On Dec. 1, some big moments in rock history took place. Janis Joplin played her last show with Big Brother and the Holding Company. This concert was part of a benefit in San Francisco. After this, she decided to go solo, first with the Kozmic Blues Band and later with the Full Tilt Boogie Band.
In 2004, U2 released their 11th studio album, How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb. It debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard album charts just a week after its Nov. 23 release. Thanks to Thanksgiving sales, the album sold over 9 million copies worldwide and topped charts in several countries, including the U.K., Ireland, and Australia.
Dec. 1 also marks the anniversary of some important recordings and performances. In 1964, The Who kicked off their first of 22 consecutive Tuesday night shows at The Marquee Club in London. This venue helped launch many famous bands, including The Yardbirds and Led Zeppelin.
In 1967, The Jimi Hendrix Experience released their second album, Axis: Bold as Love, in the U.K. This album solidified Hendrix’s status as a guitar legend and went Platinum in the U.S.
Finally, in 1971, John Lennon and Yoko Ono released “Happy Xmas (War Is Over).” This song celebrated Christmas while protesting the Vietnam War. It peaked at No. 4 in the U.K. but has become a holiday classic.
Dec. 1 has seen many rock legends reach significant milestones in their careers.
