Classic Rock Bands - Hidden History
Formed in London in 1968, this band originally performed under the name "The New Yardbirds."
Who is Led Zeppelin?
Although frequently mistaken for a patriotic anthem, this 1984 Springsteen hit is actually a critique of the Vietnam War and the struggles of returning veterans.
What is "Born in the U.S.A."?
Often called "the fifth Beatle," this legendary producer played a pivotal role in shaping the Beatles' revolutionary sound.
Who is George Martin?
Emerging in the mid-1970s in New York City clubs like CBGB, this rebellious genre featured bands like the Ramones and emphasized stripped-down sounds and anti-establishment themes.
What is Punk Rock?
This historic 1969 music festival in upstate New York symbolized peace and love, featuring iconic performances by Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Santana.
What is Woodstock?
This iconic band's original name, "The Polka Tulk Blues Band," eventually evolved into something much darker, helping define heavy metal.
Who is Black Sabbath?
This famous 1972 song by Deep Purple, often remembered for its iconic guitar riff, describes the true events of a fire at a Montreux casino during a Frank Zappa concert.
What is "Smoke on the Water"?
This founding member and original lead guitarist of The Rolling Stones tragically drowned in his own swimming pool in 1969.
Who is Brian Jones?
This genre, epitomized by artists such as Bob Marley, developed in Jamaica and strongly influenced British and American rock bands with its distinctive rhythmic style and socially-conscious lyrics.
What is Reggae?
This 1985 global charity concert, organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure, took place simultaneously in London and Philadelphia, raising awareness and funds to fight famine in Ethiopia.
What is Live Aid?
Before settling on their famous moniker, this classic rock band once called themselves "The Tea Set," until another group forced a name change during a gig in 1965.
Who is Pink Floyd?
This 1976 Eagles hit paints a mysterious picture of an enigmatic place that symbolizes the darker side of the American dream and the excesses of fame.
What is "Hotel California"?
This early drummer for The Beatles was replaced by Ringo Starr in 1962, missing out on international fame.
Who is Pete Best?
Originating from the American South in the late 1960s, this genre combined blues, country, and rock, popularized by bands such as the Allman Brothers Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
What is Southern Rock?
The Beatles' final public concert took place unexpectedly at this unconventional London location in January 1969.
What is the rooftop of Apple Corps headquarters?
In their early years, this legendary group went by the name "Earth" until learning of another band with the same name led them to choose a name inspired by the drummer's astrological sign.
Who is Black Sabbath?
This 1975 Queen classic, described by Freddie Mercury as simply "random rhyming nonsense," has intrigued fans with its operatic complexity and cryptic lyrics.
What is "Bohemian Rhapsody"?
He was the original vocalist and co-founder of Pink Floyd, whose declining mental health forced him out of the band in 1968.
Who is Syd Barrett?
Characterized by theatricality, elaborate performances, and extravagant fashion, this genre emerged prominently in the early 1970s with artists like David Bowie and Roxy Music leading the movement.
What is Glam Rock?
This tragic 1969 Rolling Stones concert in California ended violently when a fan was killed by security personnel from the Hells Angels motorcycle gang, marking an end to the optimism of the '60s.
What is the Altamont Speedway Free Festival?
Initially known as "The Golliwogs," this California rock band adopted a new name inspired by a beer commercial and a friend’s name, becoming icons of swamp rock in the late '60s.
Who is Creedence Clearwater Revival?
This 1971 Rolling Stones song was inspired by Mick Jagger’s encounter with activist Angela Davis and reflects social turmoil, depicting violence and chaos in society through allegorical references.
What is "Sweet Black Angel"?
This bassist, an original member of The Eagles and co-author of "Take It Easy," left the band in 1977 after increasing tensions and disagreements within the group.
Who is Randy Meisner?
This genre developed in the late 1960s, characterized by improvisational jams, complex arrangements, and experimentation with jazz and classical influences, exemplified by bands such as King Crimson and Yes.
What is Progressive Rock?
At this iconic 1967 music festival, Jimi Hendrix famously lit his guitar on fire, introducing a stunned audience to a new era of psychedelic rock performances.
What is the Monterey Pop Festival?