How Three Dog Night Became The First Band To Play At The Newly Built La Forum

April 1, 2025

In the summer of 1967, excitement buzzed in the air as the final touches were being made to the shiny new Los Angeles Forum. This grand venue was set to be a place where dreams would come true, where music would echo in the hearts of thousands, and where history would be made. Just a few miles away, a band called Three Dog Night was preparing for a monumental night that would forever change their lives. They were known for their unique blend of rock and pop, and their sound had captured the hearts of many, but this was their chance to shine on a new stage—a stage that felt as grand as their ambitions.

On the night of September 15, 1967, the Forum was alive with anticipation. The walls echoed with the chatter of eager fans, each of them hoping for an unforgettable experience. Backstage, the members of Three Dog Night—Cory Wells, Danny Hutton, and Chuck Negron—felt a combination of nerves and excitement. They were ready to take the spotlight, but they knew this was no ordinary gig; it was the very first concert at the Forum. This was their moment to prove that they were not just another band, but a force to be reckoned with in the music world.

As the lights dimmed, the audience erupted into cheers, and Three Dog Night stepped onto the stage. The band opened with their hit song “Try a Little Tenderness,” and the crowd was instantly hooked. Cory’s powerful voice soared, Chuck’s charisma lit up the room, and Danny’s energy was infectious. The atmosphere was electric, and for those few hours, everyone in that space was united in the magic of music. They played their hearts out, and the audience sang along, creating a wave of sound that filled the Forum and swept over everyone present.

With each song, Three Dog Night reminded themselves why they had dedicated their lives to music. There were moments of doubt and struggle in their journey, but this night was a testament to their resilience. They had worked tirelessly to reach this point, overcoming obstacles that threatened to hold them back. Now, as they performed, they felt the heat of the spotlight and the love of the crowd. It was a realization that their hard work had truly paid off. They left everything on that stage, knowing they were making history right in front of the adoring fans.

By the end of the night, the cheers and applause felt like a warm embrace. Three Dog Night had not only become the first band to perform at the Forum; they had woven themselves into the fabric of a new venue that would host countless events for years to come. Their performance marked the beginning of a new chapter in their careers, launching them into stardom and opening doors to opportunities they had only dreamed of.

In the following months and years, their music would continue to inspire and uplift people, and they would treasure the memory of that night in the Forum as the moment everything changed. They learned that with passion, perseverance, and a belief in themselves, they could turn even the biggest dreams into reality. And as they looked back, they knew that their journey was just beginning, with many more songs and concerts waiting to be crafted in the rhythm of their hearts.