60 Years Ago: Why the Rolling Stones Got Banned From Cleveland

The Rolling Stones were no strangers to controversy from the start. On just their second U.S. tour, the band's Nov. 3, 1964 appearance at Cleveland Public Hall became the scene of a near-tragedy that resulted in a short-lived ban from the city.

A 17-year old girl whom the Plain Dealer identified as Mary Evelyn Tomei fell from the balcony. She was subsequently taken to St. Vincent Charity Hospital and treated for bruises. In the aftermath, Mayor Ralph Locher banned the Stones from any future appearances in Cleveland, citing Tomei's injuries and the fact that police temporarily halted the concert after 45 seconds because girls rushed the stage.

"Such groups do not add to the community's culture or entertainment," Locher said. "These groups still will be able to appear here at private halls but we do not feel we should invite this problem by making public facilities available.”

The Rolling Stones Weren't the First British Rockers Banned From Cleveland

At the time, the Rolling Stones were promoting their sophomore stateside release, 12 X 5. The ban, which extended to all rock concerts except for existing commitments, didn't last long: They returned in June 1966 to play the Cleveland Arena.

Six weeks before the Stones performed, a Beatles Public Hall concert was stopped for 10 minutes because of similar behavior. Though it ended up continuing, the pandemonium of the show also led to a ban on the Beatles performing in Cleveland. They, too, returned in 1966.

The irony is that despite all the hubbub, even with a 10,000-seat capacity, only a little more than 1,000 people attended the Rolling Stones' Public Hall concert. The promoter blamed Locher's actions after the Beatles concert for the low turnout.