60th Anniversary Chaos: The Rolling Stones' Manning Bowl Riot
On the 60th anniversary of The Rolling Stones' performance at Lynn's Manning Bowl, chaos erupted as 5000 rain-soaked and frenzied teenage fans rioted, disregarding warnings to stay seated. The riot, triggered by the surge towards the stage, led to police intervention with tear gas, resulting in injuries, arrests, and ejections. The melee left a trail of destruction, with broken chairs and scattered belongings littering the field.
Among the injured were Donna Rubay, Frances Porter, Usula Visconte, and Earle Boyce, who suffered abrasions and inhalation of tear gas fumes. The rioters, driven by their adoration for The Rolling Stones, disregarded barriers and police warnings, prompting the use of tear gas to disperse the crowd. The chaos subsided as the rioters scattered, leaving behind a scene of mayhem and destruction.
The event, organized by Peabody promoter Robert Walker, aimed to showcase The Rolling Stones in Lynn, attracting a massive crowd despite the rainy weather. The concert, featuring other rock 'n' roll groups like The Standells, The McCoys, and The Tradewinds, culminated in pandemonium when The Rolling Stones took the stage. The riot, fueled by teenage fervor and the band's performance, underscored the intense adulation for the British quintet.
In retrospect, the Manning Bowl concert marked a tumultuous yet memorable event in Lynn's history, showcasing the fervent devotion of teenage fans to The Rolling Stones. Despite the chaos and injuries, the concert highlighted the enduring impact of the iconic band and their ability to captivate audiences with their music.