🎸CLASSIC ROCK: Homemade Beatles cover | Pete Townshend’s 1969 Magic | Led Zeppelin Superfan |

What's Happenin' Classic Rock Fans?,

Today’s newsletter is bursting with exciting stories, from Pete Townshend reflecting on the magic of Thunderclap Newman to a fan with over 400 copies of Led Zeppelin’s debut album.

Plus, don’t miss Queen Latifah’s stunning tribute to the Grateful Dead! And an unusual Beatles Cover that’s a lot of fun! Scroll down for all the rock 'n' roll goodness you won't want to miss!

🤔 Rock Trivia Question: 

Which Grateful Dead song was originally written as a response to the band's eviction from their communal home in San Francisco?

📰 Classic Rock News

💿 Pete Townshend, the mastermind behind The Who, reminisces about the magical era of Thunderclap Newman and the groundbreaking rock opera "Tommy." It's a tale of unexpected success and enduring legacy, with Townshend's genius shining through in both projects.
Dive into the rock 'n' roll time machine and uncover the secrets of 1969

💿 In the heart of Estonia, a Led Zeppelin superfan has taken his passion to extraordinary heights. Oleg Korsunskiy boasts an astounding collection of over 400 vinyl copies of the band's debut album. But that's not all – his treasure trove extends to an impressive array of Led Zeppelin tribute albums.
Embark on a vinyl voyage through Oleg's unparalleled Led Zeppelin collection

💿 Prepare to be amazed by Fathom's one-woman Beatles cover of "I Am The Walrus." This ingenious musician crafts homemade instruments, including a "lyretar" made from a wine box and a drum fashioned from a retired pool toy. Her creativity knows no bounds in this 2024 Mystery Holiday Cover.
Experience the magic of Fathom's homemade Beatles tribute

💿 Queen Latifah surprised everyone at the Kennedy Center Honors with a dazzling rendition of the Grateful Dead's "Shakedown Street." The multi-talented artist, who hosted the ceremony, delivered an unexpected and spectacular tribute to the legendary band. Her performance was a highlight of the star-studded event.
Witness Queen Latifah's royal tribute to the Grateful Dead

📅 On This Day in Rock History

1956: Bill Haley and Little Richard star in the rock 'n' roll movie "Don't Knock The Rock," which opens in US theaters. The film aims to prove that rock music isn't harmful to teenagers. It features performances by both artists and tells the story of a DJ trying to convince parents of rock's innocence.
Watch the entire movie here

1962: Bill Wyman makes his live debut with The Rolling Stones (then known as The Rollin' Stones) at the Ricky Tick Club in Windsor, England. This marks the beginning of the classic Stones lineup that would go on to revolutionize rock music and become one of the most influential bands of all time.
Hear Bill Wyman tell his story about joining the Stones

1963: The Beatles' "I Want To Hold Your Hand" reaches #1 on the UK charts, replacing their own "She Loves You." This historic moment marks the first time a band has replaced themselves at the top spot, showcasing the unprecedented dominance of the Fab Four in their home country.
Experience the Beatles' chart-topping magic

1968: Marvin Gaye's "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This soulful masterpiece becomes Gaye's first chart-topper and remains on top for seven weeks. It's his 30th US chart single, cementing his status as one of Motown's biggest stars.
Groove to Marvin Gaye's timeless classic

1970: John Lennon's single "Instant Karma!" is certified Gold by the RIAA for sales of 500,000 copies. This marks Lennon's first Gold single as a solo artist, peaking at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song's success demonstrates Lennon's enduring popularity post-Beatles.
Witness John Lennon's solo brilliance

1979: The Clash release their seminal double album "London Calling." This groundbreaking record blends punk, reggae, rockabilly, and other genres, expanding the band's sound and cementing their place in rock history. It's widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time.
Dive into The Clash's masterpiece

1980: A worldwide 10-minute silent vigil is held for John Lennon, who was murdered a week earlier. Nearly 100,000 people gather in New York's Central Park, while 30,000 assemble in Liverpool. The event showcases the immense impact Lennon had on fans around the globe.
Join the moving tribute to a music legend

1999: Paul McCartney performs at The Cavern Club in Liverpool, where The Beatles got their start. Only 300 lucky fans witness this intimate gig, billed as McCartney's "last gig of the millennium." He's joined by friends David Gilmour of Pink Floyd and Ian Paice of Deep Purple.
Travel back in time with Macca at The Cavern

2004: Thousands attend a memorial service for Dimebag Darrell in Arlington, Texas. Fellow rock legends Eddie Van Halen, Jerry Cantrell, and Zakk Wylde pay tribute to the fallen Pantera guitarist. Van Halen shares a heartfelt voicemail from Darrell, highlighting his impact on the metal community.
Witness the emotional farewell to a guitar hero

2019: Rod Stewart becomes the oldest male solo artist to have a #1 album on the UK charts with "You're In My Heart." At 74 years old, Stewart proves his enduring popularity and ability to connect with audiences across generations, showcasing the timeless appeal of his music.
Celebrate Rod Stewart's record-breaking achievement

🎂 Rock Star Birthdays

Cliff Williams (Age 74): The legendary bassist of AC/DC, Cliff is best known for his rock-solid grooves on hits like "Back in Black" and "T.N.T." Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2003, Williams has been a cornerstone of the band’s iconic sound since 1977.
Feel the power of AC/DC with this electrifying live performance

Jackie McAuley (Age 77): A versatile Northern Irish musician, Jackie is best known for his work with Them, The Belfast Gypsies, and Trader Horne. He shared stages with legends like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones during his time with Them. McAuley's diverse career spans from garage rock to psych-folk, showcasing his adaptability as an artist.
Experience Jackie McAuley's musical journey with this live performance

Mike Scott (Age 65): The driving force behind The Waterboys, Mike Scott is celebrated for his poetic songwriting and hits like "The Whole of the Moon." A pioneer of the "Big Music" sound, Scott also founded his own label, Puck Records, showcasing his creative independence.
Watch The Waterboys captivate audiences in this live performance

Tim Sköld (Age 58): An industrial metal icon, Tim is known for collaborations with Marilyn Manson, Shotgun Messiah, and KMFDM. Transitioning from glam metal to industrial rock, Sköld’s dynamic career has made him a standout figure in alternative music.
Catch Tim Sköld’s commanding stage presence here

🕊️ Remembering a Legend:

Dinah Washington died at age 39 in 1963. Known as the "Queen of the Blues," she was famous for hits like "Evil Gal Blues" and "What a Diff'rence a Day Makes." Washington's career spanned jazz, blues, and R&B, making her one of the most popular black female recording artists of the 1950s. She died from an accidental overdose of barbiturates.
Experience the timeless voice of Dinah Washington

Kurt Winter passed away at 51 in 1997. He was the lead guitarist for The Guess Who and co-wrote their hit song "Clap for the Wolfman." Winter penned other popular tracks like "Bus Rider" and "Hand Me Down World." His death was attributed to kidney failure due to excessive alcohol use.
Watch The Guess Who perform live with Kurt Winter

Phil Chen died at 75 in 2021. He was best known for his work with Rod Stewart, particularly on the hit song "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy." Chen was a prolific session bassist who played with rock legends like Eric Clapton and members of The Doors. He passed away after battling cancer.
Groove to Phil Chen's iconic bassline

🤔 Trivia Answer: 

"Shakedown Street" was written in 1978 partly in response to the Grateful Dead being evicted from their communal home at 710 Ashbury Street in San Francisco.

Have a Rockin' Day!
Hippy Pete