1964, The Yardbirds, featuring Eric Clapton appeared at The Cavern Club, Liverpool, England. 1965, The Rolling Stones began a 16-date tour of Australia and New Zealand at the Agricultural Hall at Manufacturers Auditorium in Sydney with Roy Orbison, The Newbeats and Ray Columbus and the Invaders. 1965, The Who pre-tape their first appearance on Radio […]
Today in Rock History – January 21
1965, The Byrds record “Mr. Tambourine Man.” The only actual member of the band who performs on the record is lead guitarist/singer Jim McGuinn. Musicians from the fabled “Wrecking Crew,” including Larry Knetchel on bass, Leon Russell on piano, Hal Blaine on drums, Jerry Cole and Bill Pittman on guitar, replace the rest of the […]
Today in Rock History – January 18
1964, The Beatles made their US chart debut when “I Want To Hold Your Hand” entered the chart at number 45 just ten days after its release, making it the fastest-breaking and the fastest selling single in Capitol Records history. It went on to spend seven weeks at the number one position. 1965, The Rolling […]
Today in Rock History – January 17
1964, The Rolling Stones released their first EP, which included, “You Better Move On,” “Poison Ivy,” “Bye Bye Johnny,” and “Money.” It peaked at number 15 on the UK chart. 1966, NBC-TV bought The Monkees series, placing it on their 1966 autumn schedule. 1967, The Daily Mail ran the story about a local council survey […]
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 – January 10
1964, The first US Beatles album, Introducing The Beatles, was released on Vee-Jay records. The album cover showed John, Paul and George with their now famous “mop top” haircuts, but Ringo had yet to convert. Vee-Jay would be forced to stop selling the disc by the end of the year because of legal complications, but […]
Today in Rock History – January 9
1965, The Beatles started a nine week run at number one on the album chart with Beatles 65, the group’s fourth chart topper. 1965, John Lennon makes a guest appearance on the British satirical TV show Not Only, opposite comedians Peter Cook and Dudley Moore. 1966, The Who played at the Cosmopolitan Club in Carlisle, […]
Today in Rock History – January 6
1957, Elvis Presley makes his last appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, the variety program that helped launch him nationwide. He performs for over 20 minutes, singing “Hound Dog,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Love Me Tender,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Peace in the Valley,” “Too Much” and “When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again.” 1958, Gibson guitars […]
Today in Rock History – January 4
1967, The Jimi Hendrix Experience played at the Bromel Club, Bromley, England. It was the first of what would be over 240 gigs in 1967, including many dates with two shows per night. 1967, The Doors released their self-titled debut album The Doors. Unique packaging of the album included each band member’s bio. 1968, The […]
Today in Rock History – December 31
1966, The Monkees started a seven-week run at number one on the singles charts with the Neil Diamond song “I’m A Believer.” 1966, Ray Charles appeared at the City Center Arena in Seattle Washington. The tickets cost $4.50 at the door. 1966, The Move, Pink Floyd, and The Who appeared at the New Year’s Eve […]
