On This Day
1961 — The Marvelettes hit No. 1 with “Please Mr. Postman”
Motown earns its first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 single. A benchmark moment that helped launch the label’s rise as a global cultural force.
1964 — Sam Cooke dies at age 33
One of the most influential voices in soul and gospel is shot and killed in Los Angeles. His death remains a subject of controversy and speculation.
1968 — The Rolling Stones release Beggars Banquet in the US
The album—featuring “Sympathy for the Devil” and “Street Fighting Man”—marks their full transition into darker, blues-based rock.
1972 — Genesis release Foxtrot in the US
The album includes the 23-minute epic “Supper’s Ready,” a turning point in progressive rock and a foundation of the Gabriel-era mythology.
1982 — The Jam play their final show
Paul Weller ends one of Britain’s most influential mod-punk bands with a farewell performance in Brighton.
1990 — Madonna hits No. 1 with “Justify My Love”
Controversial for its sexually explicit video, the track becomes a cultural flashpoint for conversations about censorship and artistic freedom.
2001 — Alanis Morissette releases Under Rug Swept
Produced entirely by Morissette herself, the album signals her move toward full creative autonomy.
2012 — The Rolling Stones begin their 50th Anniversary Tour (US leg)
Their Newark performance features guest appearances by Lady Gaga, The Black Keys and Bruce Springsteen.
Birthdays
Nikki Sixx (born 1958)
Co-founder, bassist, and primary songwriter of Mötley Crüe. A defining architect of 1980s glam metal.
Mos Def / Yasiin Bey (born 1973)
One of the most respected voices in conscious hip-hop, known for Black on Both Sides and his work with Talib Kweli in Black Star.
Justin Currie (born 1964)
Scottish singer-songwriter and co-founder of Del Amitri, known for literate pop-rock storytelling.
International Music News
Taylor Swift announces a brief pause in tour filming
Multiple US outlets report that Swift is delaying additional filming for the 2026 Eras Tour documentary due to negotiations with international production partners.
Billie Eilish debuts a new original holiday track live in Los Angeles
Recorded audience footage confirms she performed an unreleased seasonal ballad during a charity concert at the Hollywood Palladium last night.
South Korea: IVE and NewJeans dominate December streaming charts
Major Korean platforms (Melon, Genie) show a surge in girl-group streams as year-end awards voting intensifies.
Coldplay confirm vinyl reissue campaign for early albums
Their first three studio albums (Parachutes, A Rush of Blood to the Head, X&Y) will receive new half-speed remasters in February 2026.
New Releases
SZA — “Another Life (Acoustic Sessions)”
A stripped-down rework of several tracks from SOS, released on streaming platforms today.
Interpol — “Black Orbit / Cold Turns Blue” (Double A-side)
The band’s first studio release of 2025 continues their darker post-punk electronica blend.
James Blake — “Three Rooms EP”
An experimental, piano-forward release previewing his 2026 full-length.
Romy (The xx) — “Fireflies”
A club-pop single produced with Fred again.., early reactions call it “one of her most euphoric tracks to date”.
Indie Radar
Holly Humberstone — “Dopamine Sky (Live at Abbey Road)”
A shimmering, emotionally raw performance that’s picking up strong traction on UK radio.
Quarters of Change — “Silver & Static”
NYC indie-rockers drop their most polished release yet, blending grunge textures with alt-pop structure.
11 December always lands in that strange pre-solstice twilight—half celebration, half reflection. Today’s milestones stretch from Motown’s first No. 1 to modern indie breakthroughs, reminding us how many eras coexist in the present tense.