Feb. 9 is a special day in rock history. It marks two major moments for one of the biggest bands ever. We also celebrate the release of a popular album by The Doors and the last classic performance by Iggy and the Stooges. Here are some key events from this day.
1961: The band that would become the Beatles performed under that name for the first time at the Cavern Club in Liverpool. They would go on to play over 300 shows there.
1963: Beatlemania hit the US when the Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show. This was their first live US TV performance, featuring hits like “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and “All My Loving” to over 73 million viewers.
1972: Paul McCartney’s Wings played their first live show at Nottingham University. This was McCartney’s first performance since the Beatles stopped touring in 1966.
1970: The Doors released their fifth album, Morrison Hotel. It marked a return to their bluesy roots and included the hit “Roadhouse Blues.” The album went Platinum in the US.
1974: Iggy and the Stooges played their final concert before reuniting in 2003. The chaotic show at the Michigan Palace in Detroit saw Iggy Pop clashing with the audience.
2009: Robert Plant won five GRAMMYs for his work with Alison Krauss, including Album of the Year for Raising Sand.
2024: Sony purchased half of Michael Jackson’s catalog for around $600 million, setting a record at the time.
From small club gigs to massive deals, Feb. 9 shows how rock has evolved over the years.
