On this day today:
1963 - British singer Cilla Black makes her concert debut at the Odeon in Southport, Lancashire, England, where she opens for The Beatles. This performance marks the beginning of her career as a prominent singer, leading to her becoming one of the UK's most beloved entertainers.
1966 - Shirley Manson is born in Edinburgh, Scotland. She later forms the band Angelfish, which catches the attention of American musicians Butch Vig, Duke Erikson, and Steve Marker through the video for "Suffocate Me." Impressed by her talent, they invite her to join their new band, Garbage, where she becomes the iconic lead singer.
1968 - Mary Hopkin releases her debut single "Those Were The Days" in the US. The song, produced by Paul McCartney, quickly becomes a hit, showcasing Hopkin's distinctive voice and launching her into international stardom. The track's nostalgic lyrics and Eastern European-inspired melody resonate with listeners, making it one of the most memorable songs of the era.
1970 - The iconic five-day Isle of Wight Festival begins in England, featuring a legendary lineup that includes Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Donovan, Jethro Tull, Miles Davis, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, The Doors, The Who, Spirit, The Moody Blues, Chicago, Procol Harum, Sly and the Family Stone, Free, and Jimi Hendrix, who gives his final performance in England. The festival is remembered as one of the greatest musical gatherings of the era, showcasing a diverse array of talent across genres.
1973 - 10cc make their stage debut at the Palace Lido on the Isle of Man in England. The performance marks the beginning of the band's successful career, known for their clever lyrics, innovative music, and hits like "I'm Not in Love" and "Dreadlock Holiday."
1975 - Glen Campbell topped the US Country singles chart with his hit "Rhinestone Cowboy." The song not only dominated the country charts but also crossed over to achieve significant success on the pop charts.
1976 - Steven Tyler of Aerosmith graces the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, marking another high point in his storied career with the iconic rock band.
1980 - Cheap Trick's bass player Tom Petersson leaves the band, citing burnout and a desire to pursue other interests. His departure marks a significant change for the group, as Petersson was a key part of their sound. However, he returns in 1987, just in time to contribute to their "Lap of Luxury" album, which includes their biggest hit, "The Flame."
1983 - The film Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, featuring David Bowie in a leading role, premieres in New York City. The movie, directed by Nagisa ?shima, explores the complex relationships between Allied prisoners of war and their Japanese captors during World War II. Bowie's performance as Major Jack Celliers, a rebellious and enigmatic British officer, garners significant attention, highlighting his versatility as both a musician and actor.
1995 - Seal's "Kiss From A Rose" reaches #1 on the US charts, fueled by its prominent feature in the film Batman Forever. Seal credits director Joel Schumacher for significantly boosting his career, acknowledging that the film's exposure played a crucial role in the song's success.
2005 - At the 12th annual Kerrang! Rock Awards, Green Day were honored as the "Best Band on the Planet" and also took home the award for "Best Live Act."
2007 - The Rolling Stones conclude their A Bigger Bang tour with a spectacular final show at the O2 Arena in London. Spanning two years, the tour sets a record for the highest-grossing tour ever, amassing a staggering $558 million in revenue.
2014 - Kate Bush makes a triumphant return to live performance after 35 years with her Before The Dawn concert series at the Eventim Apollo in London. Spanning 22 shows, the production is a theatrical spectacle featuring intricate staging, acting, puppetry, and illusions. The highly anticipated performances receive glowing reviews, and the following week, eight of her albums re-enter the Top 40 of the UK albums chart, showcasing her enduring influence and the excitement surrounding her comeback.
2019 - Ed Sheeran concludes his monumental ÷ (Divide) tour with a final performance at Chantry Park in Ipswich, England, close to his hometown of Framlingham. The tour, which began on March 16, 2017, becomes the highest-grossing tour of all time, earning an impressive $775.6 million over 255 shows. Sheeran's record-breaking run solidifies his status as one of the most successful touring artists in history.
2023 - Oliver Anthony makes history as the first artist with no prior chart history to debut at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with his song "Rich Men North Of Richmond." The track, recorded in a single take outdoors with his dogs nearby, quickly resonates with listeners and skyrockets to the top of the charts, marking a remarkable and unprecedented achievement in music history.
