History as you’ve never seen it: a journey in time through the albums, concerts and events that made history—this week in music. Michael Jackson’s music video for “Thriller,” The Sex Pistols appear on London TV and Mary J. Blige’s debut album My Life: this & more for this week’s music history!
November 27: Pavement Announce Their Breakup
In 1999, independent rock icons Pavement announced the end of the group during their show at London’s Brixton Academy. There, singer and band leader Stephen Malkmus was the one to tell the crowd that the show would be the band’s last.
The group influenced multiple incredible artists, including British group Blur.
November 28: Aerosmith As You’ve Never Seen Them
On this day in 2015, after defeating heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko, Tyson Fury got a turn on the mic. A rather unique performance followed, with the professional boxer singing the Aerosmith hit “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” to his wife.
November 29: Mary J. Blige Releases My Life
1994—one of the most important years for rap music. Incredible pieces of musical art were dropped. That year is when Mary J. Blige released her breakthrough second album, My Life. Many of the songs dealt with her tempestuous relationship with Cedric “K-Ci” Hailey of Jodeci.
November 30: Christine McVie Dies at 79
A year has already passed since Fleetwood Mac’s singer and keyboardist Christine McVie died from a stroke at 79.
Read more about her work here.
December 1: The Sex Pistols Appear on London Regional TV
In 1976, The Sex Pistols appeared on the Today program on London regional TV. The group’s appearance was a “surprise” for the public, who was waiting for Queen. The last-minute choice was as chaotic as the band; following their “protocol,” the group swore repeatedly, creating chaos in the studio and shocking sensitive viewers.
December 2: Michael Jackson Shares the Music Video for “Thriller”
1983: Michael Jackson shares one of the most iconic music videos ever. Yes, we’re talking about the 14-minute “Thriller” video. The short film debuted on MTV, and shows Michael Jackson turning into a werewolf and leading a dance in a dark, horror setting.
Directed by John Landis, the video immediately gained incredible praise.
December 3: “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” Becomes the First Charity Single
In 1984, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” was released in the UK, a week later in the US. It is the first charity single on a grand scale, with proceeds going to help famine victims in Ethiopia.
The single, in which many British music icons took part, became the biggest-selling single in UK history. The record stood until 1997, when Elton John’s updated version of “Candle In The Wind” came out following his performance for Princess Diana’s funeral, taking the #1 spot.
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