The Cow Palace was built for the Cows and the Cowboys. (Even though this year cows seemed not to be in much attendence. ) It is just as famous and historic as Madison Gardens on the East Coast, and should be preserved much as that historic building must be.

I was not at the 1964 Cow Palace Beatles performance, but I was there a year before when KYA's legendary radio personality, Tom Donahue (a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame) and his partner, Bobby Mitchell, put on their "Surf Party" concert that featured: The Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, The Ronnettes, Dee Dee Sharp (and her 'date,' Cassius Clay), "Little" Stevie Wonder, Freddy Cannon, and Chuck Berry. Phil Spector lead the orchestra. Sylvester ("Sly") Stewart played lead guitar. About a year later, I was there to see "The Who" smash guitars all over the stage. To tear down the historic Cow Palace would be a tragic mistake. It's been a link to historic events (inlcuding The Teen-Age Fair and countless auto shows) for seven decades. It MUST be preserved!

Fred Vail, former manager
The Beach Boys
4th generation San Franciscan