🎸CLASSIC ROCK🎸 Beatles Banned | Bruce's Farewell | Freddie Mercury Tribute

What's Happenin' Classic Rock Fans?,

Today’s newsletter dives into The Beatles' surprising run-ins with censorship, Bruce Springsteen's unforgettable final show of 2024, and a touching tribute to the one and only Freddie Mercury. Plus, we've got exciting updates about Aerosmith's legendary coaster, Sammy Hagar's olive branch to Alex Van Halen, and a heartfelt goodbye to Mike Pinera (Ride Captain Ride). 

🤔 Rock Trivia Question:

Which Beatles song was banned by the BBC for allegedly promoting drug use, despite no explicit references?

📰 Classic Rock News

💿 The Beatles had several of their iconic tracks banned in the U.S.—for reasons ranging from supposed drug references to political commentary. Discover which songs made the forbidden list and why they ruffled feathers back in the day. Can you guess which songs were banned?
Click here to uncover the shocking history behind the bans.

💿 Bruce Springsteen closed out 2024 with a show-stopping finale that fans are calling legendary. From fan-favorites to deep cuts, this setlist was a love letter to his storied career. You can even relive the magic with exclusive concert footage.
Watch Bruce's electrifying performance and check out the setlist here.

💿 Sammy Hagar opened up about his hopes to reconcile with Alex Van Halen. The Red Rocker doesn’t want their feud to overshadow their legacy—and says it’s time to make peace.
Read Sammy’s emotional plea to Alex Van Halen.

💿 We say goodbye to Mike Pinera, the voice behind Blues Image’s “Ride Captain Ride.” Pinera passed away at 76, leaving behind a legacy of soulful rock anthems.
Celebrate his music and life here.

💿 Big changes are coming to Disney’s Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster! Say goodbye to Aerosmith and hello to a Muppets-themed revamp that’s sure to make you laugh and scream.
Check out the plans for this unexpected overhaul.

📅 On This Day in Rock History

1957: Harry Belafonte topped the UK charts with “Mary’s Boy Child,” a festive classic that has sold over 1.19 million copies in Britain alone.
Relive the magic of this holiday favorite.

1962: Dion scored his fifth Top Ten hit as a solo artist with “Love Came to Me,” backed by the New York Doo-Wop group, The Del-Satins.
Sing along to Dion’s soulful hit here.

1964: The Who performed their first gig under their new name at London’s Marquee Club, marking the start of their iconic journey to rock stardom.
Catch their early performance of “My Generation” at the Marquee Club.

1965: The Young Rascals began recording “Good Lovin’,” a track that would top the charts and cement their place in rock history.
Watch their classic performance of “Good Lovin’” on The Ed Sullivan Show.

1965: NBC aired “Frank Sinatra: A Man and His Music,” a stunning hour-long special celebrating Sinatra’s 50th birthday.
Enjoy Sinatra’s live performance of “It Was a Very Good Year”.

1966: The Beatles kicked off the recording sessions for their legendary album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” by laying down tracks for “Strawberry Fields Forever.”
Step into the studio with The Beatles.

1972: ABC debuted its groundbreaking late-night rock show “In Concert,” which showcased iconic live performances by artists like Alice Cooper.
Watch Alice Cooper rock “I’m Eighteen” on ABC’s In Concert.

🎂 Rock Star Birthdays

1941: Original Beatles drummer Pete Best turns 83! Born in Delhi, India, Pete was the original backbeat of The Beatles before being replaced by Ringo Starr. His departure remains one of rock's great "what-ifs."
Hear Pete Best reveal why he was kicked out of The Beatles.

1941: Legendary bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn (of Booker T. & the MG's) would have turned 83. Known for his work on classics like “Green Onions,” his nickname came from watching Donald Duck cartoons with his dad.
Check out this interview with Donald "Duck" Dunn.

1943: The late Richard Tee, a brilliant session pianist and arranger, would have turned 81. His work graced iconic songs like Paul Simon's "Slip Slidin’ Away" and Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes."
Watch Richard Tee’s live performance of “Strokin’”.

1950: Founding Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Bob Burns would have been 74. Known for his contributions to classics like “Free Bird,” Bob’s powerful drumming was pivotal to the band’s early sound.
Learn more about Bob Burns’ lasting legacy.

1955: Drummer Clem Burke, best known for his work with Blondie, turns 69 today! His driving rhythms brought life to hits like “Heart of Glass,” and his talent earned him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Watch Clem Burke perform Blondie’s “Heart of Glass”.

1955: Under the alias Elvis Ramone, Clem Burke also briefly joined The Ramones in 1987. Though short-lived, his time with the punk legends was unforgettable.
Hear Clem Burke share tales of touring with The Ramones.

🕊️ Remembering a Legend

On this day in 1991, Freddie Mercury passed away at 45. His voice, charisma, and genius left a mark that will never fade. Whether belting out “Bohemian Rhapsody” or commanding Wembley, Freddie was the epitome of rock royalty.
Celebrate Freddie’s legacy through his most iconic interview moments.

🎧 Essential Track for Today

"Good Lovin'" by The Young Rascals
This infectious classic captured the joy of young love and became a #1 hit in 1966. Its feel-good vibes still make it a staple on oldies playlists.
Listen to this timeless jam here.

🔦 Deep Track Spotlight

“Long Long Long” by The Beatles
This hauntingly beautiful track from the White Album showcases George Harrison’s spiritual side. Understated and powerful, it’s a gem worth revisiting.
Rediscover this Beatles masterpiece.

🌈 Rock & Roll Inspiration

I was told a million times
Of all the troubles in my way
I grow a little wiser,
A little better every day
But if I crossed a million rivers,
And I rode a million miles
Then I'd still be where I started,
Bread and butter for a smile
Keep yourself alive,
Yeah, keep yourself alive
Take you all your time and money honey,
You'll survive

Queen - Keep Yourself Alive (New 2024 Video)

🤔 Trivia Answer

The Beatles song banned by the BBC was “A Day in the Life.” They deemed it too suggestive due to its lyrics referencing “I’d love to turn you on.”

Have a Rockin’ Day!
Hippy Pete