ON THIS DAY
1967 — Otis Redding records “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”
One of Redding’s final studio sessions and a turning point in soul music. The track would become his signature song and the first posthumous No. 1 in Billboard history.
1974 — AC/DC release the original High Voltage in Australia
The band’s debut arrives exclusively in the Australian market, capturing the raw, blues-fueled energy of their early identity. This version differs notably from the international 1976 edition and marks the true beginning of AC/DC’s ascent.
1979 — Fleetwood Mac release “Tusk” as a UK single
The band pushes further into experimental territory with the UK issue of Tusk, featuring the USC Trojan Marching Band and expanding the definition of rock spectacle.
1984 — “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” hits No. 1 in the UK
Band Aid’s charity single becomes the fastest-selling track in UK chart history, defining an entire decade’s approach to large-scale musical activism.
1987 — Bruce Springsteen performs on Saturday Night Live
Springsteen delivers “Tunnel of Love” and “Brilliant Disguise” in one of the show’s standout musical episodes of the era.
1988 — Metallica release “One” as a single
A landmark moment for metal: the anti-war narrative and technical precision earn Metallica their first Grammy and bring heavy music deeper into the mainstream.
1991 — Michael Jackson’s “Black or White” reaches No. 1 in the U.S.
A milestone for the Dangerous era, the single becomes one of the fastest-rising chart-toppers of the decade.
1992 — George Harrison releases Live in Japan
A rare and highly regarded live album featuring Eric Clapton’s band, documenting Harrison’s brief return to the stage.
2015 — Coldplay release A Head Full of Dreams (UK)
The album launches their technicolor stadium era and becomes a staple of their mid-2010s sound, featuring collaborations with Beyoncé, Noel Gallagher and Tove Lo.
BIRTHDAYS
Tom Waits (born 1949)
One of America’s most singular voices — a gravel-toned architect of gothic blues, beat-poet surrealism and outsider balladry.
Sara Bareilles (born 1979)
Singer-songwriter and Broadway force known for Love Song, Brave and the acclaimed musical Waitress.
Nicole Appleton (born 1974)
Singer of All Saints, key figure in late-’90s UK pop and Brit-R&B crossover.
Aaron Carter (1987–2022)
Teen pop phenomenon remembered for early-2000s hits and a career marked by both success and turbulence.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Pink Floyd mark Wish You Were Here anniversary with Paris pop-up
A special installation opens today in Paris, celebrating 50 years of the album with artwork, rare pressings and a deluxe box set preview.
Michael Bublé performs at the Vatican
Bublé headlines the 6th annual Concert with the Poor, an event designed for the homeless, migrants and socially vulnerable.
BBC greenlights new Beatles series
A six-part drama chronicling the Hamburg years enters production, aiming for a late-2026 release.
LIVE TODAY
London — The O2 Arena
The 1975 continue their winter residency with a setlist mixing deep cuts, reworked arrangements and new material teased throughout November.
Los Angeles — Greek Theatre
Hozier performs a rescheduled December date, leaning heavily into extended live versions of tracks from Unreal Unearth.
Berlin — Mercedes-Benz Arena
Burna Boy brings his European finale with a full brass section and updated staging from the 2025 crossover tour.
INDIE SPOTLIGHT
Dora Jar — “Still Dreaming”
Ethereal vocals, glitch-pop minimalism and a quietly cinematic production style. The track is gaining traction across college radio and London indie playlists.