At the year’s end, December shapes as a defining month in rock music history for both Australia and the world.
Whether it be new beginnings, losses or notable milestones, the month is brimming with important dates.
Enjoy these key events that have shaped the Aussie and international rock music scene from the month of December from the Australian Truck Radio Rock’N’Roll Diary:
December 1
1973: The very first day of December back in the ‘70s saw Black Sabbath release landmark heavy metal record ‘Sabbath Bloody Sabbath’.
1975: In the aftermath of its live performances in Australia this summer, head back to the mid ‘70s when the band released ‘T.N.T’ exclusively in Australia, containing early classics like ‘It’s a Long Way to the Top’ and ‘High Voltage’.
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December 3
1948: The very own Ozzy Osbourne was born on this day, becoming one of metal music’s founding fathers as the ‘Prince of Darkness’ from Black Sabbath.
December 8
1943: Iconic frontman of The Doors, Jim Morrison was born on this day. He was also a poet and symbol of the 1960’s rock rebellion before his passing in 1971.
1980: This marks one of the world’s great tragedies in the death of John Lennon. The former The Beatles front man was shot in New York City, with his influence on rock and popular music remaining unmatched.
December 10
2007: Moving forward to the mid 2000s and a bittersweet moment occurred in London’s O2 Arena on this date when Led Zeppelin performed its final concert with John Bonham.
December 23
1956: Iron Maiden guitarist Dave Murray was born on this day. The musician was best known for his melodic twin-lead style that shaped British heavy metal.
1964: On this day, Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam was born.
December 31
1973: AC/DC played its first official show on this day at Sydney’s Chequers Nightclub.
In summary, December is a month rich with rock milestones, with beginnings such as AC/DC’s first gig and formation, farewells and losses in John Lennon and co and the birthdays of several of rock’s greatest figures headlining. It’s a month reflecting the spirit, tragedy and legacy of rock music both in Australia and globally.
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