Today in Rock History – April 25th

beatles 1964

1964, The Beatles have an amazing 14 singles on the American chart. 1965, During a North American tour, The Rolling Stones appeared at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto to over 16,000 fans. 1967, Just days after the completion of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, The Beatles embark upon their next project, recording the theme [...]

Today in Rock History – April 17th

dylan-the-freewheelin-bob-dylan

1965, Bob Dylan’s debut album ‘The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan’ was at No.1 on the album chart. 1965, Paul McCartney spent the day shopping for furniture in Portobello Road, London disguised in a cloth cap, moustache, glasses and overcoat. 1969, The Band step out from behind Bob Dylan for the first time to perform solo at [...]

Today in Rock History – December 14th

rolling-stones-brian-jones-1967

1967, Rolling Stones guitarist Brian Jones was rushed to St Georges hospital in London after collapsing. A doctor reported Jones was tired and suffering from over strain and was also recovering from having some teeth out. 1968, Marvin Gaye scored his first No.1 single when ‘I Heard It Through The Grapevine’ started a five-week run [...]

Today in Rock History – October 17th

Manfred-Mann-Album

1964, Manfred Mann started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Do Wah Diddy Diddy’, possibly the first No.1 with a nonsense song title. Also a No.1 in the UK, the song was first released by the US group The Exciters. 1967, A 10-date package tour of the UK played [...]

Today in Rock History – September 11th

beatles-mysterytour-2

1967, Filming began for The Beatles ‘Magical Mystery Tour’. There was no script, nor a very clear idea of exactly what was to be accomplished, not even a clear direction about where the bus was supposed to go. The ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ bus set off for the West Country in England stopping for the night [...]

Today in Rock History – August 16th

David-Bowie-lower-third

1965, David Jones’ official stage name became David Bowie. 1966, During a US tour The Beatles appeared at the John F. Kennedy Stadium, Philadelphia playing their set during huge electric storm. 1966, The Byrds played the fist of two nights at the Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, California. 1968, The Jackson Five made their formal debut [...]

Today in Rock History – August 11th

beatles-more-popular-than-jesus-press-conferencejpg-a391f015f6d6c8c8_large

1966, At a press conference held at The Astor Towers Hotel in Chicago, John Lennon apologized for his remarks that The Beatles were “more popular than Jesus”. Lennon told reporters “Look, I wasn’t saying The Beatles are better than God or Jesus, I said ‘Beatles’ because it’s easy for me to talk about The Beatles. [...]

Today in Rock History – July 26th

jackson5-1968-bw

1968, The Jackson Five signed a one-year contract with Motown Records. 1968, Decca pulls the Rolling Stones’ Beggars Banquet from its release schedule, citing problems with the sleeve. The design features a graffiti-covered toilet. It’s one of the first disagreements between the band and the label, with Mick Jagger angrily pointing out that Decca released [...]

Today in Rock History – June 30th

fleetwood-mac-1969

1969, Fleetwood Mac, Pentangle and Duster Bennett all appeared at London’s Royal Albert Hall ‘Pop Proms.’ 1972, The Rolling Stones open yet another North American tour – actually their seventh – in Vancouver. 1973, David Bowie appeared at Earls Court in London, England. 1973, George Harrison knocked Paul McCartney from the top of the singles [...]

Today in Rock History – June 27th

Elvis-Presley-68-Comeback

1968, Elvis Presley appeared on an NBC TV show that was billed as his “comeback special”. The show featured the king performing on a small, square stage, surrounded by a mostly female audience. Presley was outfitted in black leather and performed many of his early hits. 1968, Working at Abbey Road studios in London The [...]