February 2 is a significant day in rock history, marked by both firsts and lasts. It’s the day The Beatles played their first show outside Liverpool, and it’s also the last time we saw Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens perform together. Here are some key events from this day.
In 1959, the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, hosted the Winter Dance Party tour featuring Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson. Tragically, this was their final performance, as they died in a plane crash the next day, a moment often referred to as “the day the music died.”
Fast forward to 1962, when The Beatles played their first professional gig outside Liverpool at the Oasis Club in Manchester. About 300 fans attended, and this show featured their original drummer, Pete Best.
On the cultural side, Graham Nash was born in 1942 in Salford, England. He co-founded The Hollies and later joined Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Sadly, in 1979, Sid Vicious, the bass player for the Sex Pistols, passed away at just 21 years old. His lack of experience meant that Steve Jones played bass on their only album, “Never Mind the Bs, Here’s the Sex Pistols.”
Notable recordings on February 2 include The Beatles starting their first UK tour in 1963 and Simon & Garfunkel finishing “Mrs. Robinson” in 1968. This song became their second number one hit in the U.S.
With these important moments, February 2 is a key date in rock history. Check back tomorrow for more music news!
