Video: 'The Beatles Live At The Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Canada (Monday 7th September 1964)'
(Monday, September 7, 1964, The Beatles took the stage at 10:00 p.m. EDT for the second show; during The Beatles’ 1964 North American tour) — The Beatles brought their electrifying energy to the Maple Leaf Gardens tonight, performing the second of two sold-out shows for a combined audience of 35,522 fans.
This marked the 15th stop on the band’s first full North American tour, generating a staggering $93,000 in ticket sales.
The iconic group arrived in Toronto at 12:30 a.m. EDT aboard their chartered Electra airplane, where they signed autographs for immigration officials before being whisked away to the King Edward Hotel.
Video: '[Cut] The Beatles Live At Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, Canada - September 7, 1964'
The visit attracted attention from local dignitaries, including Mayor Philip Givens and his wife, who were turned away from the Beatles’ suite at 1:30 p.m. A blonde woman, reportedly answering the door, told the couple that two of the Beatles were asleep and the other two were with relatives. This incident was later headlined in the Daily Star as “Beatles’ Blonde Snubs Mayor.”
For security reasons, the Beatles left the hotel via the back entrance and boarded a police wagon to reach the venue. An extensive security detail of 4,000 police officers and Mounties cordoned off a five-block area around the Gardens 12 hours before the concert.
Despite a delayed start, the first show kicked off around 5:30 p.m., with Jungle Jay Nelson of radio station CHUM introducing the Beatles. Supporting acts included The Bill Black Combo, The Exciters, Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry, and Jackie DeShannon.
Video: 'A dazzling debut for This Hour Has Seven Days in 1964' (Sept. 7, 1964, at 45:36-52:53)
The Beatles’ 12-song setlist featured hits like “Twist And Shout,” “She Loves You,” and “A Hard Day’s Night.”
Between performances, the band posed for photographs with local DJs, fan club presidents, and Miss Canada, and held a press conference for reporters.
The second show began at 10:00 p.m., closing a night that fans would remember for decades.
