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"Like WWII battle" as Elvis phenomenon hits Canada in 1957 (Concert Review):

Toronto Star critic Hugh Thomson could only complain about aching ears when he returned from Maple Leaf Gardens the night of April 2, 1957, after watching Elvis Presley in what was the area's first major arena rock and roll concert — a crowd headlined "His Largest Ever."


The paper was impressed enough at the Elvis phenomenon to interview almost anyone who would talk about the liver-lipped, hip-swivelling 22-year-old, riding high on hits like "Heartbreak Hotel," "Love Me Tender," and "Don't be Cruel."

There were stories about Elvis the marketing phenomenon, and how his crafty manager, Col. Tom Parker, was selling some 60 items, including Elvis busts, glow-in-the-dark photos, bobby sox, lipstick (in Hound Dog orange, Heartbreak Hotel pink and Tutti Frutti red) and "a pomade for kids with unruly hair."

There were also plenty of stories about his hypnotic effect on women, complete with interviews with females from 4 to 64. A cutline under photos of shrieking fans read: "Flash cameras popping made the arena look like a World War II battle. Psychologist saw nothing abnormal in squeals."

However, Thomson noted he really couldn't hear much actual music, because of the sustained screaming of the 23,000 fans who attended the back-to-back performances.

"I've heard it said that the lurchin' urchin, Elvis the Pelvis, hasn't any kind of singing voice, and I was anxious to hear if there was anything in the rumour," Thomson complained. "Frankly, after all of his rock 'n' roll ballads, delivered with a ferocious intensity and manoeuvres known in the burlesque business as "all-out grinds and bumps," I still have no way of knowing. I just didn't hear one note or word he sang."

(News. Source: TheStar.com)