Watch the Bat-Signal Light Up Los Angeles in Tribute to Adam West
In the most fitting tribute imaginable, the Bat-Signal lit up the skies of Los Angeles last night, in honor of the late Adam West, the first Batman of television, and one of the most beloved versions of the iconic Dark Knight (or the “Bright Knight,” as West liked to describe his more upbeat version of the character). West died of leukemia late last week; he was 88 years old.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Police Chief O’Hara Charlie Beck were on hand for the ceremony, which was also attended by the Robin to West’s Batman, Burt Ward. If you’re inspired to do something in tribute to West’s contributions, his family told fans who couldn’t make it to the ceremony to make a donation to either the Adam West Memorial Fund for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Camp Rainbow Gold.
You can watch a few of the news reports from the event below, where you’ll see fans in attendance dressed like the Dark Knight and his famous Rogues Gallery, and speeches from Garcetti, Ward, and others. The press conference on the steps of City Hall followed by the ceremonial lighting of the giant Bat-Signal; it really does look like something out of one of the Batman movies or TV show. It’s a little bit surreal, and a wonderful farewell to one of the great figures of 20th century popular culture.