Dec. 2 is a big day in rock music history, featuring key moments for legends like David Bowie and Led Zeppelin, plus the debut of one of the most famous music videos ever. Here’s a look at the major events from this day.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
On Dec. 2, several important milestones took place:
1966: David Bowie released his single “Rubber Band” in the UK. This song helped him land a contract with Deram Records after a series of unsuccessful singles.
1972: The Temptations scored a No. 1 hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 with their cover of “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone.” It was their last No. 1 and won them three GRAMMY awards.
Cultural Milestones
Rock music has shaped culture in many ways. Here are some highlights from Dec. 2:
1983: MTV premiered the full 14-minute version of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video, along with a behind-the-scenes documentary. This changed how audiences experienced music videos.
2012: Led Zeppelin was honored at the 35th Annual Kennedy Center Honors. The event featured performances by Foo Fighters, Lenny Kravitz, Kid Rock, and Heart in front of surviving members Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Dec. 2 also marks some iconic shows:
1971: Led Zeppelin released “Black Dog” in the U.S., along with “Misty Mountain Hop” as a B-side from their Led Zeppelin IV album.
2000: Smashing Pumpkins played what was thought to be their final show at The Metro in Chicago, the same venue where they had their first gig.
From legendary singles to famous music videos, Dec. 2 is a day to remember in rock history. Check back tomorrow to see what else happened on this day!
