Steve Galli, Ross Marino, Chris Balow
50th Anniversary Season
Featured Artists
Jack Johnson, Dead & Company, Train, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
Featured Photographers
Mike Ferdinande, Scott Legato, Chris Schwegler, Mirak Habbiyyieh, Andrew Potter