In today's edition, Metallica dominates headlines with both a streaming milestone and a stadium controversy, while Bob Dylan confirms his "Never Ending Tour" will roll into 2026.
Plus, Elton John defends his kitchen hygiene, Pink Floyd celebrates a golden anniversary, and Joe Perry issues a stark warning about AI in music.
Have a Rockin Day,
Hippy Pete
TODAY IN CLASSIC ROCK
1961
The Beatles performed for just 18 people at the Palais Ballroom in Aldershot, England. Their agent, Sam Leach, had neglected to advertise the show properly, resulting in one of the smallest crowds of their career before they achieved superstardom.
1965
A group of studio session musicians known as The Wrecking Crew (under the name The T-Bones) recorded "No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach's In)." The track became a hit, later prompting a need to form a touring band to promote it.
1967
Jim Morrison of The Doors was arrested on stage during a concert in New Haven, Connecticut. Before the show, Morrison was pepper-sprayed by a police officer backstage while making out with a fan. When he recounted the story to the audience during "Back Door Man," police stopped the show and charged him with breach of peace and resisting arrest, sparking a riot.
1972
The Moody Blues hit No. 1 on the US album charts with Seventh Sojourn. It would be their last album of new material for five years as the band took a hiatus to focus on solo projects.
1974
George Harrison released his album Dark Horse in the US. The release coincided with a controversial North American tour where Harrison suffered from laryngitis, leading critics to dub it the "Dark Hoarse" tour.
1978
The Blues Brothers (John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd) released their cover of the Sam & Dave classic "Soul Man." It went on to reach No. 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
1979
Styx received a gold certification for their hit single "Babe," which had become their first and only US No. 1 song.
1989
Billy Joel hit No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 with "We Didn't Start the Fire," a rapid-fire catalog of major history events from his birth year of 1949 to 1989.
1992
Bill Wyman officially announced his departure from The Rolling Stones after 30 years as their bassist, saying he had "seen it all and done it all."
1995
The Beatles scored a No. 1 album in the US with Anthology 1, a collection of rarities and outtakes, 25 years after their breakup. The album sold over 855,000 copies in its first week.
