1968: July

5:27 PM GMT 21/02/2008

1 – The Band release their debut LP, Music From Big Pink. Recorded in the basement of their shared house outside Saugerties in upstate New York, the album’s take on American roots music will captivate musicians everywhere. George Harrison and Eric Clapton are just two of those who will soon make pilgrimages to the small town of Woodstock in search of the record's mystic creators.

6 – Woburn Music Festival in Bedfordshire features Donovan, Fleetwood Mac, Pentangle, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Alexis Korner, Family and Tyrannosaurus Rex. Tickets cost a wallet-crunching £2.

7 – The Yardbirds play their last gig in Luton.

8 – Following a Smokey Robinson & The Miracles show in Boston, a riot erupts after fans scuffle with police. The violence continues to snowball into a nearby park.

8 – Pink Floyd begin a US Tour in support of their new album, Saucerful Of Secrets.

10 – Eric Clapton announces Cream’s current tour will be their last.

15 - The Yippies apply for a permit to camp in Chicago’s Lincoln Park and Soldier Field during next month's Convention.

17 – The Beatles’ new animated movie Yellow Submarine, premieres at The London Pavilion. Ringo Starr is the only member of the band not to attend the event.

26 - Decca halts the release of The Rolling Stones' new LP Beggars Banquet due to its controversial cover art depicting a graffiti-strewn toilet wall.

26 - The Jackson Five, led by diminutive singer Michael, sign a one-year deal with Motown Records.

29 – As The Byrds embark on the South African leg of their tour, Gram Parsons quits the band in protest against the country’s policy of apartheid. Keith Richards is the first person to advise Parsons not to play the shows. On the same day, Sweetheart Of Rodeo hits the shelves. It will be the band’s most unsuccessful album to date, but will help define the next decade’s country-rock successes.

31 – The Beatles cut the McCartney-penned Hey Jude at Trident Studios in London. A 36-piece orchestra will be added to the basic eight-track recording the following evening.

...AUGUST

Posted by Ross_Bennett at 5:27 PM GMT 21/02/2008

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