🎸CLASSIC ROCK🎸 Hey Jude Turns 57 | New Paul McCartney Doc | Rolling Stones Banned Song...

Good Morning Classic Rock Fans!,

In today's Classic Rock Newsletter, we've got The Beatles' "Hey Jude" hitting a milestone anniversary, Paul McCartney's intimate post-Beatles documentary coming to Amazon, The Rolling Stones' controversial banned single from '57 years ago, The Who's triumphant farewell in NYC, and the story of three bands that made it big in 1967 then vanished without a trace. And more Classic Rock…

🤔 Trivia Question:

What new recording technique was used for "Hey Jude" that was a first for The Beatles?

📰 Classic Rock News:

💿 Can you believe it's been 57 years since The Beatles dropped "Hey Jude"? This seven-minute masterpiece, originally written by Paul McCartney to comfort John Lennon's young son Julian during his parents' divorcebspent nine weeks at #1 in America. The song that started as "Hey Jules" became their longest single ever and remains one of the greatest songs in rock history.
Discover the incredible story behind this timeless anthem

💿 Paul McCartney fans are in for a treat as Amazon snagged the documentary "Man on the Run," chronicling Macca's post-Beatles years with Wings and his late wife Linda. Directed by Academy Award winner Morgan Neville, this intimate film features never-before-seen home footage and will hit Prime Video on February 25, 2026. It's being called the definitive document of Paul's triumphant musical rebirth.
Get the inside scoop on this must-see documentary

💿 On this day in 1968, The Rolling Stones released "Street Fighting Man," a controversial tune that was banned by radio stations and later disowned by Mick Jagger himself. Born from the violent protests Mick and Keith Richards witnessed in Paris and London, the song barely cracked the Top 50 due to radio bans, especially in Chicago following the Democratic National Convention riots. Keith still calls it one of his favorites, while Mick admitted he doesn't really like it anymore.
Dive into the explosive story of this banned Stones classic

💿 The Who delivered what might be their final New York City performance at Madison Square Garden, and it was absolutely triumphant. Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey proved that even in their 80s, they can still bring the thunder. Townshend threw in some classic windmills, Daltrey's voice remained strong, and they closed with an emotional "Tea & Theatre" that had Roger draping his arm around his longtime partner's shoulder after 64 years together.
Experience the magic of The Who's farewell performance

💿 Ever wonder what happened to those bands that had their moment in 1967 then disappeared? We're talking about Strawberry Alarm Clock (remember "Incense and Peppermints"?), The Blues Magoos with their proto-punk gem "(We Ain't Got) Nothin' Yet," and The Parade who gave us "Sunshine Girl." Lineup changes, management disputes, and the fickle nature of fame sent these one-hit wonders into obscurity, though some have reunited decades later.
Uncover the mystery of 1967's vanishing rock stars

📅 On This Day in Rock History

1965: The Hollies released their self-titled album, establishing them as one of Britain's premier harmony groups. This album helped cement their reputation for pristine vocal arrangements and catchy melodies that would influence countless bands throughout the '60s and beyond. The album included hits like "I'm Alive" and showcased their distinctive 12-string guitar sound.
Watch The Hollies perform their classic harmonies on TV

1974: Jackson Browne released "Late for the Sky," a masterwork of introspective singer-songwriter artistry. This album showcased Browne's ability to blend personal reflection with universal themes, featuring lush orchestrations and some of his most emotionally resonant writing. The Library of Congress later deemed it "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."
Experience Jackson Browne's songwriting genius in this full album

1975: The Grateful Dead released "Blues for Allah," marking the return of drummer Mickey Hart to the band after a five-year absence. This album represented the Dead's exploration of jazz fusion and world music influences, with Mickey's percussion weaving field recordings of crickets into a rich, immersive tapestry of sound.
Dive into the Grateful Dead's experimental phase with Mickey Hart

1978: Styx unleashed "Pieces of Eight," their triple-platinum monster that gave us "Renegade" and "Blue Collar Man." This was Tommy Shaw's tour de force moment and represented the band's last progressive-leaning project before their shift toward arena rock theatrics. The album perfectly balanced their prog roots with mainstream appeal.
Rock out to Styx's progressive masterpiece

1979: U2 released their very first record, the "U2-3" EP, in Ireland only. Limited to 1,000 hand-numbered copies, it featured "Out of Control," "Stories for Boys," and "Boy-Girl." This humble beginning would launch one of rock's most enduring and influential bands from Dublin's club scene to global superstardom.
Witness the birth of U2's legendary career

1982: The Who released "It's Hard," which they announced would be their final album. While that obviously didn't stick, it marked the end of an era as their last studio effort with drummer Kenney Jones and their supposed farewell to recording. The album featured "Eminence Front" and proved they could still rock hard.
Explore The Who's "farewell" album live in Toronto

1989: Mötley Crüe dropped "Dr. Feelgood," their best-selling album and first recorded completely sober. This six-times platinum masterpiece proved the Crüe could create their heaviest, most focused material without chemical assistance, spawning hits like "Kickstart My Heart" and the title track that celebrated their newfound clarity.
Feel the power of Mötley Crüe's greatest achievement

Barry Gibb turns 79 today! The Bee Gees mastermind and eldest Gibb brother was born on the Isle of Man and became one of the most successful songwriters in history. Barry's falsetto helped define the disco era with "Saturday Night Fever," but his earlier work with his brothers showcased incredible harmony and songwriting depth that influenced generations of musicians from pop to country.
Celebrate Barry Gibb's incredible musical legacy

Bruce Foxton celebrates his 70th birthday today! The Jam's powerhouse bassist laid down some of the most melodic and driving bass lines in punk and mod revival history. His playing was the rhythmic foundation that allowed Paul Weller's songs to soar, and his energetic stage presence made him a role model for bass players everywhere. His work on classics like "Down in the Tube Station at Midnight" remains legendary.
Learn the secrets of Bruce Foxton's bass mastery

Have a Rockin' Day!
Hippy Pete