Albums, birthdays, history-making concerts and farewells from the bands we play on Leveling Radio. One date for every day.
Today, October 26
198145 years ago
Album
Queen
Queen's “Greatest Hits” at 45: the UK's best-selling album ever
Queen release “Greatest Hits”, collecting their hits from “Seven Seas of Rhye” to “Flash”. It has sold over 25 million copies worldwide and is the best-selling album in UK history.
198145 years ago
Concert
Iron Maiden
Bruce Dickinson takes the stage with Iron Maiden for the first time
At the Palazzo dello Sport in Bologna, Italy, Bruce Dickinson plays his first show with Iron Maiden after replacing Paul Di'Anno. Soon after, they would record “The Number of the Beast” together.
This week
October 27
1958BornDuran Duran: Simon Le Bon, the voice of Duran Duran, turns 68Simon Le Bon is born, singer and lyricist of Duran Duran and of their side project Arcadia. He has won three Ivor Novello Awards and was made an MBE in 2024.▶ Watch the video ↗
October 28
1977AlbumSex Pistols: “Never Mind the Bollocks”: the Sex Pistols' only studio albumVirgin Records releases “Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols”. Mid-recording, Sid Vicious replaced bassist Glen Matlock, who only made it onto “Anarchy in the U.K.”.▶ Watch the video ↗
1985AlbumZZ Top: ZZ Top hit the throttle with “Afterburner” and the hit “Sleeping Bag”ZZ Top release “Afterburner”, their ninth studio album. It went five times platinum, and “Sleeping Bag” hit number one on Billboard's rock chart.▶ Watch the video ↗
October 29
1984AlbumDeep Purple: Deep Purple's classic lineup returns with “Perfect Strangers”Deep Purple release “Perfect Strangers”, the comeback album of the “Mark II” lineup, with Ian Gillan and Ritchie Blackmore. It is the most successful record of that reunited lineup.▶ Watch the video ↗
2016ConcertGuns N' Roses: A reunited Guns N' Roses packs Santiago's Estadio NacionalOn the “Not in This Lifetime...” tour, the first since 1993 to reunite Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan, Guns N' Roses play to 62,375 people at the Estadio Nacional.▶ Watch the video ↗
October 30
1992ConcertNirvana: The night Nirvana defied Buenos AiresNirvana play the Vélez Sarsfield stadium on their only visit to Argentina. Angry that the crowd had attacked opening band Calamity Jane, Kurt Cobain changed the setlist and only teased “Smells Like Teen Spirit”.▶ Watch the video ↗
2001AlbumMichael Jackson: “Invincible”, Michael Jackson's final studio album, turns 25Michael Jackson releases “Invincible”, his last studio album, with Slash and Carlos Santana as guests. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 363,000 copies in its first week.▶ Watch the video ↗
October 31
1961BornU2: Larry Mullen Jr., the drummer who founded U2, turns 65Larry Mullen Jr. is born in Dublin. In 1976 he pinned a notice on his school board looking for musicians, and that is how U2 began. His almost military drumming comes from the marching bands of his childhood.▶ Watch the video ↗
1975SongQueen: Queen release “Bohemian Rhapsody”, the song that pushed the music video forward“Bohemian Rhapsody”, from “A Night at the Opera”, comes out as a single. It spent nine weeks at number one in the UK, and its promo video helped shape the music video format.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 1
1963BornDef Leppard: Rick Allen, Def Leppard's “Thunder God”, turns 63Rick Allen is born, Def Leppard's drummer since 1978. He lost his left arm in a car crash on December 31, 1984, and kept playing with the band, which then entered its most successful era.▶ Watch the video ↗
1994AlbumNirvana: Nirvana's “MTV Unplugged in New York” is released“MTV Unplugged in New York”, recorded on November 18, 1993, is released. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and earned Nirvana the only Grammy of their career.▶ Watch the video ↗
Full calendar
October
October 25
1961BornRed Hot Chili Peppers: Chad Smith turns 65: the engine of the Red Hot Chili PeppersChad Smith is born. He has been the Red Hot Chili Peppers' drummer since 1988, longer than anyone else in the job. He has cut ten studio albums with the band and also plays in the supergroup Chickenfoot.▶ Watch the video ↗
October 26
1981AlbumQueen: Queen's “Greatest Hits” at 45: the UK's best-selling album everQueen release “Greatest Hits”, collecting their hits from “Seven Seas of Rhye” to “Flash”. It has sold over 25 million copies worldwide and is the best-selling album in UK history.▶ Watch the video ↗
1981ConcertIron Maiden: Bruce Dickinson takes the stage with Iron Maiden for the first timeAt the Palazzo dello Sport in Bologna, Italy, Bruce Dickinson plays his first show with Iron Maiden after replacing Paul Di'Anno. Soon after, they would record “The Number of the Beast” together.▶ Watch the video ↗
October 27
1958BornDuran Duran: Simon Le Bon, the voice of Duran Duran, turns 68Simon Le Bon is born, singer and lyricist of Duran Duran and of their side project Arcadia. He has won three Ivor Novello Awards and was made an MBE in 2024.▶ Watch the video ↗
October 28
1977AlbumSex Pistols: “Never Mind the Bollocks”: the Sex Pistols' only studio albumVirgin Records releases “Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols”. Mid-recording, Sid Vicious replaced bassist Glen Matlock, who only made it onto “Anarchy in the U.K.”.▶ Watch the video ↗
1985AlbumZZ Top: ZZ Top hit the throttle with “Afterburner” and the hit “Sleeping Bag”ZZ Top release “Afterburner”, their ninth studio album. It went five times platinum, and “Sleeping Bag” hit number one on Billboard's rock chart.▶ Watch the video ↗
October 29
1984AlbumDeep Purple: Deep Purple's classic lineup returns with “Perfect Strangers”Deep Purple release “Perfect Strangers”, the comeback album of the “Mark II” lineup, with Ian Gillan and Ritchie Blackmore. It is the most successful record of that reunited lineup.▶ Watch the video ↗
2016ConcertGuns N' Roses: A reunited Guns N' Roses packs Santiago's Estadio NacionalOn the “Not in This Lifetime...” tour, the first since 1993 to reunite Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan, Guns N' Roses play to 62,375 people at the Estadio Nacional.▶ Watch the video ↗
October 30
1992ConcertNirvana: The night Nirvana defied Buenos AiresNirvana play the Vélez Sarsfield stadium on their only visit to Argentina. Angry that the crowd had attacked opening band Calamity Jane, Kurt Cobain changed the setlist and only teased “Smells Like Teen Spirit”.▶ Watch the video ↗
2001AlbumMichael Jackson: “Invincible”, Michael Jackson's final studio album, turns 25Michael Jackson releases “Invincible”, his last studio album, with Slash and Carlos Santana as guests. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 363,000 copies in its first week.▶ Watch the video ↗
October 31
1961BornU2: Larry Mullen Jr., the drummer who founded U2, turns 65Larry Mullen Jr. is born in Dublin. In 1976 he pinned a notice on his school board looking for musicians, and that is how U2 began. His almost military drumming comes from the marching bands of his childhood.▶ Watch the video ↗
1975SongQueen: Queen release “Bohemian Rhapsody”, the song that pushed the music video forward“Bohemian Rhapsody”, from “A Night at the Opera”, comes out as a single. It spent nine weeks at number one in the UK, and its promo video helped shape the music video format.▶ Watch the video ↗
November
November 1
1963BornDef Leppard: Rick Allen, Def Leppard's “Thunder God”, turns 63Rick Allen is born, Def Leppard's drummer since 1978. He lost his left arm in a car crash on December 31, 1984, and kept playing with the band, which then entered its most successful era.▶ Watch the video ↗
1994AlbumNirvana: Nirvana's “MTV Unplugged in New York” is released“MTV Unplugged in New York”, recorded on November 18, 1993, is released. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and earned Nirvana the only Grammy of their career.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 2
1999AlbumFoo Fighters: Foo Fighters release “There Is Nothing Left to Lose”, recorded in a basementFoo Fighters release “There Is Nothing Left to Lose”, recorded in the basement of Dave Grohl's house and their first album with Taylor Hawkins. It won the Grammy for Best Rock Album in 2001.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 3
1992AlbumBon Jovi: Bon Jovi shed their skin with “Keep the Faith”Bon Jovi release “Keep the Faith”, produced by Bob Rock in Vancouver. It is their last studio album with all five original members and includes “Bed of Roses” and “In These Arms”.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 4
1977AlbumRamones: Ramones blast off with “Rocket to Russia”Ramones release “Rocket to Russia”, their third album, featuring “Sheena Is a Punk Rocker”. It was the last with original drummer Tommy Ramone, who left the band in 1978 to focus on producing.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 5
1984AlbumBryan Adams: Bryan Adams celebrates his 25th birthday by releasing “Reckless”Bryan Adams releases “Reckless” on the very day he turns 25. It hit number one in the US, sold over 12 million copies, and all six of its singles, like “Run to You”, made the top 20.▶ Watch the video ↗
2001AlbumPink Floyd: “Echoes”, Pink Floyd's big anthology, turns 25Pink Floyd release “Echoes: The Best of Pink Floyd”, a compilation that debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200 and went four times platinum in the US.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 6
1948BornEagles: Glenn Frey, founder and voice of the Eagles, would have turned 78Glenn Frey is born, co-founder of the Eagles and the voice of “Take It Easy” and “Tequila Sunrise”. With Don Henley he wrote most of the band's songs, and he won six Grammys with them. He died in 2016.▶ Watch the video ↗
1990AlbumScorpions: Scorpions release “Crazy World”, the album with “Wind of Change”Scorpions release “Crazy World”, featuring “Wind of Change” and “Send Me an Angel”. It is the band's only album to reach number one in their native Germany.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 7
1983AlbumThe Rolling Stones: The Rolling Stones slip in incognito with “Undercover”The Rolling Stones release “Undercover”, their first album of all-new songs in the '80s. It was the last one released in the lifetime of their longtime pianist Ian Stewart.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 8
1971AlbumLed Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin IV turns 55: the “Stairway to Heaven” albumLed Zeppelin release their fourth album, untitled and with four symbols in place of a name. It includes “Stairway to Heaven” and is their best-selling album, with more than 37 million copies.▶ Watch the video ↗
1986ConcertMetallica: Jason Newsted makes his live debut with MetallicaJason Newsted plays his first show with Metallica at the Country Club in Reseda, California, just weeks after Cliff Burton's death. He was the band's bassist until 2001.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 9
2018AlbumMuse: Muse travel back to the '80s with “Simulation Theory”Muse release “Simulation Theory”, their eighth album, loaded with synths and nods to '80s culture. The cover art is by Kyle Lambert, who had worked on the series “Stranger Things”.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 10
1981AlbumMötley Crüe: Mötley Crüe debut with just 900 copies of “Too Fast for Love”Mötley Crüe release “Too Fast for Love” on their own label, Leathür Records, with a first pressing of 900 copies. Elektra reissued it the following year and it eventually went platinum.▶ Watch the video ↗
1986AlbumBruce Springsteen: Springsteen opens the box on “Live/1975–85”, his great live albumBruce Springsteen and the E Street Band release “Live/1975–85”, a box set of 40 songs recorded live. It broke the record for advance orders and is the second best-selling live album in the US.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 11
1976AlbumKiss: Kiss's “Rock and Roll Over” turns 50Kiss release “Rock and Roll Over”, their fifth album, recorded at the Star Theatre in Nanuet, New York. It gave us the hits “Hard Luck Woman” and “Calling Dr. Love”.▶ Watch the video ↗
1977SongPaul McCartney (Wings): “Mull of Kintyre”, the single that broke the two-million barrierWings release “Mull of Kintyre”, Paul McCartney's tribute to the Scottish peninsula where he has his farm. It was the first single to sell more than two million copies in the UK.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 12
2002AlbumPearl Jam: Pearl Jam release “Riot Act”, their seventh albumPearl Jam release “Riot Act”, their seventh studio album, blending folk, art rock and experimental rock. It was their last album of new songs on Epic, and its first single was “I Am Mine”.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 13
1994ConcertAerosmith: Aerosmith make their Chilean debut at the Estadio Nacional VelodromeAerosmith play the Velodrome at Santiago's Estadio Nacional on the “Get a Grip” tour, the first to take the band to South America. From here they moved on to Argentina and Colombia.▶ Watch the video ↗
2001AlbumGreen Day: Green Day round up their hits on “International Superhits!”, now 25Green Day release “International Superhits!”, their first compilation: it gathers every single from 1994 to 2000 and adds the previously unreleased “Poprocks & Coke”.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 14
2000AlbumThe Offspring: The Offspring wanted to premiere “Conspiracy of One” onlineThe Offspring release “Conspiracy of One”, featuring “Original Prankster”. The band planned to debut it first on their website, but Columbia Records threatened to sue and it came out on physical formats.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 15
1974BornNickelback: Chad Kroeger, the voice of Nickelback, turns 52Chad Kroeger is born, singer, lead guitarist, songwriter and one of the founders of Nickelback, the Canadian band behind “How You Remind Me”.▶ Watch the video ↗
1988AlbumJourney: Journey's “Greatest Hits”, a record-setting run on the Billboard chartsJourney release their “Greatest Hits”. It has logged more than 900 weeks on the Billboard 200, a record among compilations beaten only by Bob Marley's “Legend”, and is 18 times platinum in the US.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 16
1979SongPaul McCartney: Paul McCartney releases 'Wonderful Christmastime', his holiday classicOn November 16, 1979, Paul McCartney released 'Wonderful Christmastime', recorded during the 'McCartney II' sessions. It was his first solo single since 1971 and reached No. 6 in the UK.▶ Watch the video ↗
2011ConcertPearl Jam: Pearl Jam celebrates 20 years at Santiago's Estadio MonumentalOn November 16, 2011, Pearl Jam played the Estadio Monumental David Arellano on the PJ20 tour, celebrating two decades as a band. It was their second Latin American tour and, according to El Mostrador, it drew more than 55,000 people.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 17
1946BornJethro Tull (Martin Barre): Martin Barre, the guitar of Jethro Tull, turns 80Martin Barre was born on November 17, 1946, in Birmingham, England. He was Jethro Tull's guitarist from 1968 to 2011 and played on every one of their studio albums from 'Stand Up' (1969) onward, including the classic 'Aqualung'.▶ Watch the video ↗
1970ConcertElton John: Elton John plays live on the radio and '11-17-70' is bornOn November 17, 1970, Elton John played New York's A&R Studios in a concert broadcast live on WABC-FM radio, with Dee Murray on bass and Nigel Olsson on drums. That recording became his first live album.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 18
1991AlbumU2: 'Achtung Baby' turns 35: the album where U2 reinvented themselvesOn November 18, 1991, U2 released 'Achtung Baby', produced by Daniel Lanois and Brian Eno and recorded partly at Berlin's Hansa Studios. With 'One' and 'Mysterious Ways', the band folded alternative and electronic influences into its sound.▶ Watch the video ↗
1993ConcertNirvana: Nirvana tapes its legendary MTV Unplugged in New YorkOn November 18, 1993, Nirvana taped its acoustic set for MTV Unplugged at Sony Music Studios in New York, on a stage dressed with lilies and black candles. Released as an album in 1994, after Kurt Cobain's death, it earned the band its only Grammy.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 19
1996AlbumBush: 'Razorblade Suitcase' turns 30: Bush's only No. 1 albumOn November 19, 1996, Bush released 'Razorblade Suitcase', recorded at Abbey Road with producer Steve Albini. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 293,000 copies in its first week, the only album by the band to pull that off.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 20
1981AlbumAC/DC: 'For Those About to Rock': AC/DC's first No. 1 in the USOn November 20, 1981, 'For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)', the follow-up to 'Back in Black', came out in the United States. Recorded in Paris with producer Mutt Lange, it was AC/DC's first album to hit No. 1 there.▶ Watch the video ↗
2001AlbumCreed: Creed's 'Weathered' turns 25: eight weeks at the topOn November 20, 2001, Creed released 'Weathered', their third album. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with 887,000 copies sold in a week and held the top spot for eight straight weeks, powered by 'My Sacrifice'.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 21
1983AlbumDuran Duran: Duran Duran releases 'Seven and the Ragged Tiger', home of 'The Reflex'On November 21, 1983, Duran Duran released their third album, recorded in France, the Caribbean and Australia. It hit No. 1 in the UK and gave the band 'The Reflex', their first No. 1 in the United States.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 22
1997FarewellINXS (Michael Hutchence): Farewell to Michael Hutchence, the voice of INXSOn November 22, 1997, Michael Hutchence, co-founder, singer and lyricist of INXS, died in Sydney at 37. He was in Australia preparing the 20th-anniversary tour of a band that sold more than 50 million records.▶ Watch the video ↗
2004AlbumU2: U2 releases 'How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb', home of 'Vertigo'On November 22, 2004, U2's eleventh album, produced by Steve Lillywhite, came out in the UK. With 'Vertigo' and 'City of Blinding Lights', it won the Grammy for Album of the Year in 2006.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 23
2002ConcertRush: Rush at Maracanã: 40,000 fans and the 'Rush in Rio' albumOn November 23, 2002, Rush closed the 'Vapor Trails' tour at Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã stadium in front of some 40,000 people. That show became 'Rush in Rio', whose DVD is certified seven times platinum in the United States.▶ Watch the video ↗
2008AlbumGuns N' Roses: 'Chinese Democracy', the album Guns N' Roses spent over a decade makingOn November 23, 2008, Guns N' Roses released 'Chinese Democracy', their first album of new songs since 'Use Your Illusion' (1991). Recording dragged on for more than a decade and reportedly cost over $13 million.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 24
1991FarewellQueen (Freddie Mercury): 35 years without Freddie Mercury, the voice of QueenOn November 24, 1991, Freddie Mercury died at his London home at 45, one day after publicly announcing he had AIDS. In April 1992, Queen and a host of artists paid tribute to him at Wembley Stadium.▶ Watch the video ↗
1998AlbumMetallica: Metallica salutes its heroes with the double album 'Garage Inc.'On November 24, 1998, Metallica released 'Garage Inc.', a double album made up entirely of covers: one disc with 11 new ones, like 'Whiskey in the Jar' and 'Turn the Page', and another with those cut earlier, including the 'Garage Days Re-Revisited' EP.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 25
1984MilestoneBand Aid: Band Aid records 'Do They Know It's Christmas?' in a single dayOn November 25, 1984, Bono, Sting, George Michael, Simon Le Bon and others gathered in London to record Bob Geldof and Midge Ure's song against the famine in Ethiopia. It sold a million copies in a week and is the UK's second best-selling single ever.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 26
1976SongSex Pistols: 50 years of 'Anarchy in the U.K.', the Sex Pistols' first strikeOn November 26, 1976, the Sex Pistols released 'Anarchy in the U.K.', their debut single, on EMI. The scandal that followed got them dropped by the label in January 1977, and today the song sits on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 greatest.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 27
1970AlbumGeorge Harrison: 'All Things Must Pass': George Harrison shines after the BeatlesOn November 27, 1970, 'All Things Must Pass' came out in the United States: George Harrison's triple album and his first solo work after the Beatles split. Powered by 'My Sweet Lord', it spent seven weeks at No. 1 there.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 28
1974ConcertJohn Lennon y Elton John: The bet that brought John Lennon to his last big concert, with Elton JohnOn November 28, 1974, John Lennon joined Elton John on stage at Madison Square Garden to settle a bet: 'Whatever Gets You thru the Night' had gone to No. 1. It was his last major concert appearance.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 29
2001FarewellGeorge Harrison: 25 years without George Harrison, the quiet BeatleOn November 29, 2001, George Harrison died of cancer in Los Angeles at 58. A year later, his family organized the Concert for George at the Royal Albert Hall, with Eric Clapton as musical director.▶ Watch the video ↗
November 30
1955BornBilly Idol: Billy Idol is born: the British punk who conquered MTVBilly Idol was born William Broad on November 30, 1955, in Stanmore, England. He fronted Generation X and in the '80s hit it big as a solo artist with 'White Wedding' and 'Rebel Yell'. He turns 71.▶ Watch the video ↗
1979AlbumPink Floyd: Pink Floyd builds 'The Wall', its double-album rock operaOn November 30, 1979, Pink Floyd released 'The Wall' in the UK, a double album telling the story of Pink, a rock star who shuts himself off behind a wall. It spent 15 weeks at No. 1 in the United States.▶ Watch the video ↗
December
December 1
1976MilestoneSex Pistols: The Sex Pistols, standing in for Queen, shock British TVOn December 1, 1976, the Sex Pistols replaced Queen at the last minute on Thames Television's 'Today' show and swore live on air in front of host Bill Grundy. The next day they were on the front page of the Daily Mirror and all over the press.▶ Watch the video ↗
1977BornLinkin Park (Brad Delson): Brad Delson, Linkin Park guitarist and co-founder, is bornBrad Delson was born on December 1, 1977, in Agoura Hills, California. He is the guitarist and one of the founders of Linkin Park, with whom he recorded albums like 'Hybrid Theory' and 'Meteora'. He turns 49.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 2
1992ConcertGuns N' Roses: Guns N' Roses debuts in Chile: a massive, chaotic nightOn December 2, 1992, Guns N' Roses played Chile for the first time, at the Estadio Nacional, on the 'Use Your Illusion' tour. Axl Rose took the stage about two hours late, and the night was marked by bottles flying from the crowd.▶ Watch the video ↗
2000ConcertThe Smashing Pumpkins: The Smashing Pumpkins say goodbye where it all began: Chicago's MetroOn December 2, 2000, The Smashing Pumpkins played their farewell show at Chicago's Metro, the club where the full band had debuted in 1988. They played four and a half hours and 35 songs in a 1,100-capacity room.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 3
1948BornOzzy Osbourne: Ozzy Osbourne, heavy metal's Prince of Darkness, is bornOzzy Osbourne was born on December 3, 1948, in Marston Green, near Birmingham, and grew up in Aston. He co-founded Black Sabbath in 1968 and later triumphed as a solo artist; he died on July 22, 2025, 17 days after his final concert, in Birmingham.▶ Watch the video ↗
1984SongWham! (George Michael): 'Last Christmas', the Wham! classic that waited 36 years for No. 1On December 3, 1984, Wham! released 'Last Christmas', written and produced by George Michael. It spent five weeks at No. 2 in the UK behind Band Aid, on which he also sang, and only reached No. 1 in January 2021.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 4
1971MilestoneDeep Purple: The Montreux fire that inspired 'Smoke on the Water'On December 4, 1971, a flare fired by a fan set the Montreux Casino in Switzerland ablaze during a Frank Zappa show. Deep Purple, who were about to record 'Machine Head' there, watched the smoke over the lake and turned it into a song.▶ Watch the video ↗
1980MilestoneLed Zeppelin: Led Zeppelin calls it quits after John Bonham's deathOn December 4, 1980, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones announced in a statement that Led Zeppelin would not carry on without drummer John Bonham, who had died that September.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 5
2007ConcertThe Police: The Police, reunited, pack Santiago's Estadio NacionalOn December 5, 2007, The Police played Santiago's Estadio Nacional on their reunion tour, with Beck as special guest. Sting, Andy Summers and Stewart Copeland drew close to 50,000 people and opened with 'Message in a Bottle'.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 6
1956BornR.E.M. (Peter Buck): Peter Buck, R.E.M.'s guitarist, turns 70Peter Buck was born on December 6, 1956, in Berkeley, California. He was working at a record store in Athens, Georgia, when he met Michael Stipe; together they founded R.E.M., where he played guitar from 1980 to 2011.▶ Watch the video ↗
1956BornRandy Rhoads: Randy Rhoads, Ozzy's guitarist, would have turned 70Randy Rhoads was born on December 6, 1956, in Santa Monica, California. After Quiet Riot, he played guitar for Ozzy Osbourne on 'Blizzard of Ozz' and 'Diary of a Madman'; he died in a plane crash in 1982, at just 25.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 7
1979SongThe Clash: The Clash releases 'London Calling' and a DJ bets a CadillacOn December 7, 1979, The Clash released the 'London Calling' single, a week ahead of the album. BBC Radio 1 DJ Annie Nightingale bet a Cadillac it would crack the UK top 10 without a 'Top of the Pops' appearance; it peaked at No. 11.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 8
1976AlbumEagles: Eagles open the doors to 'Hotel California'On December 8, 1976, Eagles released 'Hotel California', their fifth album. The title track won the Grammy for Record of the Year, and the album sold nearly 6 million copies in the US in its first year.▶ Watch the video ↗
2013ConcertMetallica: Metallica play Antarctica and conquer all seven continentsMetallica played Argentina's Carlini Base in Antarctica for 120 people, including scientists and contest winners from Chile and four other Latin American countries. To avoid noise pollution, the crowd listened through headphones.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 9
1972BornGreen Day: Tré Cool, Green Day's drummer, is bornFrank Edwin Wright III, better known as Tré Cool, was born in Frankfurt, in what was then West Germany. In 1990 he replaced John Kiffmeyer behind Green Day's drum kit and has been part of the trio ever since.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 10
1976AlbumQueen: Queen release 'A Day at the Races', their first self-produced albumQueen's fifth album came out on December 10, 1976 and, like its predecessor, took its name from a Marx Brothers film. It hit number one in the UK with tracks like 'Somebody to Love' and 'Tie Your Mother Down'.▶ Watch the video ↗
2008ConcertMadonna: Madonna makes her Chile debut with two nights at the Estadio NacionalOn her Sticky & Sweet Tour, Madonna played Chile for the first time on December 10 and 11, 2008, at Santiago's Estadio Nacional. Across both nights she drew more than 140,000 people.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 11
1958BornMötley Crüe: Nikki Sixx, Mötley Crüe's bassist and chief songwriter, is bornFrank Carlton Serafino Feranna Jr. was born in San Jose, California. In 1981 he founded Mötley Crüe with drummer Tommy Lee, and he's the only member who has been in the band through every era.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 12
2003MilestoneThe Rolling Stones: Mick Jagger becomes Sir MickOn December 12, 2003, then-Prince Charles knighted Mick Jagger at Buckingham Palace for services to popular music. Keith Richards slammed the honor, calling it ridiculous.▶ Watch the video ↗
2012ConcertPaul McCartney: 12-12-12: Paul McCartney teams up with ex-Nirvana members for Sandy victimsThe Hurricane Sandy benefit at Madison Square Garden brought together the Rolling Stones, The Who, Bon Jovi and Springsteen, and raised about $50 million. McCartney played with Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 13
1981BornEvanescence: Amy Lee, the voice and piano of Evanescence, is bornAmy Lynn Lee was born in Riverside, California. A classically trained pianist, she co-founded Evanescence at 13, and in 2004 the band won two Grammys: Best New Artist and Best Hard Rock Performance for 'Bring Me to Life'.▶ Watch the video ↗
2017MilestoneBon Jovi: Bon Jovi named to the Rock and Roll Hall of FameOn December 13, 2017, it was confirmed that Bon Jovi would be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, alongside Dire Straits, The Cars, The Moody Blues and Nina Simone.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 14
1979AlbumThe Clash: The Clash release 'London Calling', a double album for the price of oneOn December 14, 1979, 'London Calling', The Clash's third album, came out in the UK. Though it was a double, it sold for close to the price of a single LP, and today it's hailed as one of the greatest rock albums ever.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 15
1992AlbumNirvana: Nirvana release 'Incesticide', their vault of raritiesRiding the success of 'Nevermind', 'Incesticide' hit US stores on December 15, 1992 (a day earlier in Europe). It collects the single 'Sliver', demos, B-sides and BBC sessions, featuring four different drummers.▶ Watch the video ↗
2019MilestoneRed Hot Chili Peppers: John Frusciante rejoins Red Hot Chili PeppersOn December 15, 2019, the band announced the return of guitarist John Frusciante, ten years after he left, replacing Josh Klinghoffer. With him back in the fold, they recorded 'Unlimited Love' (2022).▶ Watch the video ↗
December 16
1949BornZZ Top: Billy Gibbons, the guitar and the beard of ZZ Top, is bornWilliam Frederick Gibbons was born in Houston, Texas. In late 1969 he formed ZZ Top, where he is guitarist, singer and main songwriter, and the band's only constant member.▶ Watch the video ↗
1986AlbumGuns N' Roses: Guns N' Roses debut with a 'live' EP that was actually cut in the studioOn December 16, 1986, Guns N' Roses released 'Live ?!*@ Like a Suicide', their first record: four songs recorded in the studio with crowd noise dubbed in. It was reportedly limited to 10,000 copies on vinyl and cassette.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 17
1971AlbumDavid Bowie: David Bowie releases 'Hunky Dory', the album of 'Changes' and 'Life on Mars?'On December 17, 1971, 'Hunky Dory', David Bowie's fourth album, came out in the UK on RCA. It spawned the singles 'Changes' and 'Life on Mars?', now among his best-remembered songs.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 18
1943BornThe Rolling Stones: Keith Richards, guitarist of the Rolling Stones, is bornKeith Richards was born in Dartford, England. He is an original member of The Rolling Stones, and his songwriting partnership with Mick Jagger is one of the most successful in history.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 19
2010ConcertSimply Red: Simply Red say goodbye at London's O2Simply Red wrapped up their farewell tour with a show at London's O2 Arena on December 19, 2010. It was their last gig until 2015, when Mick Hucknall reunited the band to celebrate its 30th anniversary.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 20
1945BornKiss: Peter Criss, the Catman of Kiss, is bornPeter George John Criscuola was born in Brooklyn, New York. Co-founder and original drummer of Kiss, he created the Catman character and sang the ballad 'Beth', a Top 10 hit in the US.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 21
2010AlbumDuran Duran: Duran Duran unveil 'All You Need Is Now', produced by Mark RonsonOn December 21, 2010, Duran Duran released their 13th album, produced by Mark Ronson, as an iTunes exclusive. It topped the download charts in 15 countries, including the UK.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 22
1949BornBee Gees: Robin and Maurice Gibb, the Bee Gees twins, are bornTwins Robin and Maurice Gibb were born in Douglas, on the Isle of Man. With their older brother Barry they formed the Bee Gees, among the best-selling artists in history and the writers of 'Stayin' Alive'.▶ Watch the video ↗
2002FarewellThe Clash: Joe Strummer, the voice of The Clash, diesJoe Strummer, co-founder, singer and guitarist of The Clash, died on December 22, 2002, at his home in Broomfield, England, aged 50, from a congenital heart defect that had never been diagnosed.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 23
1956BornIron Maiden: Dave Murray, the Iron Maiden guitarist on every album, is bornDavid Michael Murray was born in Edmonton, north London. He auditioned for Iron Maiden in 1976 and, along with founder Steve Harris, is the only member to appear on every one of the band's studio albums.▶ Watch the video ↗
1964BornPearl Jam: Eddie Vedder, the voice of Pearl Jam, is bornEdward Louis Severson III was born in Evanston, Illinois. In 1990 he got a demo from a Seattle band looking for a singer: he recorded vocals on three songs and sent it back. One of them became 'Alive'.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 24
2016FarewellStatus Quo: Rick Parfitt, Status Quo guitarist, diesRick Parfitt died on December 24, 2016, in Marbella, Spain, aged 68. He joined Status Quo in 1967 and spent 49 years with the band, which in 1985 had the honor of opening Live Aid.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 25
1954BornAnnie Lennox: Annie Lennox, the voice of Eurythmics, is bornAnn Lennox was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. With Dave Stewart she formed Eurythmics, the duo that broke through in 1983 with 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)', whose video shows her in a suit with cropped orange hair.▶ Watch the video ↗
2016FarewellGeorge Michael: George Michael dies on Christmas DayGeorge Michael died of heart disease on December 25, 2016, at his home in Goring-on-Thames, England, aged 53. With Wham! he had recorded 'Last Christmas', a staple of every December.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 26
1963BornMetallica: Lars Ulrich, the Danish drummer who founded Metallica, is bornLars Ulrich was born in Gentofte, Denmark. After moving to California, he placed an ad in The Recycler newspaper looking for musicians; James Hetfield answered, and in late 1981 they formed Metallica.▶ Watch the video ↗
1979ConcertQueen: Queen open the Concerts for the People of KampucheaOn December 26, 1979, Queen kicked off four nights of concerts at London's Hammersmith Odeon, organized by Paul McCartney and UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim to help the victims of the war in Cambodia.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 27
1944BornForeigner: Mick Jones, founder and guitarist of Foreigner, is bornMichael Leslie Jones was born in Portsmouth, England. He founded Foreigner, is the only original member who never left, and wrote 'I Want to Know What Love Is', the band's biggest single, all by himself.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 28
2015FarewellMotörhead: Lemmy Kilmister, the soul of Motörhead, diesLemmy died in Los Angeles on December 28, 2015, four days after turning 70. He founded Motörhead in 1975 and was its singer, bassist, main songwriter and only constant member.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 29
1965BornThe Offspring: Dexter Holland, The Offspring's singer and Ph.D. in biology, is bornBryan Keith Holland was born in Garden Grove, California. With The Offspring he released 'Smash' (1994), one of the best-selling independent-label albums ever, and in 2017 he earned a Ph.D. in molecular biology.▶ Watch the video ↗
1979ConcertPaul McCartney: Wings play their final show and McCartney assembles the RockestraOn December 29, 1979, closing the Concerts for Kampuchea in London, Wings played for the last time. McCartney ended the night with the Rockestra, a supergroup of at least 30 musicians including Led Zeppelin's John Bonham and John Paul Jones.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 30
1946BornPatti Smith: Patti Smith, the poet who became the godmother of punk, is bornPatricia Lee Smith was born in Chicago. Her debut 'Horses' (1975) made her a figurehead of the New York punk scene, and in 1978 'Because the Night', co-written with Bruce Springsteen, reached No. 13 in the US.▶ Watch the video ↗
1947BornElectric Light Orchestra: Jeff Lynne, the mastermind of Electric Light Orchestra, is bornJeff Lynne was born in Birmingham, England. He co-founded ELO in 1970 and wrote hits like 'Mr. Blue Sky'. In 1988 he formed the Traveling Wilburys with George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and Tom Petty.▶ Watch the video ↗
December 31
1973ConcertAC/DC: AC/DC play their first official gig in SydneyBrothers Malcolm and Angus Young debuted AC/DC on New Year's Eve, December 31, 1973, at Chequers nightclub in Sydney, Australia. That first lineup was fronted by Dave Evans; Bon Scott arrived in 1974.▶ Watch the video ↗
1984MilestoneDef Leppard: Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen loses an arm and keeps on playingOn December 31, 1984, Rick Allen was in a car crash near Sheffield, England, and lost his left arm. He came back behind a custom-built electronic kit, and Def Leppard went on to enjoy their most successful era.▶ Watch the video ↗
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