This Day in Rock & Roll History for February 10

Singer Donovan is born Donovan Phillip Leitch near Glasgow, Scotland. (1946)

The Beatles close Beatles U.S.A., their American fan club and business office, and fire their U.S. press agents, severing all American business connections. They also withdraw from the late Brian Epstein's NEMS Enterprises and turn all business affairs over to their newly formed record company, Apple. (1968)

Carole King's "Tapestry" is released. (1971)

According to a report in the New York Times, Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention are forced to cancel a concert in London that was to include the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and songs from the score of "200 Motels." Officials objected to Zappa's film "200 Motels," finding it obscene. (1971)

The historic Liverpool club the Cavern is given a three month reprieve by British Rail, who are constructing an underground railroad, necesssitating the demolition of the club. Should the club have to move, says owner Roy Adams, he could at least preserve the original cellar room where the Beatles performed 292 times back in the early Sixties. (1973)

Legendary record producer Phil Spector is injured in a serious accident, but details are, for unknown reasons, kept secret. The accident takes place somewhere between LA and Phoenix, and according to a statement released by Spector's office, he suffered multiple head and body injuries. Even some of his closest pals know nothing about the incident. (1975)

Van Halen's debut album is released. The LP hit the top-20 and has sold over 6 million copies (as of 1997). It contained the singles "You Really Got Me and "Runnin' With The Devil." (1978)

Rod Stewart's disco-tinged single, "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?" hits #1 on the pop chart. It would stay there for a month. (1979)

Dire Straits' "Sultans Of Swing" is released. (1979)

John Lennon's "Live in New York City" LP is released. (1986)

Eric Clapton wraps up an 18 show stand at London's Royal Albert Hall. (1990)

Aerosmith's "Janie's Got A Gun" peaks at #4 on the pop chart. It was a track from their mega-platinum LP, "Pump." (1990)

Recluse Michael Jackson grants his first interview in 15 years to TV goddess Oprah Winfrey. In the interview, Jackson claims that he has a disorder that destroys the pigmentation of the skin. He also claims he's had very little plastic surgery. (1993)

Singer Brian Connolly of Sweet dies of kidney failure in Southern England. He was 52. (1997)

Liam Gallagher of Oasis calls off his wedding to actress Patsy Kensit because of what he calls "obsessive and intrusive" media attention. They got married in a quiet ceremony two months later. (1997)

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