JUNE 3 | TODAY IN ROCK HISTORY: The Kinks, Queen, Billy Powell
June 3: A Historic Day in Rock Music
The Kinks’ Ray Davies and the “Lola” Lyric Change
On June 3, 1970, The Kinks faced an unusual problem involving one of their most famous songs, “Lola.” The original recording included the brand name “Coca-Cola,” but the BBC refused to play the song because of its strict rules against unauthorized advertising.
Ray Davies responded by making a remarkable 6,000-mile round trip between New York and London to re-record the offending lyric. “Coca-Cola” became “cherry cola,” allowing the song to receive airplay without violating the BBC’s policy.
The extraordinary journey proved worthwhile. “Lola” became a major international hit, reaching No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and becoming one of The Kinks’ most enduring songs.
The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Concert
On June 3, 2002, Buckingham Palace hosted a spectacular concert celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and 50 years on the throne. The event brought together an extraordinary collection of rock and pop performers, including Paul McCartney, Sting, Elton John, Bryan Adams, and Ozzy Osbourne.
The concert demonstrated the enormous cultural reach of rock music, with legendary performers appearing at one of Britain’s most significant national celebrations. Broadcast around the world, the event became one of the most memorable musical celebrations of the Jubilee year.
Birthday of Billy Powell
June 3 also marks the birthday of the late Billy Powell, born in 1952. Best known as the keyboardist for Lynyrd Skynyrd, Powell played an important role in shaping the band’s distinctive Southern rock sound.
His piano work became an essential part of songs including “Free Bird” and “Sweet Home Alabama.” Powell’s musicianship helped give Lynyrd Skynyrd a sound that combined hard rock power with blues, country, and Southern musical traditions.
Key Events in Rock History on June 3
1964: The Beatles Begin Their World Tour
The Beatles began their 1964 world tour with a performance in Copenhagen, Denmark, launching another international chapter in the band’s extraordinary rise.
1969: Led Zeppelin in America
Led Zeppelin continued their rapid rise in the United States during their first American touring period, introducing audiences to the heavy blues-rock sound that would soon make them one of the world’s biggest bands.
1969: The Who’s “Tommy” Era Begins
The Who were bringing their groundbreaking rock opera Tommy to audiences, establishing a new model for ambitious, narrative-driven rock music.
1970: Ray Davies Rewrites “Lola”
Ray Davies made his extraordinary trip between New York and London to replace “Coca-Cola” with “cherry cola” in “Lola,” allowing the song to satisfy BBC broadcasting rules.
1974: Queen on the Road
Queen were expanding their reputation as a formidable live act during their early touring years, with Freddie Mercury rapidly establishing himself as one of rock’s most commanding frontmen.
1981: The Rolling Stones Keep Touring
The Rolling Stones were preparing for another massive touring cycle following the release of Tattoo You, an album that would become one of their biggest commercial successes.
1983: David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” Dominates
David Bowie was enjoying enormous success with “Let’s Dance,” demonstrating his ability to reinvent his sound while reaching a massive new audience.
1987: U2’s The Joshua Tree Era
U2 were riding the enormous success of The Joshua Tree, an album that transformed the band from major rock stars into one of the world’s biggest acts.
1994: Nirvana’s Final Concert
Nirvana had already performed their final concert in Munich earlier that year, bringing their brief but enormously influential career as a live band to an end.
2002: The Golden Jubilee Concert
The Golden Jubilee celebration at Buckingham Palace brought together some of the biggest names in rock and pop, including Paul McCartney, Sting, Elton John, Bryan Adams, and Ozzy Osbourne.
June 3: Three Weird Rock Factoids
The Rolling Stones Were Banned From a Hotel
On June 3, 1965, The Rolling Stones were reportedly banned from a hotel in Bristol, England, after a night of rowdy behavior. The incident became another example of the band’s early reputation for chaos following them everywhere they went.
The Beatles Played Their First Concert in Denmark
On June 3, 1964, The Beatles opened their first Scandinavian tour in Copenhagen after arriving without Ringo Starr, who was sidelined by illness. Jimmy Nicol stepped in on drums, beginning a remarkable stretch in which he temporarily performed with the world’s biggest band.
Pink Floyd Played Their First U.S. Show
On June 3, 1967, Pink Floyd made an early American appearance at the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco during the Monterey Pop era. The performance introduced American audiences to the band’s psychedelic stage presentation at a moment when British experimental rock was beginning to make a major impact in the United States.
