July 12 is a big date in rock history. It marks major firsts, returns, and memorable moments.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
In 1962, The Rolling Stones played their first gig at the Marquee Club in London. The lineup included Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ian Stewart, Brian Jones, and Tony Chapman. Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman joined later. They played blues covers and kept going despite a quiet start. Also in 1962, Ray Charles scored his only UK No. 1 with “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” from his Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music album. In 1965, The Beach Boys released the single “California Girls,” their biggest commercial hit. In 1969, supergroup Blind Faith—Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Ginger Baker, and Ric Grech—made their US live debut at Madison Square Garden. It turned out to be their only tour.
Cultural Milestones
Singer and songwriter Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac was born on July 12, 1943, in Greenodd, Lancashire. She joined the band full-time in 1970 and helped craft many of their hits. On July 12, 1954, a 19-year-old Elvis Presley signed his first professional recording contract with Sun Records in Memphis and left his truck-driving job. In 1992, Guns N’ Roses frontman Axl Rose was arrested at JFK Airport over an outstanding warrant tied to a 1991 riot after a show in St. Louis. On July 12, 2000, a statue honoring John Lennon by Carl Fredrik Reutersward—with a revolver and knotted barrel—was unveiled in London’s Trafalgar Square. In 2003, Rob Halford announced he was rejoining Judas Priest for a new album and tour.
Keep an eye on this date. It’s full of starts, comebacks, and rock lore.
