1965, The Who were recorded for broadcast on Radio Luxembourg’s Ready Steady Radio! 1967, Elvis Presley was working on his latest movie Speedway, co-starring Nancy Sinatra at the MGM Soundstage, Hollywood, California. It was Presley’s twenty-seventh film. 1967, The Who played at Patio Gardens in Farmington, Utah. 1967, The Beatles were at number one on […]
Today in Rock History – July 18
1968, Working at Abbey Road studios The Beatles continued with “Cry Baby Cry” adding new vocals, backing vocals, some harmonuim, tambourinnes, and sound effects. They recorded three takes of “Helter Skelter,” including one lasting 27:11, the longest of their career, before the song was redone two months later. 1968, The Grateful Dead release Anthem of […]
Today in Rock History – June 29
1968, A free concert was held in London’s Hyde Park with Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, Tyrannosaurus Rex and Roy Harper. This afternoon concert was the first free festival to be held in Hyde Park. The concert was held to coincide with the release of Pink Floyd’s second album, A Saucerful of Secrets. 1968, The Jeff […]
Today in Rock History – June 11
1966, The Rolling Stones started a two week run at No.1 on the singles chart with “Paint It Black,” the group’s third No.1 single. 1966, European radio stations mistakenly report that The Who’s lead singer Roger Daltrey is dead. Actually, it was guitarist Pete Townshend who had been injured in a car accident a few […]
Today in Rock History – June 8
1967, The Beatles Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band went to No.1. Costing $42,500 to produce, the album was recorded over 700 hours of studio time. It was also the first album to print the lyrics on the sleeve. The album spent 27 weeks at No.1 on the chart. 1967, Procol Harum went at No.1 on […]
Today in Rock History – June 3
1966, The Who arrive at a TV studio in Stockholm to appear on the Popside program for Sverige Television. Coming onstage busting through a Union Jack paper hoop, they mime performances of “Daddy Rolling Stone,” “It’s Not True,” “Bald Headed Woman,” “The Kids Are Alright,” “Substitute,” and “My Generation” while standing on a ramp. The […]
Today in Rock History – May 31
1966, Filming began on The Monkees first TV series. 1968, Jimi Hendrix appeared at Hallenstadion, Zürich, Switzerland. 1968, Working on what will become the White Album, The Beatles add overdubs of bass and vocals on “Revolution.” After numerous overdubs have been added, the final six minutes of the song evolved into chaotic, jamming, with Lennon […]
Today in Rock History – May 25
1965, Blues harmonica player, singer and songwriter, Sonny Boy Williamson died in his sleep. Van Morrison, Aerosmith, The Who, The Animals, Yardbirds, and Moody Blues all covered his songs. According to the Led Zeppelin biography Hammer of the Gods, touring the UK in the 60’s, Sonny Boy set his hotel room on fire while trying […]
Today in Rock History – April 22
1965, The Beatles were at number one on the UK singles chart with “Ticket To Ride.” Taken from the film Help! it was the group’s seventh UK chart topper. 1966, “Wild Thing” by The Troggs (who were originally called The Troglodytes) was released in the US on both the Atco and Fontana labels. The song […]
Today in Rock History – April 20
1968, Deep Purple made their live debut at a gig in Tastrup, Denmark. Formally known as Roundabout, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore suggested a new name, Deep Purple, after his grandmother’s favorite song. “Deep Purple” had been a hit for Peter De Rose. Blackmore’s grandmother had repeatedly asked if they would be performing the song. 1968, Apple […]
