
On this day in history, March 21, 1952, first rock concert held in Cleveland, ends in chaos, conflict
Fox News
The first rock 'n' roll concert, the Moondog Coronation Ball, was held in Cleveland on this day in history, March 21, 1952. The oversold show ended in chaos.
"Right from the start, it was seen as dangerous music. Kids loved it. Parents hated it. Great. What a way for rock ‘n’ roll to get its start." "Described as the ‘Big Bang of rock ‘n’ roll,’ the concert was organized by DJ Alan Freed and music store owner Leo Mintz." — Guinness World Records "Freed was the most effective proselytizer rock and roll has ever known." — Rock & Roll Hall of Fame "There was a sense of dynamite going off." — Glenn Gass, rock ‘n’ roll historian Kerry J. Byrne is a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital.
The oversold show ended early and, fittingly, in a conflict with authorities — which quickly became a hallmark of the explosive, controversial and bawdy new musical art form.