During most of the 1950s and 60s (this photo is from 1962) the Hollywood Bowl had fountains in front of the stage. I assume they only ran before the show started otherwise they’d get in the way of seeing the act, wouldn’t they? Accordingly to one report I read, they were taken out in the late 60’s after concertgoers started jumping into them to get closer to the performers. That’s probably around the same time the Bowl’s managers figured they could charge primo prices for seats right next to the stage.

Daniel said: The fountains only ran before the show, then the pool became a “reflecting pool” during the performance. There was also a walkway that could be extended from the stage so that performers could stroll down the middle of the pool to get closer to the audiences. I had always assumed the reason they got rid of the pool had to do with increasing seating at a premium price. I had never heard about people jumping in to rush the stage but it wouldn’t surprise me, especially during pop concerts.