Historic events this week from Bob Dylan, John Lennon, The Rolling Stones, Joe Strummer and Poison

DECEMBER 18, 1972: PAT GARRETT & BILLY THE KID
Dylan’s first film role came as “Alias” in Sam Peckinpah’s Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid.

In addition to acting in the film, Dylan provided the score and original songs, including “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door”.

His score work earned him a Grammy nomination and two BAFTA nominations.

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DECEMBER 20, 1980: LENNON’S FIRST UK #1
“(Just Like) Starting Over” was Lennon’s latest single when he died.

The song had fallen from #8 to #21 on the UK charts.

Eight days after Lennon’s death, the song topped the charts, giving him his first UK #1 as a solo artist.

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DECEMBER 20, 1971: THE ROLLING STONES RELEASE HOT ROCKS 1964–1971

The Rolling Stones’ Hot Rocks 1964-1971 compilation remains their biggest selling set.

The compilation has been certified 12x Platinum and peaked at #7 in the US.

The 2 LP set contains thirteen Top 20 singles including seven #1’s.

• • •
DECEMBER 22, 2002: JOE STRUMMER DIES
The Clash leader died of an undiagnosed congenital heart defect.

He was 50 years old.

The Clash would be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame one year later.

• • •
DECEMBER 24, 1988: “EVERY ROSE HAS ITS THORN” IS #1
Poison’s only #1 song reached the top spot on Christmas Eve.

It remained at #1 for three weeks before being unseated by Bobby Brown’s “My Prerogative.”