DEC 17-23: Historic events this week from David Bowie, Elvis Costello, Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones and Joe Strummer.

DECEMBER 17, 1971: DAVID BOWIE RELEASES HUNKY DORY

David Bowie’s fourth album, Hunky Dory, was his first of three with backing band The Spiders From Mars.

The album contains the singles “Life on Mars?” and the top 10 hit “Changes.”

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DECEMBER 17, 1977: SNL BANS ELVIS COSTELLO
Appearing on SNL, Costello was to play “Less Than Zero.”

14 seconds in, he screamed for his band to stop, and instead performed “Radio, Radio”, a song he was forbidden to play due to its criticism of the airwaves’ commercialization.

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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 18, 2020: PAUL McCARTNEY RELEASES McCARTNEY III

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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.

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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.