🎸CLASSIC ROCK: Fab Four Secrets | Yacht Rock Doc | George Harrison's Chart Return

What’s Happening Classic Rock Fans?,

Today, Beatles '64 is shedding new light on the Fab Four’s early days on Disney+, Nile Rodgers spilled Glastonbury 2025 secrets, and George Harrison's music is making waves 50 years later.

Plus, we’ll revisit the unforgettable influence of Chuck Berry, Pink Floyd’s legendary Dark Side of the Moon, and a “smooth” new HBO Yaught Rock Doc (say that 10 times fast!)

🤔 Rock Trivia Question:

What song did Chuck Berry steal the iconic guitar riff for “Johnny B. Goode” from?
(Scroll to the bottom for the answer.)

📰 Classic Rock News

💿 Beatles ’64 Shows Another Side of the Fab Four
Disney+ takes us back to 1964, uncovering unseen moments of The Beatles at the height of Beatlemania. From candid backstage antics to intimate interviews, this documentary sheds new light on the Fab Four’s rise to fame.
Discover some of these rare Beatles moments…

💿 George Harrison’s Solo Album Returns to the Charts
Half a century later, George Harrison’s music continues to resonate. One of his iconic solo albums is making waves again, connecting with fans old and new.
Check out George Harrison's chart-climbing album…

💿 ‘Yacht Rock’: HBO Doc Makes Steely Dan and Toto Cool Again
Artists like Steely Dan and Toto are back in the spotlight, thanks to this nostalgic dive into the smooth melodies and slick production of the Yacht Rock era. If you’ve ever sung along to “Africa” or “Reelin’ in the Years,” this one’s for you!
Set sail with Yacht Rock legends…

💿 Nile Rodgers Confirms Glastonbury 2025 Set
The Chic mastermind revealed he’ll hit the Glastonbury stage just after Rod Stewart announced his apperance. Expect disco grooves, funky guitar riffs, and a festival setlist packed with classics.
Read more about Nile Rodgers at Glastonbury…

📅 On This Day in Rock History

1955: Chuck Berry Records "Maybellene"
Chuck Berry recorded his groundbreaking hit "Maybellene" at Chess Records in Chicago, revolutionizing rock and roll. The song blended rhythm and blues with country music influences, showcasing Berry's innovative guitar work and storytelling. This recording helped define the emerging rock and roll sound and influenced countless future musicians.
Experience the birth of rock and roll with Chuck Berry's electrifying "Maybellene"!

1963: The Beatles Release "I Saw Her Standing There"
The Beatles recorded "I Saw Her Standing There" for their debut album "Please Please Me" at Abbey Road Studios. The energetic track, written primarily by Paul McCartney, exemplified the band's early rock and roll style. Its infectious rhythm and youthful lyrics captured the excitement of teenage romance.
Relive the Beatlemania with this classic performance of "I Saw Her Standing There"!

1967: The Doors Record "Light My Fire"
The Doors began recording their iconic song "Light My Fire" at Sunset Sound in Los Angeles. The track, featuring Ray Manzarek's distinctive organ and Jim Morrison's provocative vocals, would become a defining moment of psychedelic rock. It propelled the band to international stardom.
Get hypnotized by The Doors' mesmerizing "Light My Fire" live performance!

1970: Eric Clapton Forms Derek and the Dominos
Eric Clapton officially formed Derek and the Dominos, bringing together a supergroup of talented musicians. The band would soon record the legendary album "Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs," featuring the iconic title track inspired by Clapton's unrequited love for Pattie Boyd.
Witness the raw emotion in Derek and the Dominos' powerful "Layla" performance!

1973: Pink Floyd Begins Recording "Dark Side of the Moon"
Pink Floyd started recording sessions for their groundbreaking album "Dark Side of the Moon" at Abbey Road Studios. This album would become one of the best-selling records in history, exploring themes of human experience, mental health, and societal pressures.
Journey through space and time with Pink Floyd's mind-bending "Dark Side of the Moon" documentary!

1984: Bob Geldof Organizes Live Aid Preparations
Bob Geldof continued organizing the historic Live Aid concert, which would become a massive global charity event raising funds for African famine relief. The concert would feature some of the biggest names in rock and pop music.
Relive the magic of Live Aid with this incredible Queen performance!

1991: Nirvana Releases "Nevermind" Single
Nirvana's single "Smells Like Teen Spirit" continued to dominate alternative rock charts, cementing the band's role in the grunge movement. The track revolutionized rock music and brought alternative rock into mainstream consciousness.
Feel the raw energy of Nirvana's groundbreaking "Smells Like Teen Spirit" music video!

2002: Bruce Springsteen Releases "The Rising"
Bruce Springsteen released his album "The Rising," a powerful response to the September 11th terrorist attacks. The album explored themes of loss, hope, and resilience, reflecting the national mood in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Experience the emotional impact of Bruce Springsteen's "The Rising" live performance!

🎂 Rock Star Birthdays

Billy Paul would have been 89 today. He was best known for his soulful hit "Me and Mrs. Jones," which topped the charts in 1972. Paul's unique blend of jazz and R&B influenced many artists across genres. Interestingly, he was one of the first African American artists to win a Grammy in the R&B category for a single.
Experience the smooth soul of Billy Paul with his iconic "Me and Mrs. Jones" performance on Soul Train!

Eric Bloom turns 79 today. As the lead vocalist and "stun guitarist" of Blue Öyster Cult, he's known for hits like "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" and "Burnin' for You." Bloom is also an avid science fiction fan and has incorporated sci-fi themes into many of the band's lyrics, adding a unique dimension to their music.
Rock out with Blue Öyster Cult's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" More Cowbell!

Gilbert O'Sullivan celebrates his 77th birthday today. The Irish singer-songwriter is best known for his 1972 hit "Alone Again (Naturally)," which topped the US charts for six weeks. Despite his stage name, O'Sullivan's real name is Raymond Edward O'Sullivan. He adopted the name Gilbert as a play on Gilbert and Sullivan.
Dive into the emotional depths of Gilbert O'Sullivan's heartfelt "Alone Again (Naturally)"!

Sandy Nelson turns 85 today. He was a pioneering rock 'n' roll drummer known for his instrumental hits "Teen Beat" and "Let There Be Drums." Nelson's drumming style influenced countless rock drummers who followed. Despite losing part of his right leg in a motorcycle accident in 1963, he continued his music career, showcasing remarkable resilience.
Experience the rhythmic genius of Sandy Nelson with his iconic "Let There Be Drums"!

🕊️ Remembering a Legend

Lee Dorsey died on December 1, 1986, at the age of 61. He was best known for his US Top Ten hits "Ya Ya" (#7 in 1961) and "Working In A Coal Mine" (#8 in 1966). Dorsey passed away from emphysema just three days before his 62nd birthday. Interestingly, he continued to release singles after 1966, but none managed to break into the Top 40. Groove to Lee Dorsey's infectious hit "Working In A Coal Mine"!

William Smith, vocalist and keyboard player for Motherlode, died on December 1, 1997, at the age of 53. He was best known for the band's hit "When I Die," which reached #18 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1969. Smith suffered a fatal heart attack. Motherlode was a Canadian group that blended rock, soul, and jazz influences in their music.
Experience the soulful sound of Motherlode with their hit "When I Die"!

🎧 Essential Track for Today

🎶 “Layla” by Derek and the Dominos
This iconic track captures Eric Clapton’s unrequited love and raw emotion, wrapped in unforgettable guitar riffs.
The story of Layla is much weirder than you thought…

🔦 Deep Track Spotlight

“Childhood’s End” by Pink Floyd
While not a household name like "Wish You Were Here," this track from the 1972 album Obscured by Clouds showcases Pink Floyd's transition into the progressive rock giants they became. Written by David Gilmour, the song features introspective lyrics and a hypnotic rhythm that foreshadows the band's later masterpieces.
Discover this hidden Pink Floyd gem here.

🌈 Rock & Roll Inspiration

In this world, I lock out
All my worries and my fears
In my room
In my room
Now it's dark and I'm alone
But I won't be afraid
In my room
In my room

Beach Boys - In My room

🤔 Trivia Answer:

The legendary riff in Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” was inspired by (stolen from?) the opening of Louis Jordan’s “Ain’t That Just Like a Woman” from 1946! Who said rock n roll started in the 1950s?
Hear the similarity between the two guitar riffs here

Have a Rockin’ Day!
Hippy Pete