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)
The Watercade Brat Feed is coming up this Thursday evening in Litchfield’s Central Park from 5:30-to-7 p.m. For $8, you will get a brat, chips, cookie and water, and it’s $5 for an extra brat.
Watercade Board member Sara Miller says the 7 queen candidates and 9 junior candidates will be there to introduce themselves, and the Litchfield Downtown Council will have its first summer concert featuring the music of Frank Sinatra from 6-to-8 p.m. She says this is an important fundraiser for Watercade.
Miller says you can find all kinds of Watercade information at watercade.com and there are registration forms on the website for all kinds of events such as the pickle ball tournament the 4-mile and 8-mile runs, the golf and fishing tournaments and more. She says Gary Smith is the grand marshal for this year’s Watercade celebration, and they are looking for some more board members, so if anyone wants to get involved in the community it’s a great way to do so.
The Minnesota State Patrol has identified a man involved in a motorcycle crash on Friday night at 9:04 on Minnesota Highway 4 at 325th Street in Swede Grove Township in Meeker County. A 2022 Suzuki motorcycle – driven by 25-year-old Kesniel Samuel Acuna Paralta of Litchfield – was southbound on Highway 4 when it left the roadway landing in the ditch. He was transported to North Memorial with life-threatening injuries. Also responding to the scene were the Meeker County Sheriff’s Office, MN DNR, Grove City Fire Dept., Mayo ambulance, and North Memorial air care.
The Litchfield City Council has approved of a paving project at Anderson Gardens this summer. The project will address some safety concerns and it should be completed before the Watercade celebration. City Administrator Dave Czoik says Diversified Paving of St. Augusta will do the work at Anderson Gardens for $29,644.24. He says there is money for the project in the Anderson Gardens trust fund.
Summer intern Lydia Asmus introduced herself to the Litchfield City Council last night. She says she’s a junior at the University of Minnesota – Duluth and will be working with Dave Czoik. Asmus went over her goals for the summer and how she will accomplish what’s on her list. She says one of her goals is to develop more effective communication between the City and its residents.
Council member Darlene Kotelnicki brought up some concerns about the Litchfield Area Recreation Center such as monitoring the revenues and expenses, and operation of the concession stand. Council member Bob Powers’ issues from the previous meeting regarding the Minnesota flag and winter parking were back on the agenda and no action was taken. It was the consensus of most Council members to just leave the old flag in place in the Council chambers and not make any formal declaration about endorsing either the old flag or new flag – and also to leave the city’s parking ordinance as it is.
The Litchfield City Council approved of a certificate of appropriateness for Strout Innovations at 202 North Sibley Avenue for some masonry and door work at that building; tabled an appointment for the HRA Board until the by-laws are checked regarding the need to advertise the opening; approved of liquor licenses for 4 establishments who have properly completed their applications; and heard the annual audit report from Justin McGraw of Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing. The Council approved of McGraw’s report.
