The Beatles came to Cleveland for the first time on Sept. 15, 1964. Everyone was naturally excited to see and hear one of the most popular bands in the world play at the Public Auditorium. The City of Cleveland’s Police, on the other hand, might have had a different opinion of that trip.
The day before, the Beatles arrived at the Sheraton-Cleveland hotel with a crowd in tow. The police erected a line of officers around the building. Security became so tight that police chief Richard Wagner, wearing his civvies, didn’t think he would be allowed on the floor where the Beatles were staying.
Wagner made one room at the hotel a temporary police headquarters. He had six uniformed officers on guard at all times by the hotel elevator.
However, there were some gaps in the security plan, with The Plain Dealer reporting that one or two determined fans did manage to get into the hotel. And in true rock star fashion, the band waved through an opened a window on the floor where they were staying around 6:30 p.m. and again at 7 p.m., causing the crowd to pushed past the fence around the hotel.
The night of the concert, 11,000 fans packed the Public Auditorium, and more than 100 officers on duty attempted to keep them seated. “Attempted” is the key word, as Beatlemania would erupt with some fans attempting to charge the stage.
Deputy Inspector Carl Bare went to the center of the stage and declared the show was over, ordering the Beatles off the stage. However, the Beatles kept rocking on, with Bare and inspector Michael Blackwell staring the crowd down as the curtain dropped.
After a 10-minute pause to calm the crazed audience, the show resumed, and the fans allowed the Beatles to complete their set.
“It was the first time a Beatles concert had ever been halted,” reported Don Robertson of The Plain Dealer.
For more updates about Cleveland, sign up for our Cleveland Magazine Daily newsletter, delivered to your inbox six times a week.
Cleveland Magazine is also available in print, publishing 12 times a year with immersive features, helpful guides and beautiful photography and design.
