Grand Funk Railroad rocked a sold-out show at Shea Stadium in New York 50 years ago today on July 9th, 1971.It was fourth concert held at the venue and it sold out the quickest.
The Beatles did the first two concerts ever held at Shea Stadium in 1965 and again in 1966.That was followed by the ‘Festival for Peace’ in 1970 with Janis Joplin, Paul Simon, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Steppenwolf, The James Gang and others.
Grand Funk Railroad drummer Don Brewer talked about being very proud that they sold out New York's Shea Stadium faster than The Beatles:
"I like to say it's probably because they got their ticket selling process together in the years between The Beatles playing there and us playing there. Because, I mean, if you look at it now, places sell out instantaneously with the Internet. But it still is quite a feat, and quite a thing to hang your hat on that you can say, 'We sold out Shea Stadium faster than The Beatles."
Tickets for Grand Funk and Humble Pie at Shea Stadium on Friday, July 9th, 1971, were priced at $4, $5 and $6.
[Source: Classic Hits Today]