This Day in Rock History: Feb. 4

Source: Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac performs on stage, New York, 1977. (Michael Putland/Getty Images)

Feb. 4 is a legendary day in rock history, known for several major releases and recordings. The day has been especially kind to the group Fleetwood Mac, which saw a pair of some of the most important releases of their legendary discography. Today also marks the farewell of a legendary band instrumental in the evolution of one of the biggest sub genres in rock music; heavy metal. Here’s a day in rock history:

1966 – 19th Nervous Breakdown

The Rolling Stones released 19th Nervous Breakdown, eventually reaching No. 2 on both the U.S. and U.K. charts.

1968 – Across the Universe

The Beatles recorded Across the Universe at Abbey Road Studios in London. John Lennon and Paul McCartney invited two local teenage fans to the studio to record the falsettos for the song.

1972 – David Bowie

David Bowie recorded several songs at Trident Studios in London; Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide, Starman and Suffragette City. They were the finals songs recorded for The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars.

Source: Singer David Bowie performing Live Ziggy Stardust tour in 1972. (Armando Gallo/Getty Images)

1976 – Rhiannon

Fleetwood Mac released Rhiannon as a single off of their self-titled 1975 album; Fleetwood Mac.

1977 – Rumours

Fleetwood Mac released Rumours, their most-successful album to date. 45 million copies and a Grammy Award for “Album of the Year” later, Rumours has stood the test of time, supported by hits like Don’t Stop, Dreams and Go Your Own Way.

2017 – Black Sabbath

Black Sabbath played their final show at NEC Arena in their home city of Birmingham, the end of their 81-show world tour. The revolutionary heavy metal band formed in 1968.