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 […]
Today in Rock History – April 4
1964, The Beatles held the top five places on the US singles chart, with the fifth place – “Please Please Me,” at number four, “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” while at third was “Roll Over Beethoven.” In the second position, “Love Me Do,” and at the top spot, “Can’t Buy Me Love.” They also […]
Today in Rock History – March 24
1965, The Beatles continued filming Help! at Twickenham Studios, England. They shot the interior temple scenes, including the one where they “dive through a hollow sacrificial altar and into water”. That scene was then cut to the swimming pool scene filmed in the Bahamas on February 23. 1966, Simon and Garfunkel made their UK singles […]
Today in Rock History – February 7
1963, The first Beatles single “Please Please Me” was released in the US on the Vee Jay label. 1964, The Beatles’ Pan Am flight was greeted by over 5,000 as it arrived at New York’s JFK airport. This was the Fab Four’s first US visit. 1967, Robin, Maurice and Barry Gibb of The Bee Gees […]
Today in Rock History – February 1
1964, The Beatles started a seven week run at number one on the US singles chart with “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” the first US chart topper by a UK act since The Tornadoes “Telstar” in 1962 and the first of three consecutive number ones from the group. 1964, Peter, Paul & Mary performed […]
Today in Rock History – January 24
1965, The film Ferry Cross the Mersey premieres at the Liverpool Odeon. It was the first to be shot on location in Liverpool after the city’s emergence into the music mainstream For authenticity, many scenes were shot in clubs near the home of Gerry and the Pacemakers’ frontman Gerry Marsden. Marsden wrote nine new songs […]
Today in Rock History – January 11
1967: The Jimi Hendrix Experience recorded “Purple Haze.” Jimi also signed to the new record label Track Records on this day. 1968: Jimi Hendrix moves into a London townhouse formerly owned by the Messiah’s composer George Frederick Handel. The guitarist tells the Daily Mirror that he will “not let the tradition down.” 1969: The Rolling […]
Today in Rock History – December 20
1967, Singer Ian Anderson forms Jethro Tull with his former John Evans Blues Band mate, bassist Glenn Cornick, in Blackpool, England. The name comes from an 18th century farming tool inventor. John Evans later joins the group as a keyboardist. 1967, The Hollies release their hit single “He Ain’t Heavy (He’s My Brother.)” 1967, Folk […]
Today in Rock History – November 21
1965, The Rolling Stones perform at Will Rogers Auditorium in Fort Worth, Texas. 1967, The Who begin their first headlining tour of the U.S. at the Civic Auditorium in Fargo, North Dakota with supporting act the Unbelievable Uglies. The Mayor of Fargo accuses the Who of inciting the teen audience with their instrument-destroying behavior and […]
Today in Rock History – November 17
1966, The Beach Boys were at number one on the singles chart with “Good Vibrations.” The single was taken from the album Pet Sounds. 1967, A 16-date UK package tour with Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, The Move, The Nice and Amen Corner played at the City Hall, Sheffield. A review in the Sheffield Star noted, […]
