This Day in Rock & Roll History for January 6

Kim Wilson, of Fabulous Thunderbirds, is born. (1951)

Malcolm Young, guitarist with AC/DC, is born. (1953)

Elvis Presley makes his last appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in New York City. Over twenty minutes are devoted to him and he sings seven numbers--"Hound Dog," "Don't Be Cruel," "Love Me Tender," "Heartbreak Hotel," "Peace in the Valley," "Too Much," and "When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again." (1957)

Gibson patents its "Flying V" electric guitar. The design will become a favorite of many rock guitarists and the trademark instrument of bluesman Albert King. (1968)

The Rolling Stones begin their first headlining British tour in Harrow. The Ronettes are the opening act. (1964)

Two days before it begins a three week reign in the Number One spot, the Beatles' "We Can Work It Out" is awarded a gold record. It had entered the chart on December 18, 1965 and will stay on the Hot 100 for 12 weeks. (1966)

Television producer and "American Bandstand" host Dick Clark premieres his latest TV series, "Happening '68." The prime-time show, featuring popular rock acts runs through September 1969. (1968)

Neil Young returns to his homeland of Canada for his first concert there since his pre-stardom days. (1971)

The one thousand or so Led Zeppelin fans, waiting overnight inside the lobby of the Boston Garden for tickets to the group's February 4th gig to go on sale, cause an esimated $30,000 damage to the joint when they riot, breaking seats and doors. Boston Mayor Kevin White promptly cancels the show. (1975)

Three months after signing the Sex Pistols for 40,000 pounds, EMI terminates the contract after releasing only one single. No reason is given, but an EMI office memo alludes to the group's "disgraceful...aggressive behavior" and EMI's responsibility to "encourage restraint." (1977)

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