Saturday, September 22, 2012

HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC - CHAPTER 49- - BRITISH INVASION - SEARCHERS & ANIMALS PLAY SYRACUSE IN 1964

As the British Invasion was sweeping America and the world fans in Syracuse were treated to two great concerts in 1964. First on June 3, 1964 in what WOLF Radio billed  as "The Liverpool Express Show" at Sports-O-Rama in Matydale. The Searchers headlined performing their hits- Needle & Pins, Love Potion #9, Sugar & Spice, Don't Throw Your Love Away & Sweets For My Sweet.

The bill also consisted of The Dovells with Len Barry (Bristol Stomp, You Can't Set Down), Dick & Dee Dee (The Mountains High, Thou Shall Not Steal), Ronnie Dio & the Prophets (yes  Ronnie James Dio sang "Gonna Make It Alone" ) and Ronnie Cochran. Advanced tickets were priced at $2.00.

October 12, 1964- The Animals (w/ Eric Burdon & Chas Chandler) invaded the War Memorial at 8 PM. Mike Martineau & WNDR's Dan Leonard  were co-promoters with advance tickets selling for $2.00, $2.50 at the door. Some 2,500-3,000 fans attended the concert that also featured- J. Frank Wilson & the Cavaliers (Last Kiss), The Royalettes (Gonna Take a Miracle),  Elkie Brooks and local bands Carmen Licitra & the Vikings (Dave Pasternack) and The Concepts (Don Martin).

The Animal wore pin striped suits with orange shirts. Their song list included- House of the Rising Sun, I'm Cryin, Shout and Bring It On Home To Me.

Note- Many of you may remember Chas Chandler as he later became the manager of Jimi Hendrix.

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