9th Day of Christmas Past
1974
1974 was eventful in several ways. In April, 148 tornadoes hit 13 states and one Canadian province in a single day. President Nixon resigned in disgrace. George W. Bush was discharged from the Air Force Reserve.
Elton and John
In November 1974, John Lennon’s “Whatever Gets You Through the Night” went to #1. Elton John played on that track, and the two agreed that if the song went to #1, they would perform together onstage. On November 28, John and Lennon performed three songs together at Madison Square Garden. It would turn out to be Lennon’s last live performance.Moving Out and Moving On
After numerous personnel changes and limited commercial success, Mott the Hoople announce in December that they are breaking up.In mid-December, guitarist Mick Taylor announces that he is leaving the Rolling Stones, amid a growing rift with founding member Keith Richards. Taylor, who had joined the band in 1969, said he felt it was time to move on and do something new.
George Harrison kicks off a world tour, becoming the first ex-Beatle to do so. Harrison plays the first of 30 shows in early November in Vancouver.
Taking a Break
After completing a five night stand at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco, the Grateful Dead begin a break from touring that will last 19 months.Ted Nugent finds relaxation in killing rodents. In November 1974 he wins a National Squirrel Shooting Contest by picking off one of the little critters from 150 yards away.
Up the Charts
- Elton John’s Greatest Hits goes to #1 on the U.S. album chart and stays there for 10 weeks.
- It’s Only Rock and Roll becomes the Rolling Stones’ fifth U.S. #1 album.
- Walls and Bridges becomes John Lennon’s second U.S. #1 album.
- Carole King (Wrap Around Joy) and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (So Far) each score their third #1 album on the U.S. chart.
- Bachman Turner Overdrive celebrate their first and only #1 U.S. single, “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet” (Listen)
1974 Holiday Season Releases
Jackson Browne – Late For the SkyElectric Light Orchestra – Eldorado
Genesis – The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
Little Feat – Feats Don’t Fail Me Now
Joni Mitchell – Miles of Aisles
Queen – Sheer Heart Attack
Velvet Underground – 1969: The Velvet Underground Live
Yes – Relayer
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