🎸CLASSIC ROCK: Lennon's Family Album | Gaga Rocks AC/DC | Stevie's Heartbreak

What's Happenin' Classic Rock Fans?,

Today's newsletter has heartwarming snapshots of John Lennon as a dad, Lady Gaga belting out AC/DC with Brian Johnson, Stevie Nicks opening up about a song that still tugs at her heartstrings, and Dua Lipa dazzling at the Royal Albert Hall with Elton John. Ready to rock?

🤔 Rock Trivia Question: 

Which rock star's parent invented Whiteout, the correction fluid used to cover up typing mistakes?

📰 Classic Rock News

💿 The Sweetest Photos of John Lennon with His Two Sons
Even as a global icon, John Lennon was just "Dad" to Julian and Sean. A heartwarming collection of photos reveals tender moments between the legendary Beatle and his two sons, showcasing his softer side amidst the chaos of fame. It's a touching reminder of the man behind the music.
Take a nostalgic trip through John Lennon's family album! 

💿 Lady Gaga Rocks Out with AC/DC’s Brian Johnson
What happens when pop queen Lady Gaga meets rock royalty? Pure magic! In a surprise Carpool Karaoke Christmas special, Gaga belted out AC/DC's "Highway to Hell" alongside the legendary Brian Johnson. This epic duet proves that rock 'n' roll knows no boundaries.
Catch the full story here! 

💿 Stevie Nicks Reflects on a Heartbreaking Song
For Stevie Nicks, some songs never lose their sting. One track in particular still reminds her of her emotional breakup with Lindsey Buckingham during Fleetwood Mac's tumultuous heyday. Decades later, the raw emotions tied to this song remain as powerful as ever.
Discover which song still haunts Stevie Nicks! 

💿 Dua Lipa Shines at Royal Albert Hall with Elton John
Dua Lipa dazzled fans in her CBS special, performing hits with a 53-piece orchestra at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall. The night became even more magical when Elton John joined her for their duet "Cold Heart." It was a dream come true for Dua—and her fans!
See where you can watch the special

📅 On This Day in Rock History

1954: Bill Haley And His Comets put the first Rock and Roll song on the UK singles chart with "Rock Around The Clock", which would later peak at number 4. This milestone marked the beginning of rock and roll's influence in Britain, paving the way for the British Invasion that would follow a decade later.
Experience the birth of rock and roll with this electrifying performance!

1955: The Platters' "The Great Pretender" enters the Billboard R&B chart at #13. The song would go on to reach #1 on Billboard's Top 100 and #5 on the UK charts. In 2004, it was ranked 360th in The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time by Rolling Stone, cementing its place in music history.
Relive the magic of The Platters with this unforgettable live performance!

1963: James Carroll of WWDC in Washington, D.C. became the first disc jockey to play a Beatles song in America ("I Want To Hold Your Hand"). The demand was so great that the song was played hourly. This moment marked the beginning of Beatlemania in the United States.
Witness the song that started the British Invasion in America!

1966: Paul McCartney recorded "Penny Lane" at EMI Studios in London. The song, along with "Strawberry Fields Forever," would be released as a double A-side single in February 1967. These tracks marked a significant shift in The Beatles' sound, showcasing their evolving psychedelic style.
Take a magical musical tour down Penny Lane with this classic performance!

1971: John Lennon appeared at a benefit at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York for families of the victims of the Attica State Prison riots. This performance showcased Lennon's commitment to social causes and his willingness to use his fame for activism.
Watch John Lennon's powerful performance for a worthy cause!

1977: Elvis Costello appeared on NBC-TV's Saturday Night Live, where he defied producers by playing "Radio Radio" instead of the approved "Less Than Zero." This rebellious act got him banned from the show for over a decade but cemented his reputation as a fearless, unpredictable artist.
Witness the infamous moment that got Elvis Costello banned from SNL!

1982: Karen Carpenter made her last public appearance, singing Christmas carols for her godchildren and friends at Buckley School in Sherman Oaks, California. Tragically, she would pass away just two months later, on February 4, 1983, at the age of 32 due to complications from anorexia nervosa.
Remember Karen Carpenter's angelic voice with this touching performance!

1994: Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones decided to keep a guitar he was asked to autograph outside his birthday party at the Russian Tea Room in New York City. The owner of the guitar chose not to press charges, saying, "It's Keith, man," exemplifying the rock star's legendary status.
Rock out with Keith Richards in this electrifying guitar performance!

2010: Sir Paul McCartney performed an intimate lunchtime gig at the 100 Club on London's Oxford Street, a historic music venue threatened with closure. Around 300 fans were treated to a set lasting almost two hours, in McCartney's smallest UK gig in nearly 10 years.
Experience the intimacy of Paul McCartney's surprise club performance!

2021: Rod Stewart and his son Sean pleaded guilty to battery in an assault case stemming from a New Year's Eve 2019 altercation with a security guard at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. Neither were sentenced to jail time or fines, avoiding a potentially damaging trial for the rock legend.
Enjoy Rod Stewart's timeless charm in this classic live performance!

🎂 Rock Star Birthdays

Paul Rodgers turns 75 in 2024. He's best known as the vocalist for Free and Bad Company, with hits like "All Right Now" and "Can't Get Enough". Rodgers also formed The Firm with Jimmy Page and later performed with Queen. He's been called "The Voice" due to his powerful and soulful singing style.
Experience the legendary voice of Paul Rodgers in this electrifying performance!

Mike Mills celebrates his 66th birthday in 2024. He's the bassist and backing vocalist for R.E.M., known for hits like "Losing My Religion" and "Shiny Happy People". Interestingly, Mills is a multi-instrumentalist who also played piano and keyboards on many R.E.M. tracks, contributing significantly to their distinctive sound.
Watch Mike Mills showcase his musical versatility in this classic R.E.M. performance!

Bob Stinson would have been 65 in 2024. He was the original guitarist for The Replacements, known for their influential role in alternative rock. Stinson's wild guitar style was crucial to the band's early punk sound. Sadly, he struggled with addiction and was fired from the band in 1986, passing away in 1995 at the age of 35.
Witness Bob Stinson's raw energy in this rare live footage of The Replacements!

Jim Hodder would have been 77 in 2024. He was the original drummer for Steely Dan, playing on their first three albums including the hit "Reelin' in the Years". Hodder also provided lead vocals on "Midnight Cruiser" from their debut album. Tragically, he drowned in his swimming pool in 1990 at the age of 42.
Listen to Jim Hodder's drumming prowess on this classic Steely Dan track!

Paul Butterfield would have been 82 in 2024. He was a pioneering blues harmonica player and singer, leading The Paul Butterfield Blues Band. Butterfield was instrumental in bringing Chicago blues to white audiences in the 1960s. Notably, he performed at both the Monterey Pop Festival and Woodstock.
Experience Paul Butterfield's harmonica mastery in this vintage performance!

🕊️ Remembering a Legend:

Rex Allen died on December 17, 1999 at the age of 78. Known as 'the Arizona Cowboy', Allen was a musician and actor best known for narrating many Disney nature and Western productions. He had a US Top 20 hit with "Don't Go Near The Indians" in 1962. Tragically, Allen died after suffering a heart attack and was accidentally run over in his driveway by his caretaker. He was the last of the Hollywood singing cowboy stars, making over 30 films for Republic Studios.
Experience the golden voice of Rex Allen in this classic performance!

Dennis Payton, saxophonist for The Dave Clark Five, passed away on December 17, 2004 at the age of 63. He was a key member of the band during their hit-making days of the British Invasion. The Dave Clark Five placed nineteen songs on the UK Top 40 and seventeen on the US Top 40. Payton died of cancer, leaving behind a legacy of influential rock music that helped shape the sound of the 1960s.
Relive the British Invasion with this electrifying Dave Clark Five performance!

Don Van Vliet, better known as Captain Beefheart, died on December 17, 2010 at the age of 69. He was a rock legend known for his unique style of blues-inspired, experimental rock 'n' roll. His album "Trout Mask Replica" was ranked #58 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Van Vliet passed away from complications related to multiple sclerosis, leaving behind a body of work that continues to influence avant-garde musicians.
Dive into the eccentric world of Captain Beefheart with this mind-bending performance!

🤔 Trivia Answer: 

A: Mike Nesmith of The Monkees. His mother, Bette Nesmith Graham, invented Liquid Paper (Whiteout) in 1956.

Have a Rockin' Day!
Hippy Pete