🎸CLASSIC ROCK: Beatles Breakdown | Roth's Dance Moves | Billy Joel Halftime

What’s Happening Classic Rock Fans?,

Today we’ve got everything from The Beatles’ songwriting genius to David Lee Roth dancing along to “Panama,” today’s edition is stacked. Don’t miss Billy Joel’s music at halftime, The Monkees topping charts, and Ricky Gervais’ story about David Bowie.

🤔 Rock Trivia Question:

Which Led Zeppelin song features a guitar riff inspired by Fleetwood Mac’s Peter Green, but with an entirely unique twist?

📰 Classic Rock News

💿 Breaking Down The Beatles
Ever wondered why The Beatles’ “She’s Leaving Home” feels so emotional? Rick Beato dives into its lush orchestration and lyrical depth in his latest episode. It's a masterpiece that proves why Sgt. Pepper’s remains timeless.
Discover what makes "She’s Leaving Home" so unforgettable.

💿 David Lee Roth Still Rocks "Panama"
David Lee Roth is back in the groove! Watch him dancing and singing along to his band’s soulful take on “Panama.” Recorded with his solo band, this fresh spin brings new life to the Van Halen classic.
Feel the energy of Roth’s solo "Panama" performance.

💿 David Bowie and Ricky Gervais: A Collaboration for the Ages
David Bowie once teamed up with Ricky Gervais for an unforgettable moment on Extras. Gervais called it “one of the best days of my life,” and watching Bowie roast him in a song is peak Bowie wit.
Relive Bowie and Gervais’ hilarious collaboration.

💿 Billy Joel Rocks Halftime
The Ohio State vs. Michigan halftime show turned into a Billy Joel tribute! With both marching bands playing hits like “Piano Man” and “Uptown Girl,” the stadium became a rocking arena of nostalgia.
Watch the epic Billy Joel halftime show.

📅 On This Day in Rock History

1957: Sam Cooke's "You Send Me" reaches #1 on the Billboard Top 100 chart, beginning a three-week stay at the top. The song was later recognized as one of the 500 most important Rock and Roll Recordings by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. In 2010, Rolling Stone ranked it #115 on their list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. 
Experience the timeless charm of Sam Cooke's "You Send Me"

1957: Mercury Records releases The Diamonds' version of "The Stroll," which would peak at #4 on the Billboard Top 100 chart. The song helped spark a dance craze where two lines of dancers, men on one side and women on the other, face each other while moving in place to the music. 
Relive the 50s dance craze with The Diamonds' "The Stroll"!

1960: Elvis Presley enlists his father Vernon's help to convince Priscilla Beaulieu's father to let her spend the holidays at Graceland. Their efforts succeed, and Priscilla's planned two-week stay over Christmas is extended to nearly a month. 
Discover the fascinating story of Elvis and Priscilla's relationship!

1966: David Bowie releases "Rubber Band," the lead single from his self-titled debut studio album and his first release with the Deram Records label. 
Listen to young Bowie's quirky debut single "Rubber Band"!

1967: The Monkees score their third US number one single with "Daydream Believer." Written by songwriter John Stewart, the song had previously been turned down by other artists. 
Enjoy The Monkees' chart-topping hit "Daydream Believer"!

1969: The Rolling Stones visit Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama during a break in their US tour. They record "You Gotta Move" and basic tracks for "Brown Sugar" and "Wild Horses." 
Watch The Rolling Stones perform their Muscle Shoals-recorded hit "Brown Sugar"!

1971: Led Zeppelin releases "Black Dog," the lead single and opening track of their untitled fourth album, in several countries outside the UK. 
Rock out to Led Zeppelin's iconic "Black Dog" live!

1972: The Temptations' version of "Papa Was A Rolling Stone" reaches number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Otis Williams later considers this to be the last real classic the group recorded. 
Groove to The Temptations' epic "Papa Was A Rolling Stone"!

1972: Steely Dan's debut album, "Can't Buy a Thrill," enters the Billboard pop chart. Two weeks later it peaks at #17. 
Revisit Steely Dan's breakthrough hit "Do It Again" on Midnight Special

2003: Simon & Garfunkel perform the first of three dates at Madison Square Garden with special guests the Everly Brothers as part of their Old Friends reunion tour. The show was recorded and released the following year on CD and DVD. 
Watch Simon & Garfunkel's nostalgic reunion performance of "The Boxer"!

🎂 Rock Star Birthdays

Rick Savage (63) is best known as the bassist and co-founder of Def Leppard. Born in 1960, Savage has been with the band since its inception in 1977. He briefly left the group in 1978 to pursue engineering before returning permanently. 
Watch Rick Savage's electrifying bass solo with Def Leppard!

Nate Mendel (55) is the bassist for Foo Fighters and has been with the band since 1995. Born in 1968, Mendel is also known for his work with Sunny Day Real Estate and The Fire Theft. He's the only member besides Dave Grohl to appear on every Foo Fighters album. 
Experience Nate Mendel's powerful bassline in this Foo Fighters performance!

Tom McGuinness (82) is a guitarist and vocalist best known for his work with Manfred Mann and McGuinness Flint. Born in 1941, McGuinness played on Manfred Mann's hit "Do Wah Diddy Diddy." He later joined The Blues Band and has authored several books. 
Enjoy Tom McGuinness’ Manford Mann interview!

🕊️ Remembering a Legend

Bobby Keys died on December 2, 2014, at the age of 70 due to cirrhosis. He was best known as the main saxophone player for The Rolling Stones, famously playing the solo on "Brown Sugar." An interesting fact is that Keys started touring at age 15 with fellow Texan Buddy Holly and played with a wide range of artists from Lynyrd Skynyrd to Barbra Streisand. 
Watch Bobby Keys' iconic performance of "Brown Sugar" with The Rolling Stones!

Eric Woolfson died on December 2, 2009, at the age of 64 from kidney cancer. He was the co-creator and occasional lead vocalist of The Alan Parsons Project, singing some of their biggest hits like "Eye in the Sky." After his work with the Project, Woolfson moved into musical theater, writing five musicals. He sold over 50 million albums worldwide. 
Enjoy Eric Woolfson performing "Eye in the Sky" with The Alan Parsons Project!

🎧 Essential Track for Today

"Daydream Believer" by The Monkees—a timeless feel-good anthem.
Click here to feel the joy of "Daydream Believer."

🔦 Deep Track Spotlight

"Wild Horses" by The Rolling Stones—a Muscle Shoals masterpiece.
Discover the raw beauty of "Wild Horses."

🌈 Rock & Roll Inspiration

You once thought of me
As a white knight on his steed
Now you know how happy I can be
Oh, and our good times starts and end
Without dollar one to spend
But how much, baby, do we really need

The Monkees - Daydream Believer

🤔 Trivia Answer:

Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog” drew inspiration from Fleetwood Mac’s Peter Green, blending blues and hard rock into an unforgettable riff.
Hear the similarity between the two songs here and… here.

Have a Rockin’ Day!
Hippy Pete