Legendary Moment in Rock: Toronto 1981 -Neat Story

[StoneMtn]

I stumbled on this first-hand account of a rock 'n' roll riot at a Teenage Head show in Toronto in 1981. It's a bit of a read, especially due to the lack of paragraphs, but it's a pretty cool story.

... This thing had now gone full tilt. Lake Shore Boulevard was closed down. The crowd became more and more agitated as the police presence grew, and rocks and bottles were soon flying everywhere. The OPP police cruiser parked against the gate was completely destroyed, and several others badly damaged by heavy rocks. Big heavy rocks that were ripped right out, from the Lake's breakwater. Things got completely out of hand, police on horseback pushed against the crowd, swinging riot sticks indiscriminately. Police officers in full riot gear moved in behind them. The crowd was unified in its resolve, and wanted a fight. They weren't going to back off. The incident had lasted for more than three hours, many fans were badly beaten and ten police officers hurt. Two dozen people arrested. The scene inside was just as surreal, there was an atmosphere that couldn't easily be explained. I suppose most of the fans being right out of their heads certainly contributed to that. The band played on, not having a clue that they were about to become national headlines in an incident that would catapult them to instantaneous fame and fortune ...

If you want to read the whole thing it's here:

http://www.tattoodublin.com/world_tour/party.htm

[Velvet]

Teenage Head played at my high school in 1982 or '83. It was the Let's Go To Hawaii tour. I didn't go but I loved the t-shirts. On the back it said fu©k the rest, Head's the best.