Led Zepplin Practicing Dark Arts: Today in Classic Rock History 10-8-12

Today In Classic Rock

In 1962

The Beatles taped a segment for Radio Luxembourg's "Friday Spectacular" show. (and the Luxemburgers all loved it muchly)

In 1964

Ringo Starr took and passed his driving test. (Whew... he thought it was gonna be a drug test)

In 1966

The Rolling Stones' "Have You Seen Your Mother Baby" broke into the Top 40.

In 1968

The Beatles were in the studio working on the song "The Continuing Story of Bungalo Bill."  Yoko Ono provided what became the first female "lead vocal" on a Beatles song. (If that's what you want to call it)

In 1971

John Lennon released the single "Imagine" in the UK. (And we can all only Imagine life without Yoko singing)

In 1977

Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page denied rumors that the group was breaking up, and lashed out at the press for reporting that he was dabbling in black magic. (that's unbelievable, they were into straight up Voodoo)

Ted Nugent's "Cat Scratch Fever" peaked at number 30 on the pop singles chart.

In 1978

New album releases included Billy Joel's "The Stranger" and Styx's "Pieces of Eight."

In 1979

Fleetwood Mac's album "Tusk" was rushed to stores ahead of schedule because songs were mysteriously leaked to FM radio stations.

In 1988

Keith Richard made a solo appearance on NBC's "Saturday Night Live."

Pink Floyd's album "Dark Side Of The Moon" fell off the Billboard 200.  It had been on the album chart for nearly 15 years.

U2's "Desire" hit number one on the UK pop singles chart.

Def Leppard's "Love Bites" was number one on the U.S. pop singles chart. (that bites)

Cheap Trick's "Don't' Be Cruel" peaked at number four on the U.S. pop singles chart.

In 1991

New releases included Eric Clapton's album and video "24 Nights" and John Mellencamp's album "Whenever We Wanted."

In 1998

Black Sabbath released the album "Reunion." (Now these guys were into teh black magin)

In 2001

Sammy Hagar postponed his annual birthday bash at his club in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, because of the destruction left behind following Hurricane Juliette.  The event was to have taken place on October 12th and 13th.

In 2002

Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, and James Taylor teamed up to file a lawsuit against the Vivendi Universal-owned website MP3.com, claiming the site had been illegally offering their music.

New releases included Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' album "The Last DJ," Bon Jovi's album "Bounce," and the Kansas live CD and DVD "Device Voice Drum."

In 2003

Former Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr appeared at the UK premiere of the movie "The Concert for George," the film of the 2002 benefit tribute that took place on the first anniversary of George Harrison's death.

In 2004

Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood joined Bill Wyman and the Rhythm Kings on stage in London, performing seven songs with the group.  Stones drummer Charlie Watts was in the audience for the show.

The Strokes, Blondie, Sonic Youth, Andrew W.K., and Sean Lennon were among participants in the "Be Well: Ramones Beat on Cancer" benefit concert honoring The Ramones.  The show supported the Cedars Sinai Cancer Research Center and the Lymphoma Cancer Research Foundation.  Both Johnny and Joey Ramone have died from different forms of cancer.

In 2005

Little Richard played a homecoming show at the Macon Music and Heritage Festival in Macon, Georgia.  It was his first concert in his hometown in four years.

The late Badfinger drummer Mike Gibbins was honored at "A Service of Remembrance" at the Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home in Oviedo, Florida.  He died four days earlier at his Florida home.

In 2007

Paul McCartney received the Q Icon trophy at the British "Q" Awards 2007 ceremony in London.  The Arctic Monkeys, Amy Winehouse, and Muse were among the winners at the event.

In 2008

A woman from Washington state made a successful appeal before a Memphis judge to have the estate of Elvis Presley's father, Vernon, reopened.  She claimed to be Vernon's daughter and the rock legend's half-sister.  She further alleged that she had DNA evidence to prove she was a Presley ( and that the DNA material was also proof that Elvis was still alive. (and proof that Elvis was working the counter at a 7-11 in Kalamazoo, Michigan)

In 2010

The movie "Nowhere Boy," about the late John Lennon's life before The Beatles, opened in theaters.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland launched a weekend of events to commemorate what would have been the late John Lennon's 70th birthday.

In 2011

Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, and Ne-Yo were among the stars who performed at a Michael Jackson tribute concert in Cardiff, Wales.  Jackson brothers Marlon, Tito and Jackie also took part in the event, along with Michael's children Paris, Prince, and Blanket.

source:metronews