This Day in Music
On this day in music, June 2, 1978, Irish rockers Thin Lizzy released their double concert album, Live and Dangerous. Featuring performances in London, Philadelphia, and Toronto, and produced with Tony Visconti, the album compiled some of the band’s greatest live moments from 1976-77. Despite controversy over the fact overdubs were recorded in a studio, the album was a commercial success, reaching No.2 in the UK. Today, it ranks among the greatest live albums of all time.
In 2008, singer, songwriter, and guitarist Bo Diddley died at the age of 79. Born Ellas Otha Bates, the artist was instrumental in bridging the gap between the blues and rock‘n’roll in the 50s and influenced everyone from Buddy Holly and Elvis Presley to the Rolling Stones and The Beatles.
In 1984, Wham! scored their first No.1 hit in the UK with “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go.” Written and produced by George Michael, the energetic tune was inspired by a note that his bandmate, Andrew Ridgeley, left for his parents. Elsewhere, the single topped the charts across Europe, as well as in Australia, the US, and Canada.
In 1979, Donna Summer began a three-week run at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 with her disco hit “Hot Stuff.”
In 1976, Paul McCartney and Wings set a new record during a show in Seattle, where they performed to an audience of 67,100 fans – the largest indoor concert attendance at the time.
In 1981, Prince played his first show on British soil at London’s Lyceum Theatre. The Minnesota-based artist would not play the UK again for another five years.
In 1962, Island Records released its first single, “Twist Baby” by Owen Gray. The legendary imprint would eventually sign the likes of Bob Marley, U2, Jethro Tull, and Amy Winehouse.
BORN ON JUNE 2
1941: Charlie Watts (Rolling Stones)
1944: Marvin Hamlisch (Composer)
1950: Chubby Tavares (Tavares)
1955: Michael Steele (The Bangles)
1960: Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet)
1970: B-Real (Cypress Hill)
1976: Tim Rice-Oxley (Keane)
1980: Fabrizio Moretti (The Strokes)
