For a while there, Radiohead took on the mantle that Pink Floyd left behind in the 1970s. Both bands released a triumvirate of important influential albums: In Floyd’s case there was “Dark Side Of The Moon,” “Wish You Were Here” and “Animals,” not to mention the Sid Barrett years that preceded them. With Radiohead, we […]
Today in Rock History – November 20
1967, Strawberry Alarm Clock were at number one on the singles chart with “Incense And Peppermints.” 1967, The Beach Boys release the Smiley Smile, the follow-up to Pet Sounds. This avant-garde album fails was not warmly received by critics, and failed to chart, despite boasting the singles “Heroes and Villains” and “Good Vibrations.” It has […]
Today in Rock History – October 8
1964, Working at Abbey Road studios in London, The Beatles recorded their next single “She’s a Woman” in seven takes, plus overdubs, recording the song from start to finish in five hours. 1964, Roy Orbison was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with “Oh Pretty Woman,” his third UK No.1. The title was inspired […]
Today in Rock History – September 21
1968, Deep Purple reached the number four spot on the US singles chart with their debut single “Hush.”‘ 1968, Jeannie C Riley went to number one on the singles chart with “Harper Valley PTA.” Jeannie won a Grammy for the best female country singer of 1968. 1968, Madame Tussaud’s Waxworks in London gave The Beatles […]
Today in Rock History – September 19th
1969, Creedence Clearwater Revival scored their only number one single with “Bad Moon Rising” Also on this day the group started a four-week run at number one on the album chart with Green River. 1969, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young performed at the Fillmore East in New York. 1969, Child, featuring Bruce Springsteen played the […]
Today in Rock History – September 4
1968, The Beatles recorded promotional videos for “Hey Jude” and “Revolution” at Twickenham Film Studios. The vocals are recorded live over the pre-recorded instrumental tracks to get round the current British Musicians Union ban on lip-sync performances. For “Hey Jude,” The Beatles were accompanied by a 36-piece orchestra and 300 fans and other assorted extras […]
Today in Rock History – August 12
1966, The Beatles performed two shows at the International Amphitheatre in Chicago, Illinois. This was the first stop on what would turn out to be The Beatles’ final US tour. Support acts were the Remains, Bobby Hebb, Cyrkle, and the Ronettes. 1967, The Jimi Hendrix Experience appeared at The Ambassador Theatre, Washington D.C. 1967, The […]
Today in Rock History – August 8
1969, The photo session for the cover of The Beatles Abbey Road album took place on the crossing outside Abbey Road studios. Photographer Iain McMillan, balanced on a step-ladder in the middle of the road took six shots of John, Ringo, Paul, and George walking across the zebra crossing while a policeman held up the traffic. […]
Today in Rock History – June 28
1966, The Small Faces appeared live at the Marquee Club in Wardour Street, London. Admission cost $1.05 1967, Pink Floyd performed at The Dance Hall, Eel Pie Island Hotel, Twickenham, England. 1968,The Beatles were at Studio Two at Abbey Road studios, where they recorded “Good Night,” John Lennon’s lullaby for his 5-year-old son Julian. It […]
Today in Rock History – June 27
1966, Pete Townshend and The Who’s co-manager Chris Stamp fly to New York City, the first trip by any member of The Who to America. Shortly after his arrival, Pete attends a luncheon for Herman’s Hermits who are beginning their 1966 U.S. tour. A reporter from Datebook magazine gets an interview from an irritable Pete, […]
