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, […]
Today in Rock History – November 1
1965, The Rolling Stones played at the War Memorial Auditorium, New York during the band’s second North American tour. The set list was,”She Said Yeah,” “Hitch Hike,” “Heart of Stone,” “Mercy, Mercy,” “That’s How Strong My Love Is,” “Play With Fire,” “The Last Time,” “Good Times,” “Oh Baby,” “Get Off Of My Cloud,” “I’m Moving […]
Today in Rock History – October 31
1964, Bob Dylan performs a Halloween concert at New York’s Philharmonic Hall. CBS is recording the show for a possible live album. Dylan shows off a new composition called “Advice to Geraldine on Her Miscellaneous Birthday.” 1964, Ray Charles was arrested by Logan Airport customs officials in Boston and charged with possession of heroin. This […]
Today in Rock History – October 26
1963, Bob Dylan played a sell out concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City. 1965, Queen Elizabeth II invested The Beatles with their MBE’s at Buckingham Palace, London. According to an account by John Lennon, the group smoked marijuana in one of the palace bathrooms to calm their nerves. Many former recipients gave their […]
Today in Rock History – October 19
1966, The Yardbirds arrived in New York for their first US tour with Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page on lead guitars. After two dates of the tour, Beck developed acute tonsillitis and quit the group. He would go on to form The Jeff Beck Group, giving Rod Stewart his first major exposure. 1966, Roger Daltrey, […]
Today in Rock History – October 5
1966, Jimi Hendrix, Mitch Mitchell and Noel Redding played together for the first time, The Jimi Hendrix Experience were formed. 1967, The Doors played the final night of a five night run at Steve Paul’s Scene in New York City. 1969, Donovan appeared at Ellis Auditorium North Hall in Memphis, Tennessee. 1970, The Rolling Stones […]
