From the MCRFB news archives:
IT’S WHAT’S GOING ON IN AND AROUND THE DETROIT MUSIC SCENE….
DETROIT — Robin Seymour, host for CKLW’s “Swinging Time” TV show, recently presented his annual Swingin’ Time Revue for seven days which began Friday, September 20 at the Palms Theater in downtown Detroit. The show billing spotlighted local R&B recording talents such as the Fantastic Four, Lonette, Detroit Emeralds, Little Carl Carlton, and the Precisions. . . . David Ruffin, former lead-singer for the Temptations, filed suit with Wayne County Circuit Court against Motown Records last month for a contract release. Ruffin feels he’s been “put on ice” as a solo artist with the label ever since his split with the group several months back. . . . Atco Records’ own the Cream are scheduled to perform on stage at the Olympia Arena on Monday, October 14. . . . Detroit’s Pioneer Recording Studio sponsored a “producer’s social” at their new studio at 20014 James Couzens. The 8-track complex boasts a 70-minute hour. . . . The Vanilla Fudge is booked into the Masonic Auditorium for Friday, October 18. . . . followed by Jose Feliciano, who will perform there the following Friday, October 25. END.
(Information and news source: Billboard; October 12, 1968).
This article is a little confused. There is no way that Cream filled half of the Olympia on a Monday night(October 14). It happened on Saturday-probably October 12, two days earlier. And yes, Olympia was only half full. “Friend and Lover” cancelled and Siegal-Schwall took their place. Other sources can confirm the date.
The concert was definitely October 12th . Clapton played at the Grande Ballroom after his Olympia performance. The Detroit News and Free Press put the audience between 10-12 thousand … and the photographer of the above capture is Thomas Weschler .