(scratsmacker/Pixabay)
1957. What a time to be alive, right? Well, probably not for most people. Segregation was still going strong in both Canada and the U.S., the soon-to-be cataclysmic Vietnam War had recently begun, and Cold War tensions between the Soviets and the States were rising at an alarming rate. Pretty bleak…
Unless you were a fan of rock and roll.
Rock was still fresh off the presses by the late 50’s, with pioneers like Chuck Berry and Little Richard making waves across America and beyond. But there was one man who truly captivated the world, shaking hips and all. Elvis Presley, or “The King” as he’d become known, was a sensation the likes of which no one had ever seen. With the help of shady conman Colonel Tom Parker, the young man from Mississippi took to the world’s stage and ruled it as any King would. But Elvis’ success outside of the United States was confined to radios and turntables, as he only performed internationally on 3 occasions: once in Toronto, then Ottawa, and for his final foreign gig: Vancouver.
When the news of Elvis’ August 31st Concert at Empire Stadium became known to the public, his Vancouver-based fans went ballistic. Keep in mind that Elvis’ effects on the youth, specifically young women, was the Beatlemania of the late 50’s. He was swooned over like a deity by many, including those living in Vancouver. Security would need to be tight, as if this was a true royal visit. As the days grew closer to August 31st, Empire Stadium was busy battening down the hatches, preparing for a potentially apocalyptic evening. Eventually, the day came, and it was exactly what you’d expect. Chaos.
A group of teens talking with police officers at Empire Stadium, 1969 (City of Vancouver Archives/Flickr)
26,500 people were in attendance for the night of a lifetime. Many of them, wishing for closer seats to the stage, overwhelmed security and surged towards the two flatbed trucks in the middle of the field that formed the stage. Tom Parker, concerned for Elvis’ safety, asked him if the whole “gyrating hips” thing was necessary, and that maybe toning it down might not be a bad idea. Of course, Elvis dismissed his concerns, he knew he couldn’t disappoint his fans. I mean, I wouldn’t want to disappoint a literal army either.
The show wasn’t perfect. The set was shortened, and a few safety concerns temporarily stopped the show. The cadets that were tasked with holding back the crowd were trampled, and the Vancouver Police took to beating the particularly wild spectators. It was a sea of madness, screams filling the air. If one didn’t know what was happening, they might assume a war had broken out. Eventually, the Colonel and Elvis realized they couldn’t make it out of Empire Stadium in one piece, so they had a bright idea. A crew member was given a sparkly gold coat and told to flee the stadium. He got in his car and sped away, with a tsunami of fans following behind, thinking he was the King.
Elvis’ last Canadian concert lasted only 22 minutes. But despite having the runtime of an un-skippable YouTube ad, Presley’s appearance at Empire Stadium set the wheels in motion for Vancouver to become an essential stop on the tour route for many of the 20th century’s greatest performers. In 1964, The Beatles appeared at Empire Stadium, followed by the Rolling Stones in 65’ and The Who in 67’at the Agrodome, David Bowie in 76’ at the Coliseum, and countless others. Even 68 years later, a stop in Vancouver is still a must on the circuit, and It’s all thanks to one man. More specifically, one King.
“Thank you very much”
-Elvis Presley
Written by Noah Schmidt
Contact: nschmidt20@my.bcit.ca