🎸CLASSIC ROCK: Sean on John & Yoko | Lucinda Covers Beatles | Ray Davies Record Shopping...

What’s Happening Classic Rock Fans?,

Today’s newsletter covers everything from Sean Lennon reflecting on John and Yoko’s unshakable bond to Keith Richards’ unexpected tuba talents. Plus, we’ll revisit the Million Dollar Quartet, Led Zeppelin IV, and even some Beatles covers straight from Abbey Road. Let’s dive in!

🤔 Rock Trivia Question: 

Which Led Zeppelin album cover features no title, no band name, and just a framed painting of an old man carrying sticks?

📰 Classic Rock News

💿 Sean Lennon on Yoko Ono’s Unshakable Love
During a recent interview, Sean Ono Lennon shared how his father, John Lennon, still deeply influences his mother, Yoko Ono, decades after his passing. Speaking about a special reissue of Mind Games, Sean revealed Yoko has “never moved on.”
Listen to Sean’s heartfelt reflections here.

💿 Keith Richards and the Tuba Incident
Only in the '60s could you find Keith Richards playing a tuba on TV while his manager professes love for Mick Jagger—and yes, this actually happened! This surreal story involves snobbish hotel clerks and a young Cher finding her big break thanks to Mick.
Get the full story behind this unforgettable moment.

💿 Dave Davies Digs Deep for Vinyl
The Kinks’ guitarist Dave Davies recently went record shopping, sharing his eclectic picks and insights into the music that shaped him. From old favorites to unexpected gems, his list is a must-see for collectors.
Watch Dave Davies' vinyl adventure here.

💿 Lucinda Williams Takes on The Beatles
Covering The Beatles is no small feat, but Lucinda Williams didn’t just sing their hits—she recorded them at Abbey Road! With only three days in the studio, she turned a daunting task into a heartfelt tribute.
Hear Lucinda’s take on Abbey Road magic.

📅 On This Day in Rock History

1956: The legendary "Million Dollar Quartet" session took place at Sun Records in Memphis. Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins came together for an impromptu jam session, recording gospel standards and other songs. This unplanned gathering of rock 'n' roll pioneers became a historic moment in music history.
Experience the magic of the Million Dollar Quartet

1964: The Beatles released their fourth studio album, "Beatles For Sale" in the UK. The album showcased the band's evolving sound and songwriting, featuring hits like "Eight Days a Week" and "I'm a Loser". It topped the UK charts for 11 weeks, further solidifying The Beatles' dominance in the music scene.
Relive the Beatles' magic with "Eight Days a Week"

1965: The Byrds reached #1 on the US charts with their iconic song "Turn! Turn! Turn!". Written by Pete Seeger with lyrics from the Book of Ecclesiastes, the song became an anthem of the 1960s. Its success demonstrated The Byrds' ability to blend folk and rock music.Let The Byrds take you back in time

1971: Led Zeppelin began a two-week run at the top of the UK album chart with their untitled fourth album, commonly known as "Led Zeppelin IV". The album featured the iconic eight-minute track "Stairway to Heaven" and became one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Experience the magic of "Stairway to Heaven" live

1976: Tommy Bolin, guitarist for Deep Purple, died from a drug overdose in Miami at the age of 25. Bolin had just finished opening for Jeff Beck at the Jai-Alai Fronton. His untimely death marked a tragic loss for the rock community.
Remember Tommy Bolin's incredible talent

1980: Led Zeppelin officially announced they would not continue as a band following the death of their drummer, John Bonham. This decision marked the end of one of rock's most influential and successful groups, though they would reunite for occasional performances in later years.
Led Zeppelin Interview The Death Of John Bonham

1988: Roy Orbison performed his last concert in Akron, Ohio, concluding with "Running Scared". The legendary singer, known for his distinctive voice and emotional ballads, tragically passed away from heart failure just two days later.
Watch Roy Orbison's final performance

🎂 Rock Star Birthdays

Chris Hillman, born in 1944, turns 80 this year. He's best known as a founding member of The Byrds, who had the 1965 UK & US No.1 single "Mr Tambourine Man". Hillman was a key figure in the development of country rock and later became a member of the Flying Burrito Brothers. An interesting fact is that he started his musical career as a mandolin player in bluegrass bands before switching to bass for The Byrds.
Experience the jangle-pop magic of The Byrds' "Mr. Tambourine Man"

Dennis Wilson, also born in 1944, would have been 80 this year. He was the drummer and co-founder of The Beach Boys, known for their 1966 UK & US No.1 single "Good Vibrations". An interesting fact about Dennis is that he was the only true surfer in the Beach Boys, despite the band's image. Tragically, Wilson drowned in 1983 while swimming from his boat after a day of heavy drinking.
Ride the wave of nostalgia with The Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations"

Gary Rossington, born in 1951, would have been 72 this year. He was a founding member and guitarist of the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, known for their 1974 US No. 8 single "Sweet Home Alabama". An interesting fact about Rossington is that he survived the 1977 plane crash that killed several band members, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant. Rossington passed away on March 5, 2023, at the age of 71.
Feel the southern rock spirit with Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Sweet Home Alabama"

Jay-Z, born Shawn Carter in 1969, turns 55 this year. While not a classic rock artist, Jay-Z has become one of the most influential figures in hip-hop and has often collaborated with and sampled classic rock artists. He's known for his 1998 UK No.2 single "Hard Knock Life". An interesting fact is that Jay-Z and his wife Beyoncé have an estimated combined net worth of $1.16 billion.
Witness the rise of a hip-hop legend with Jay-Z's "Hard Knock Life"

🕊️ Remembering a Legend

Frank Zappa died on December 4, 1993, at the age of 52 from prostate cancer. He was a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer best known for his experimental and avant-garde approach to rock music. Zappa's vast and varied work included free-form improvisations, sound experiments with non-traditional instruments, and biting lyrical satire of modern society. An interesting fact is that he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997.
Experience the musical genius of Frank Zappa

Tommy Bolin, guitarist for Deep Purple, died on December 4, 1976, at the age of 25 from a drug overdose. Bolin was known for his brief but impactful tenure with Deep Purple, as well as his work with The James Gang and his solo career. An interesting fact is that Bolin had just finished opening for Jeff Beck at the Jai-Alai Fronton in Miami on the night of his death. His untimely passing marked a tragic loss for the rock community.
Witness Tommy Bolin's incredible guitar skills

🎧 Essential Track for Today

“Eight Days a Week” by The Beatles
A love song for the ages, this Beatles For Sale classic captures the exuberance of young love.
Feel the joy of “Eight Days a Week.”

🔦 Deep Track Spotlight

“I’m a Loser” by The Beatles
This introspective tune from Beatles For Sale hints at the depth of John Lennon’s songwriting evolution.
Hear the Beatles I’m a Loser Live on Shindig

🌈 Rock & Roll Inspiration

To everything turn, turn, turn
There is a season turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose under Heaven
A time to buid up, a time to break down
A time to dance, a time to mourn
A time to cast away stones
A time to gather stones together

The Byrds - Turn Turn Turn

🤔 Trivia Answer: 

The Led Zeppelin IV cover features no band name or title, just the iconic painting of an old man carrying sticks.

Have a Rockin' Day!
Hippy Pete