🎸CLASSIC ROCK: Alex on Eddie Van Halen | Neil Young on Success | McCartney’s Harrison Picks...

Today we have Alex Van Halen’s emotional interview about brother Eddie,, Neil Young’s perspective on success, and Paul McCartney’s favorite George Harrison moments. Plus, we’ve got Led Zeppelin’s behind-the-scenes genius, The Beach Boys live magic, and a historic farewell from The Beatles. Scroll down and let’s rock!

🤔 Rock Trivia Question: 

Before forming Van Halen, what was the band’s original name, and what inspired it? (Answer below!)

📰 Classic Rock News

🎧 Eddie Van Halen Lives On
Brothers Alex and Eddie Van Halen shared more than a surname—they shared a lifetime of music. In a deeply moving interview, Alex reflects on Eddie’s brilliance, their bond, and the unreleased music they crafted together. Hear snippets of Eddie’s unheard magic and feel the emotion pouring through.
Discover Eddie’s unreleased tracks and Alex’s memories.

🎧 Neil Young on Success
What does "success" mean to Neil Young? In an introspective interview, Neil shares insights on his childhood, his business ventures, and his love for music. He also dishes out wisdom on staying true to oneself in a world of changing trends.
Watch Neil Young’s reflections on success.

🎧 McCartney’s Harrison Favorites
By the time The Beatles parted ways, tensions ran high, but Paul McCartney always held a deep appreciation for George Harrison’s artistry. Paul recently shared his top three favorite George-penned songs, revealing the lasting respect between the two legends.
Find out which Harrison tracks are McCartney’s favorites.

🎧 Led Zeppelin IV: The Genius of Jimmy Page
How do you craft an untouchable rock album? According to Jimmy Page, it’s all about balance—soothing listeners with "Stairway to Heaven" before shaking things up. Page’s take on Led Zeppelin IV will have you reaching for your vinyl.
Uncover the magic behind Led Zeppelin IV.

📅 On This Day in Rock History

1964: Lorne Greene, star of NBC's "Bonanza," reaches number one on the Billboard singles chart with "Ringo," a spoken-word recording about a Western gunfighter. This achievement makes Greene the second Canadian solo artist, after Paul Anka, to top the US charts. The song also reaches #22 in the UK.
Listen to Lorne Greene's unexpected hit "Ringo"

1965: The Beatles play their final show in their hometown of Liverpool at The Liverpool Empire during their last UK tour. Despite only 5,100 tickets being available, there were 40,000 applications. The group also held the UK No.1 single with "We Can Work It Out / Day Tripper" at the time.
Watch The Beatles' We Can Work it Out TV Performance

1967: The final night of a 16-date UK package tour featuring Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, The Move, The Nice, and others takes place at Green's Playhouse, Glasgow. Notably, Hendrix's performance is cut short when management closes the curtains, deeming his guitar movements too sexually suggestive.
Watch Jimi Hendrix in 1967

1968: The Rolling Stones celebrate the release of their new album "Beggars Banquet" with a party in London. The event, which Keith Richards misses due to illness, is highlighted by a food fight involving custard pies. The album's original plain white invitation cover was later changed.
See The Rolling Stones perform "Sympathy for the Devil" from Beggars Banquet

1969: Apple Records releases Badfinger's first single, "Come and Get It," in the UK. Written by Paul McCartney, the song would climb to #4 on the Official Chart. Its later US release in January 1970 would reach #7, marking the first of Badfinger's four Billboard Top 40 hits.
Discover the Paul McCartney-penned hit that launched Badfinger's career

1980: Just three days before his tragic murder, John Lennon calls his Aunt Mimi, expressing homesickness and plans for a trip back to England. This poignant conversation would be one of Lennon's last with his beloved aunt, who raised him during his childhood in Liverpool.
Listen to John Lennon's final interview, recorded on this day in 1980

2008: A handwritten, working lyric sheet for Bruce Springsteen's 1975 hit "Born to Run" sells at Sotheby's for $197,000, far exceeding pre-sale estimates of $70,000 to $100,000. This sale demonstrates the enduring value and cultural significance of Springsteen's iconic song.
See Bruce Springsteen's electrifying performance of "Born to Run"

2015: Ringo Starr's personal copy of "The Beatles" (The White Album), numbered 0000001, sells for a world record $790,000 at Julien's Live auction. This sale breaks the previous record set earlier that year when Elvis Presley's first acetate recording sold for $300,000.
Take a closer look at Ringo's record-breaking White Album

🎂 Rock Star Birthdays

Little Richard, born in 1932, would have been 92 this year. He's best known for pioneering rock and roll with hits like "Tutti Frutti" and "Good Golly, Miss Molly." Little Richard's flamboyant style and energetic piano playing influenced countless musicians, including The Beatles and Elvis Presley. Interestingly, he briefly quit rock and roll in 1957 to become a preacher before returning to music in the 1960s.
Watch Little Richard's electrifying performance of "Tutti Frutti" 

J.J. Cale, born in 1938, would have been 86 this year. He's best known for his laid-back "Tulsa Sound" and for writing classics like "After Midnight" and "Cocaine," famously covered by Eric Clapton. Cale was a reluctant performer who preferred staying behind the scenes, but his influence on rock, blues, and country music is immeasurable.
Experience J.J. Cale's smooth guitar work on "Call Me The Breeze" 

Jim Messina, born in 1947, turns 77 this year. He's best known as a member of Buffalo Springfield, co-founder of Poco, and one half of the duo Loggins & Messina. Messina's contributions to country rock and soft rock are significant, with hits like "Your Mama Don't Dance." Interestingly, he initially intended to only produce Kenny Loggins' debut album but ended up forming a successful duo with him.
Relive the magic of Loggins & Messina performing "Your Mama Don't Dance" 

Jack Russell, born in 1960, turns 64 this year. He's best known as the lead vocalist of Great White, famous for hits like "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" and "Rock Me." Russell's powerful voice helped define the sound of 80s hair metal. Notably, he survived the tragic Station nightclub fire in 2003, which occurred during a Great White performance and led to significant changes in fire safety regulations for music venues.
Watch Jack Russell's powerful vocals in Great White's "Once Bitten, Twice Shy"

🕊️ Remembering a Legend

Dave Brubeck, legendary jazz pianist and composer, died on December 5, 2012, at the age of 91. Although primarily known for jazz, Brubeck's influence extended into rock music, particularly with his innovative use of unusual time signatures. He passed away of heart failure in Norwalk, Connecticut, one day before his 92nd birthday. Brubeck's "Take Five" became the first jazz single to sell over a million copies.
Experience the timeless cool of Dave Brubeck's "Take Five"

Denny Laine, co-founder of Wings with Paul McCartney and former member of The Moody Blues, died on December 5, 2023, at the age of 79. He was best known for his work on Wings' "Band on the Run" album and for co-writing "Mull of Kintyre." Laine passed away from interstitial lung disease. Interestingly, he was the lead vocalist on The Moody Blues' first hit, "Go Now."
Relive Denny Laine's powerful 2018 performance of "Band on the Run"

🎧 Essential Track for Today

“Eight Days a Week” by The Beatles
A love song for the ages, this Beatles For Sale classic captures the exuberance of young love.
Feel the joy of “Eight Days a Week.”

🔦 Deep Track Spotlight

“I’m a Loser” by The Beatles
This introspective tune from Beatles For Sale hints at the depth of John Lennon’s songwriting evolution.
Hear the Beatles I’m a Loser Live on Shindig

🌈 Rock & Roll Inspiration

To everything turn, turn, turn
There is a season turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose under Heaven
A time to buid up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones
A time to gather stones together

The Byrds - Turn Turn Turn

🤔 Trivia Answer: 

Before Van Halen became a household name, they were known as Mammoth. The name change came after discovering another band already had it!

Have a Rockin' Day!
Hippy Pete