UPDATE: Following the death of Peter Fonda, the planned Easy Rider screening and concert at Radio City Music Hall will continue as scheduled, with the event doubling as a tribute to the late actor. We are all still healing from Peters sudden passing, but he would insist that the message of Easy Rider and the culture for which it stands carry on. The celebration of a cinematic masterpiece, a Hollywood icon, and my beloved husband will not only be one of a kind, but exactly what he wanted, Fondas widow Parky said in a statement.
Easy Rider will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a screening and concert at Manhattans Radio City Music Hall September 20th. The groundbreaking counterculture biker film, which stars Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson, will be shown in sync with a live performance of the legendary soundtrack.
The score will be performed by Steppenwolfs John Kay and the Byrds Roger McGuinn, who both had songs featured in the film, including Born to Be Wild, Wasnt Born to Follow, and Ballad of Easy Rider. Other musicians will also appear with musical direction by T-Bone Burnett. The film, which has been newly remastered, turned 50 on July 14th.
The event will be produced by Live Nation, Dayglo Presents and Fonda himself, who co-wrote and produced the film. What a ride its been! the actor recently said at the Cannes Film Festival. From a funky motel room in Toronto in 67 to a roar on the shore at Cannes in May 1969. A wild ride up the stairs at the Palais into the history books of cinema. Looking for America. Would we find it today? I think not. Did we really blow it? You bet. 50 years later, are we blowing it now? You bet. Enjoy the new print. Sing along with the songs. Laugh with the humor! Remember the spirit! Find the love.
General tickets go on sale Friday, August 2nd at noon ET.