HISTORY OF SYRACUSE MUSIC "OFFICIAL SITE" - CHAPTER 120 - EVERLY BROTHERS VISIT SYRACUSE FIRST ON SEPTEMBER 16, 1957 THEN RETURN FOUR OTHER TIMES.

We are so saddened with the news of Phil Everly passing Friday January 3, 2014 in Burbank, California at age 74. The Everly Brothers Syracuse story begins back in 1957. September 15 the Everly Brothers played at the Montreal Forum (Canada) with The "Biggest Show of Stars 1957" tour The next morning they travel by Tour Bus to Syracuse for a 8:30 PM show at the Syracuse War Memorial Auditorium. They check into the Hotel Onondaga (Warren Street) and then to the War Memorial just a few blocks away. "The Biggest Show of Stars 1957" consisted of the following acts- Everly Brothers,  Fat Domino, Paul Anka, Chuck Berry, The Crickets with Buddy Holly, Clyde McPhatter, Frankie Lymon, Drifters, Bobbettes, LaVern Baker, Spaniels, Paul Williams Orchestra with Sam "The Man" Taylor and Harold Cromer (mc). Show was produced by Irvin Feld, tickets pricing was as follows-$3.50, $3.00, $2.50, $2.00, $1.50, Attn 6,000.

Everly Brothers, Chuck Berry along with The Crickets (w/ Buddy Holly) posed for photos back stage with Utica DJ Lou Barile.. These photos still exist today. After the Sept 16 show the acts stayed over night at the Onondaga Hotel paying $10 for a double room. The next day the bus with performers left for Rochester, NY for another evening show September 17, 1957.

Other Syracuse, NY appearances of the Everly Brothers are as follows...September 26, 1970 at the War Memorial (tickets $3.00, $4.50, $5.00)...August 25, 1984 at New York State Fair Grandstand....July 12, 1987 at Landmark Theater (tickets $17.50, $15.50)...August 27, 1990 at New York State Fair- Miller Court (free with admission ticket)....PS- Everly's also appeared near here at the Turning Stone Casino.

Phil Everly a true "Rock & Roll Legend" will be deeply missed.


Side Notes-

Longtime Syracuse friend Ed Murphy who attended the Sept 16, 1957 show reports- After the Everly Brothers performed that night they left the War Memorials via the Montgomery Street exit and drove off in a Pontiac Bonniville. Also attend by WOLF/WNDR DJ Dick Snyder ("The Music Provider") who was attending his very first rock concert at age 16.  Thanks Dick +++

Another friend Rob Robbins  still has photos of the Everly's appearance at the NYS Fair grandstand in August 25, 1984.. Ron Bee & Joe Sawmiller were there August 27, 1990 to see the Everly's play Miller Court at the New York State Fair. And Gary Podsiedlik attended the Turning Stone Casino Reunion Show.

We do have a program from that great night " Biggest Show of Stars 1957" (Sept 16, 1957) and  2 photos taken backstage by Lou Barile with the Everly Brothers and The Crickets & Buddy Holly......but not a ticket stub...