1956 Fats Domino concert riot remembered at San Jose's Palomar Ballroom site

San Jose's Palomar Ballroom, located at 47 Notre Dame Ave, was the site of a riot during a Fats Domino concert on July 7, 1956, according to sanjose.com. The venue, which opened in 1947, was known for hosting big bands, vocalists, and jazz acts before rock ’n’ roll gained popularity.

The Fats Domino show became chaotic partly because he arrived late and the venue was overcrowded, leaving hundreds stuck outside. By the time the band played, many attendees were intoxicated and disorderly, leading to a violent outbreak during intermission.

The riot involved beer bottles being thrown, fights breaking out, chairs being smashed, and glass shattering. Several people escaped by climbing out of windows, and nearly a dozen attendees were arrested. The club suffered significant damage in the melee.

Fats Domino was not responsible for the riot, sanjose.com clarified. The event has been documented by local historians, including the late San Jose State professor Larry Engelmann, and is preserved by the nonprofit San Jose Rocks, which highlights the area's musical heritage.

A colorful mural on the side of the Axis condo tower in downtown San Jose serves as a reminder of the Palomar Ballroom and its history, though it is not widely noticed by locals.

This story reflects San Jose's rich musical past and the challenges venues faced during the rise of rock ’n’ roll.