🎸CLASSIC ROCK: Led Zeppelin Trailer | Dylan on His Biopic | Grateful Dead Giving

It’s another rockin’ day, and we’ve got a newsletter packed with the best stories and music memories to keep your love for classic rock alive! From Led Zeppelin’s early days in a new documentary trailer to Bob Dylan weighing in on his upcoming biopic, today’s stories will make you want to grab your favorite band tee and turn up the volume.

And wait until you read about the Grateful Dead’s decades of giving back. There’s more, of course — The Rolling Stones, John Lennon, Elton John, and even a jazz legend make appearances. Keep scrolling for all the unforgettable moments!

🤔 Rock Trivia Question: 

Which legendary Classic Rock album was originally supposed to be titled “Everest” before the band decided on something more down-to-earth? (Answer below!)

📰 Classic Rock News

💿 Here is the new trailer for ‘Becoming Led Zeppelin’
The long-awaited documentary chronicling the origins of Led Zeppelin has dropped a thrilling new trailer, showcasing rare archival footage and interviews. Fans are already calling it a must-watch for any rock enthusiast.
Get a first look at the trailer for ‘Becoming Led Zeppelin’

💿 Bob Dylan Praises Timothée Chalamet as a ‘Brilliant Actor’
The legendary Bob Dylan finally shared his thoughts on the biopic “A Complete Unknown,” starring Timothée Chalamet as a young Dylan navigating New York’s folk scene. Dylan believes Chalamet will be “completely believable.” Are you ready to see Dylan’s journey come to life?
Hear Bob Dylan’s take on his upcoming biopic

💿 Grateful Dead Members Celebrate Six Decades of Giving Back
The surviving members of Grateful Dead reflect on their 60 years of philanthropy as they are named MusiCares’ 2025 Persons of the Year. From charity concerts to community outreach, they’ve proven that music and generosity go hand in hand.
Learn how the Grateful Dead have made an impact for six decades

📅 On This Day in Rock History

1965: The Rolling Stones record "19th Nervous Breakdown" and "Mother's Little Helper" at RCA's Hollywood Studios in Los Angeles. These tracks would become major hits for the band, with "19th Nervous Breakdown" reaching #2 in the US and #1 in the UK, while "Mother's Little Helper" peaked at #8 on the Hot 100.
Relive the Rolling Stones' classic '60s sound!

1966: The Beatles begin working on "When I'm Sixty-Four" for their upcoming album "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band". Paul McCartney later revealed that it was one of the first songs he ever wrote, around the age of fourteen. The song would become a beloved track on the groundbreaking album.
Journey back to the '60s with The Beatles' charming "When I'm Sixty-Four"

1968: The Rolling Stones release their seventh UK studio album, "Beggars Banquet". This album marked a return to their blues roots and included classic tracks like "Sympathy for the Devil" and "Street Fighting Man". It was their first collaboration with producer Jimmy Miller, who would shape some of the band's most successful projects.Dive into the revolutionary sound of "Sympathy for the Devil"

1969: The Altamont Free Concert, headlined by The Rolling Stones, takes place at Altamont Speedway in Northern California. The event turned tragically violent when a fan was stabbed to death by Hells Angels security, while another man drowned, two were killed in a hit-and-run, and two babies were born.Uncover the shocking truth behind the Altamont Free Concert

1975: Reverend Charles Boykin in Tallahassee, Florida, organizes the burning of Elton John and The Rolling Stones records, claiming they were "sinful". Elton John simultaneously reaches #1 with "Island Girl", a controversial track that would later be criticized for its problematic lyrics about a Caribbean woman.

1978: Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious, out on bail for the murder of his girlfriend Nancy Spungen, smashes a glass in the face of Patti Smith's brother Todd Smith during a fight at New York City club Hurrah. This incident further cemented Vicious's reputation as a volatile figure in the punk rock scene.
Watch the raw energy of punk rock's most notorious band

1980: Two days before his tragic murder, John Lennon gives his final interview to BBC Radio 1. In the interview with DJ Andy Peebles, Lennon expresses his appreciation for the privacy he enjoys living in New York City, unaware of the tragic events that would unfold just 48 hours later.
Listen to this John Lennon's poignant last interview

1986: Europe reaches #1 on the UK singles chart with "The Final Countdown". The song, inspired by David Bowie's "Space Oddity", became a massive hit, reaching the top spot in 25 countries. It remains one of the most recognizable rock anthems of the 1980s.
Blast off with Europe's epic "The Final Countdown"

1994: The Beatles release "Live At The BBC", a double album featuring 69 tracks recorded for various BBC radio shows. The album showcases the band's early performances and covers, providing fans with a treasure trove of previously unreleased material.
Journey through The Beatles' early years with rare recordings

2007: Michael Jackson collapses during rehearsals for his HBO special "Michael Jackson: One Night Only" at The Beacon Theater in New York. He is treated for dehydration, highlighting the physical toll of his demanding performances.
Watch Michael Jackson's powerful "Earth Song" performance

🎂 Rock Star Birthdays

Dave Brubeck (Born 1920, would have been 103)
The legendary jazz pianist is best known for his innovative quartet and the hit "Take Five." Brubeck was a pioneer in using unusual time signatures in jazz and was one of the first American musicians to tour the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
Experience the cool jazz of Dave Brubeck's "Take Five"

Ira Gershwin (Born 1896, would have been 127)
As one of the most celebrated lyricists of the 20th century, he collaborated with his brother George on numerous classic songs, including "Summertime" and "I Got Rhythm." Ira continued to work after George's death, partnering with composers like Kurt Weill and Jerome Kern.
Discover the timeless magic of Gershwin's "Summertime"

Peter Buck (Born 1956, turns 67)
As the guitarist for R.E.M., he helped shape the sound of alternative rock with his distinctive jangly guitar style. Buck is known for his vast record collection and has been a producer and collaborator for numerous other artists.
Relive R.E.M.'s iconic performance of "Losing My Religion"

Ben Watt (Born 1962, turns 61)
As one half of the alt-rock duo Everything But The Girl, Watt is known for his songwriting and production skills. After the band's hiatus, he became a successful club DJ and label owner, showcasing his versatility in the music industry.
Groove to Everything But The Girl's "Missing"

Ulf Ekberg (Born 1971, turns 53)
As a founding member of Swedish pop group Ace of Base, he co-wrote many of their international hits. Ekberg's background in marketing helped the band become one of the best-selling pop groups of the 1990s.
Dance along to Ace of Base's catchy "The Sign"

🕊️ Remembering a Legend

Roy Orbison died on December 6, 1988, at the age of 52. Known for his distinctive, powerful voice and hits like "Oh, Pretty Woman," Orbison was a pioneer of rock and roll. He suffered a fatal heart attack after spending the day flying model airplanes with his sons and having dinner at his mother's home. Orbison had recently regained popularity as a member of the supergroup The Traveling Wilburys.
Experience the haunting beauty of Roy Orbison's voice in "Crying"

Huw Lloyd-Langton, guitarist for Hawkwind, died on December 6, 2012, at the age of 61. Lloyd-Langton was known for his distinctive guitar work that helped shape Hawkwind's space rock sound. He battled cancer for several years before his death. Despite leaving the band in 1980, he continued to collaborate with them throughout his career.
Journey through space with Hawkwind's mesmerizing "Silver Machine"

Lead Belly (Huddie Ledbetter) died on December 6, 1949, at the age of 61. A legendary folk and blues musician, Lead Belly was known for his powerful vocals and 12-string guitar playing. He influenced countless artists across various genres. Lead Belly died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. His song "Goodnight, Irene" became a posthumous hit.
Discover the raw power of Lead Belly's "Where Did You Sleep Last Night"

🎧 Essential Track for Today

Sympathy for the Devil – The Rolling Stones
An anthem of rebellion, this track from “Beggars Banquet” dives deep into history and humanity’s darker side.
Immerse yourself in this iconic track

🔦 Deep Track Spotlight

Good Night – The Beatles
A lesser-known gem, this lullaby from the White Album features a rare lead vocal by Ringo Starr, backed by lush orchestration.
Discover this heartfelt deep track

🌈 Rock & Roll Inspiration

Saving nickels, saving dimes,
working 'till the sun don't shine
Looking forward to happier times
on Blue Bayou
I'm going back some day
come what may to Blue Bayou

Where you sleep all day
and the catfish play on Blue Bayou
All those fishing boats with their sails afloat
if I could only see
That familiar sunrise
through sleepy eyes,
how happy I'd be

Roy Orbision - Blue Bayou

🤔 Trivia Answer: 

“Everest” was the working title for The Beatles’ album “Abbey Road” before the band opted for a simpler, iconic name inspired by the nearby street.

Have a Rockin' Day!
Hippy Pete