Hollywood Tower Residents Rock Out on Rooftop

Forget air conditioning and on-site laundry facilities. Hollywood residents in search of apartments may want to include concerts on their list of preferred amenities.

That's what you'll get if you move into the historic apartment complex, where several times a month, 98.7 KYSR– FM hosts intimate rooftop shows featuring big name musical acts.

The ad hoc concert series, which has welcomed such noteworthy acts as Florence and the Machine, 30 Seconds to Mars, My Chemical Romance, Mumford and Sons, Broken Bells and Airborne Toxic Event, provides residents of Hollywood Tower a chance to experience musicians up close and personal.

“Every resident is presented with an "all access pass" upon move in, which allows them plus a guest to attend all of the uber exclusive shows,” said Megan MacEachern, a spokeswoman for the Hollywood Tower. Not only do residents get to see these amazing concerts, but they also get to experience them on their very own rooftop terrace. “Truly a once in a lifetime experience. … Now that’s one hell of a amenity,” MacEachern exclaimed.

In addition to those who reside at Hollywood Tower apartments, a select group of radio contest winners are invited to each month's show. “Fans can call in to win. You can text in. If you happen to catch us on the streets, we have passes to the Penthouse as well,” explains 98.7 street team member Justine Castaneda.

The unique concert series most recently hosted Incubus, which performed an intimate acoustic show Monday. As fans sipped cool drinks and mingled on the terrace, some talked about how they managed to get out of work to make the 12 p.m. show.

“I used a vacation day,” explained Katherine Lums, who texted in and won her ticket to the show. Many who preferred, understandably, to remain nameless, admitted to calling in sick for work that day.

Shortly after noon, Incubus took the stage and kicked off their set with “Paper Shoes” and “Adolescents.” Lead singer Brandon Boyd joked about the excessive rooftop heat and flapped his shirt around to reveal a hole underneath his right armpit. “Good thing I wore my air-conditioned shirt.”

The band transitioned into “Isadore” as well as the catchy “Promises,” both off its latest album, If Not Now When? 98.7 personality Lisa Kennedy then walked the band through a Q&A; every audience member had the chance to write down a question for the band to answer.

The guys chatted about the progression of their sound and walking in on people in bars singing their songs via karaoke. Boyd joked about regretting naming the band Incubus in high school and now being stuck with it. “We regret it at least once a week. I’m being honest. It’s a goofy band name, especially since it doesn’t have anything to do with the band but then again, what’s in a band name?” he asked.

The guys also addressed the rumors of the Hollywood Tower elevator being haunted and said they were told that if they left the building and their shoes became untied, they should assume it was a ghost who did it. After the Q&A, Incubus closed the set with “Dig.”

The historic Hollywood Tower, which was completely renovated last year, was unveiled in the early 1900s. During its initial years, classic movie stars and a plethora of industry executives occupied its iconic French-Norman-style castle. Today, the tower attracts a variety of people looking to live in the heart of the city and experience life inside a charming building. 

Resident Chris Hill says he loves living in the building. “It’s a pretty social place, a pretty social scene. Everyone’s always grilling on the roof or hanging at the pool or having a good time.” Hill loves the many features that the building has to offer but considers the rooftop concerts to be his favorite. “About three or four times a month we have concerts. … It’s such a fun time.”