Christmas Day has seen many significant events in the rock world over the years. It’s the day Ringo Starr received his first drum kit from Santa and when Led Zeppelin first arrived in the U.S. Unfortunately, it’s also the day we lost two music legends. So, find a comfy spot, grab some eggnog, and let’s dive into the key moments in rock history that happened on this day.
1966: The Beatles released their sixth studio album, *Rubber Soul*, which topped the U.K. album charts for nine weeks. This album marked a shift in their music, moving from pop to deeper, more experimental sounds.
1968: Led Zeppelin landed in the U.S. for the first time to kick off their North American tour, starting in Denver, Colorado, with a show scheduled for December 26.
1977: The Sex Pistols played their final shows in the U.K. at Ivanhoe’s nightclub in Huddersfield. They performed two sets: a matinee for children of striking firefighters and an evening show for their regular fans.
On a more somber note, December 25 also marks some important but tragic moments in rock history.
1957: Ringo Starr received his first real drum kit as a Christmas gift from his stepfather. It was a used and mismatched set, but it sparked his love for drumming.
2006: The music world mourned the loss of James Brown, the “Grandfather of Soul,” who passed away at age 73. He influenced countless musicians across genres.
2016: We lost another icon, George Michael, who died from pneumonia-related complications at age 53. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023.
From a young boy in Liverpool to the loss of music legends, Christmas Day has been a significant time in rock history. Be sure to check back tomorrow for more rock history updates!
