July 21, 2019
Double whammys, numbers ones, history making shows and many happy returns – this week in rock down the years…
#OnThisDay July 15, 1978
Promoting his 18th studio album, ‘Street-Legal’, Bob Dylan plays to an estimated 200,000 people when he plays Blackbushe Aerodome in Surrey. Guests include Eric Clapton and Joan Armatrading.
#OnThisDay July 16, 1993
Hot off the release of their second album, ‘Gold Against The Soul’, Manic Street Preachers play the inaugural Phoenix Festival at the Long Marston Airfield near Stratford-upon-Avon. How many of you made it there?
#OnThisDay July 17, 1949
And it’s a Happy 70th Birthday to Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler. Did you know that in addition to holding down the bottom end for the metal pioneers, he also wrote most of the lyrics in their early days? ‘War Pigs’ must rate among his best – enjoy it in all its righteous glory here!
#OnThisDay July 18, 1980
It’s a double whammy from Billy Joel as the celebrated singer-songwriter tops both the US album and singles charts. ‘Glass Houses’ sits atop the former while ‘It’s Still Rock’n’Roll To Me’ takes the latter.
#OnThisDay July 19, 1975
Tartan teen sensations The Bay City Rollers score their second and final UK No. 1 single, ‘Give A Little Love’.
#OnThisDay July 20, 1954
The Blue Moon Boys – that’ll be singer Elvis Presley, guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black – make their live debut performing on the back of flatbed truck outside the grand opening of new drug store in Memphis, TN.
#OnThisDay July 21, 1974
One of the most successful singles of the ‘Philly Soul’ era and written by the powerhouse duo Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, The Three Degrees’ ‘When Will I See You Again’ enters the UK Top Ten at No. 7. It eventually peaks at No. 1.
Spotlight in Stereo – Valentine’s Day Duel!
It’s the most romantic day of the year if you’re happily in love. If you’re not, then it’s quite possibly the most tedious, lonely and depressing one on the calendar. Ever the diplomats, here in the Spotlight Office we want to include all our colleagues in the celebrations and commiserations, so we created two Valentine’s playlists; one for Everybody In Love and another for those who are Single.
Read moreBob Dylan ‘Shadow Kingdom’ Out Now
Shadow Kingdom presents Bob Dylan performing revelatory 21st century versions of songs from his storied back catalog — including fan favourites like “Forever Young” and “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue,” and deep catalog gems like “Queen Jane Approximately” and “The Wicked Messenger.”
Read moreElvis Presley’s ‘Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite’ 50th Anniversary Edition
The 50th anniversary edition of Elvis Presley’s monumental Aloha from Hawaii via Satellite record-setting global concert telecast/double live album will be released on Friday, August 11.
Read moreHMV Vinyl Week – Releases
We’re excited to be releasing a host of iconic albums as part of HMV Vinyl Week. Happening on 17th June, in-store & online.
Read moreBob Dylan
Manic Street Preachers
Video of the Week: Elvis Presley ‘Jailhouse Rock’
The king of rock and roll Elvis Presley released ‘Jailhouse Rock’ 65 years ago!
Read moreBob Dylan ‘Fragments – Time Out Of Mind Sessions’ Bootleg Vol. 17 To Be Released January 27
Bob Dylan – Fragments – Time Out Of Mind Sessions (1996-1997): The Bootleg Series Vol. 17 to be released in deluxe 5 disc set on Columbia Records/Legacy Recordings on Friday, January 27th.
Read moreManic Street Preachers announce expanded version of ‘Know Your Enemy’
Manic Street Preachers have announced an expanded and remastered version of their sixth album ‘Know Your Enemy’. The new version of this album has been reconstructed to form two separate albums, ‘Solidarity’ and ‘Door To The River’ as originally intended by the band in 2000.
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