The ultimate musical amphitheater is, of course, the Hollywood Bowl.

Despite what Paul McCartney says in his song "Rock Show" ("there's rock & roll at the Hollywood Bowl!"), the fact is that most of the concerts at the world famous Bowl are of the classical variety.

But there are a few special rock and pop concerts held each year at the Bowl, and it's a beautiful spot to watch a concert under the stars. In October of 1997, for instance, Fleetwood Mac performed to a sold-out crowd in a reunion concert at the Bowl; and it came only a few days following a concert by Prince/ at the Bowl.

Paul and his fellow Beatles were the first rock band to ever play the Bowl, back in August of 1964 (they returned the following year for two more concerts). But they weren't the last. Over the years, the Bowl has seen concerts by the likes of The Doors, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Janis Joplin, Sting, Jimi Hendrix, Simon & Garfunkel, the Monkees and the Moody Blues.

Pop artists who have played the Bowl recently include Rod Stewart, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Jimmy Buffett, Natalie Cole, Luther Vandross, Amy Grant, Dionne Warwich & Peter, Paul & Mary.

Others who have appeared at the Hollywood Bowl have included Barbra Streisand, Bernadette Peters, Chicago, Steely Dan, Garth Brooks, Judy Collins, John Denver, Victor Borge, Michael Crawford, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Rosemary Clooney, Ray Charles, Mel Torme, the Manhattan Transfer, and Randy Newman.

In June of 1999, Paul Simon & Bob Dylan performed together at the Bowl, and the celebrity-studded audience watching them included Warren Beatty and Annette Bening, Jack Nicholson, Rob Reiner, Woody Harrelson, Paul's ex Carrie Fisher, Penny Marshall, Elisabeth Shue,Val Kilmer and Dustin Hoffman, who (according to Army Archerd) was walking down the aisle as Paul Simon was singing "Mrs. Robinson."

In 2000, Garth Brooks was the special guest at the Bowl's Opening Night Gala. Glen Campbell was there for this year's Fourth of July fireworks concert, and the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson will appear in concert on Sept. 24, as part of the Pet Sounds Symphonic Tour.

And each June, Bill Cosby hosts the annual Playboy Jazz Festival here.

Most concerts take place from June through September only (although there are occasional pop concerts scheduled throughout the year). Ticket prices usually range from $77 for box seats to $12. for the back rows - depending upon who's on stage. For a free brochure and a schedule of upcoming concerts, just phone the Bowl.

But prices go higher for special concerts.Rod Stewart's Sept. 25, 1998 concert at the Hollywood Bowl set a record for top ticket price for a pop/rock show at the Bowl: $150 for prime seats (balanced by a more reasonable $20 to $40 for lesser seats).

 Getting there: From Hollywood & Vine, go three-quarters of a mile west on Hollywood Boulevard to Highland Avenue. Turn right (north) on Highland Avenue, and drive a few short blocks to the Bowl.