In 1965 the success of the Shindig television show on ABC television network prompted Selmur Productions to book a national package tour to include many of the show's regulars including host Jimmy O'Neill. The tour would also book national rock acts to supplant the show regulars. The first non-show regular announced was Linda Gail Lewis, the sister of Jerry Lee Lewis performing as Linda Gale. Shortly after that announcement, NEMS Enterprises revealed that Gerry and the Pacemakers would also join a portion of the summer tour. Los Angeles Rams lineman Rosie Greier, trying to start a signing career was also signed to join the tour. The Australian band the Newbeats headlined two portions of the tour bracketing Gerry and the Pacemakers.
The Shindig name was rather popular and many additional promoters tried to cash in on the name. Promoter Irving Weinhause put a another package tour on the road early in the year. Shindig '65 played two shows in California headlined by Gary Lewis & Playboys and then headed out nationally with Paul Peterson as the headliner. Their debut show in Phoenix came to the attention of Selmur Productions, who took out newspaper ads and bought time on local radio stations to inform fans that the Shindig '65 show was not affiliated with the Shindig TV show. Consequently the show bombed and Weinhause filed a lawsuit and Selmur Productions counter-sued. In terms of financial success, Selmur was definitely the winners as their tour drew the crowds.
Ad taken out by Selmur in Billboard magazine. |
Below is a nearly complete listing - it has a few holes so please comment if you saw a show that's not on the list.
First leg headlined by The Newbeats with support acts Rosie Grier, Dixie Cups, The Hondells, Linda Gail along with show regulars John Andrea, Sue Thompson, Jim Doval & Gauchos
March 26, 1965 Fieldhouse, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA
April 6, 1965 Civic Auditorium, Idaho Falls, ID
April 8, 1965 Auditorium Arena, Denver, CO
April 13, 1965 Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, Des Moines, IA
April 15, 1965 Auditorium, Milwaukee, WI
April 17, 1965 McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
The second leg is headlined by Gerry and the Pacemakers with support acts Shirley Ellis, Dixie Cups, Rosie Grier, Willy Nelson, Joey Paige, Linda Gale along with show regulars Jim Doval & Gauchos. Linda Gale's contract was for 4 weeks but the response to her was good enough that she was extended to the entire tour.
April 29, 1965 Coliseum, Ft. Wayne, IN
April 30, 1965 Gardens, Cincinnati, OH
May 1, 1965 Veteran's Memorial Auditorium, Columbus, OH
May 4, 1965 Stambaugh Auditorium, Youngstown, OH
May 6, 1965 Grand Rapids, MI
May 8, 1965 Syria Mosque, Pittsburgh, PA
May 10, 1965 Bushnell Auditorium, New Haven, CT
May 13, 1965 Coliseum, Washington DC
May 23, 1965 Civic Center, Baltimore, MD
May 23, 1965 The Dome, Virginia Beach, VA
Third leg of the SHINDIG tour has a variety of talent. The Newbeats fill in as headliners for the last three shows originally planned for Gerry and the Pacemakers then Bobby Sherman takes over as the headliner for the western swing of the tour with support acts Dixie Cups, Linda Gale, Willy Nelson, Rosie Grier and show regulars Ronnie Dove, the Shindogs, Jim Doval & Gauchos
June 13, 1965 Memorial Auditorium, Fresno, CA