🎸CLASSIC ROCK: RIP George Harrison | Beatles 64 Now On Disney | Blue Öyster Cult's Cowbell

What’s Happening Classic Rock Fans?,

Remembering the passing of George Harrison today. Plus, The Beatles' 64 is now on Disney+ and Queen’s monumental UK No.1. And let’s not forget Ringo Starr’s biopic buzz or the amusing cowbell dilema for Blue Öyster Cult. Ready to rock? Scroll on!

🤔 Rock Trivia Question:

What pseudonym did George Harrison use when he played guitar on Cream’s song “Badge”? (Scroll down for the answer).

📰 Classic Rock News

💿 The Beatles Take Disney+:
Relive the thrill of The Beatles' historic 1964 journey to America in the new Disney+ documentary The Beatles '64, out this weekend! With rare footage, fresh interviews, and a nostalgic dive into the Fab Four’s Ed Sullivan Show debut, this is a must-see for Beatles lovers.
Check out the documentary details here.

💿 Ringo Starr’s Biopic Buzz:
Rumors are swirling as Ringo Starr hints at actor Barry Keoghan taking drum lessons for a role in an upcoming Beatles biopic directed by Sam Mendes. While casting isn’t official, Ringo’s excitement about the project has fans on the edge of their seats!
Read more about Ringo’s thoughts here.

💿 Blue Öyster Cult: More Cowbell Lives On:
Blue Öyster Cult guitarist Buck Dharma revealed how the infamous Saturday Night Live “More Cowbell” sketch influenced their live shows. Fans now expect—and get—more cowbell at every gig!
Discover the cowbell legacy here.

💿 Andy Paley Remembered:
Andy Paley, collaborator with Brian Wilson, Madonna, and The Ramones, has passed away at 72. Known for scoring SpongeBob SquarePants and other TV classics, Paley’s contributions will resonate for generations.
Celebrate his legacy here.

📅 On This Day in Rock History

1963: The Beatles released “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” a single that shattered records with over a million pre-orders.
Watch their unforgettable Ed Sullivan performance here.

1965: The Rolling Stones celebrated “Rolling Stones Day” in Colorado, declared by Governor John A. Love, while performing at The Denver Coliseum.
Watch a live '65 Stones performance.

1967: Bob Dylan finished recording his legendary album John Wesley Harding, which includes tracks like “I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight.”
Hear the full album here.

1969: The Beatles hit No.1 in the U.S. with the double-sided single “Come Together” and “Something.”
Watch “Come Together” here.

1975: Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” began its nine-week reign at the top of the UK charts.
Revisit the iconic music video.

1980: John Lennon and Yoko Ono released Double Fantasy, an album remembered both for its artistry and Lennon’s tragic passing shortly after.
Hear the full album here.

1980: ABBA scored their final UK No.1 with “Super Trouper.”
Watch the official video here.

1986: Bon Jovi topped the Billboard Hot 100 with “You Give Love A Bad Name,” their first chart-topping hit.
Watch the electrifying music video here.

🎂 Rock Star Birthdays

🎉 John Mayall turns 91!
John Mayall is best known as the "Father of British Blues" and for his influential band, the Bluesbreakers, which featured legendary musicians like Eric Clapton, Mick Taylor, and Peter Green. An interesting fact about Mayall is that his musical career spans over six decades, and he continues to tour and record new music well into his 90s.
Watch “So Many Roads” live here.

🎉 Felix Cavaliere turns 82!
Felix Cavaliere celebrates his 82nd birthday on November 29th. He's best known as the keyboardist and lead vocalist of The Rascals (initially known as The Young Rascals), who had US No.1 hits like "Good Lovin'" and "Groovin'". Before forming The Rascals, he was a touring member of Joey Dee and the Starliters, the house band at the famous Peppermint Lounge in New York City.
Relive “Groovin’” here.

🎉 Denny Doherty would be 84!
Denny Doherty, born on November 29th, 1940, would have been 84 today. He was best known as a founding member of the iconic folk-rock group The Mamas & the Papas, who had hits like "California Dreamin'" and "Monday Monday". He started his musical career in 1956 with a band called the Hepsters and later formed a friendship with Cass Elliot when she was part of a group called The Big 3, years before they would become bandmates in The Mamas & the Papas.
Listen to “Monday Monday” here.

🎉 Chuck Mangione turns 84!
Chuck Mangione, born on November 29th, 1940, turns 84 today. He's best known as a jazz flugelhorn player, composer, and bandleader, with his most famous hit being the instrumental "Feels So Good". An intriguing fact about Mangione is that he once appeared as himself in several episodes of the animated TV series "King of the Hill," where his music and persona were recurring jokes.
Watch “Feels So Good” live here.

🕊️ Remembering a Legend

💔 George Harrison (1943–2001):
George Harrison, the legendary Beatles guitarist, died on November 29, 2001, at the age of 58. He was best known for his innovative guitar work with The Beatles and his successful solo career, which included hits like "My Sweet Lord" and "All Things Must Pass." Harrison lost his battle with lung cancer, passing away at a home previously owned by Courtney Love and was being leased by McCartney at the time. Harrison’s last words were reportedly "Love one another," reflecting his lifelong spiritual beliefs and commitment to peace.
Watch a full George Harrison documentary here.

🎧 Essential Track for Today

"While My Guitar Gently Weeps" – George Harrison
This hauntingly beautiful track from The Beatles’ White Album showcases George Harrison’s introspective songwriting and soulful melodies. Inspired by the I Ching and written as a plea for love and unity. Don’t miss this incredible live performance featuring George Harrison and Ringo Starr at The Prince’s Trust Rock Gala in 1987.

Watch George and Ringo perform this classic here.

🔦 Deep Track Spotlight

"I Want to Tell You" – George Harrison

Appearing on Revolver, "I Want to Tell You" is a complex, rhythmic masterpiece exploring George Harrison's frustration with communication. The dissonant piano chords and layered harmonies make this an innovative track, showing Harrison’s growing confidence as a songwriter during this era.
Hear this overlooked gem here.

🌈 Rock & Roll Inspiration

The darkness only stays at night time
In the morning it will fade away
Daylight is good
At arriving at the right time
It's not always going
To be this grey
All things must pass
All things must pass away

George Harrison - All Things Must Pass (Feb. 25 1943 - Nov 29 2001)

Watch George’s last TV appearance singing All Things Must Pass

🤔 Trivia Answer:
L’Angelo Misterioso. George Harrison used this pseudonym to avoid contractual issues while contributing to Cream’s song “Badge” on their album Goodbye.

Have a Rockin’ Day!
Hippy Pete