Just drove past the shell of its former self a couple weeks ago — and it sure didn’t look like it was gonna be ready for a grand reopening anytime soon. But this morning it was announced that not only will the Hollywood Palladium return on Oct. 15, after a year-long, multimillion-dollar renovation, but hip-hop giant Jay-Z and his 12-man band have been tapped to christen the new building, just as Frank Sinatra and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra did for the original room on Sept. 23, 1940.

“I’m honored to play such an iconic venue,” Hova said in a statement. “Just as Frank ushered in a golden era, I hope this opening will mark the beginning of a resurgence in a generation defining live music.”

Among the changes to the venue are a new dance floor, a fresh façade that emulates the building’s original architecture, expanded concessions, upgraded restrooms, improved interior lighting, as well as brand new paint and carpeting, all of which are congruent with the venue’s original look.

“In addition,” says the press release, “sound experts are revamping the acoustic treatments on the inside of the venue, which is expected to give music fans the best concert experience possible.”

So maybe, just maybe, the Palladium will no longer be a big rumbling box of echo when it comes to rock and rap once it returns. And maybe it will start hosting a wide array of talent like it used to — the list of those who have hallowed the hall includes the Rolling Stones, James Brown, Led Zeppelin, the Who, the Police, Talking Heads, the Clash, the Replacements, Public Enemy, Metallica, the Pixies, Beastie Boys, No Doubt, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Garbage, the Offspring and Alanis Morissette.

Tickets for Jay-Z’s show go on sale Sept. 5 at 10 a.m.

More Jay-Z:

• Jay-Z roars out of retirement with wildly impressive L.A. show
• Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige conquer the Hollywood Bowl

Also in music:

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• Wener’s Winners: Nada Surf, Benji Hughes, Long Beach Blues
• Radiohead conjures more magic at the Bowl
• Tom Petty sticks to his blueprint in Irvine
• Donna Summer delights with disco and more
  
• What should Gwen & Gavin name their third child?
• Billy Idol, Blondie, Devo, more slated for Jack’s Third Show
• Soul man Maxwell returns after six years away

Posted in: Concert Announcements • L.A. • Jay-Z |

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