September 3rd: On this Day

1955, Band leader Mitch Miller had the US No.1 with a song that was written in 1853, ‘The Yellow Rose Of Texas.’

1955, Bill Haley & his Comets turned down a $2,000 offer for a 15-date tour of Australia because of their fear of flying.

1962, After playing a lunchtime show at The Cavern in Liverpool, The Beatles played the first of three Monday night gigs at The Queen’s Hall, Widnes, Cheshire. Also on the bill, Billy Kramer and the Coasters, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes and Sonny Kaye and the Reds. Tickets cost 3/6.

1964, During a US tour The Beatles played two shows at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. They were paid $85,000 for the shows, tickets cost $4.00.

AC/DC have announced a brand new book chronicling the band’s ascent from the Sydney club scene to massive world tours. AC/DC: High Voltage Rock ‘N’ Roll — The Ultimate Illustrated History is the ultimate testament to Australia’s hard rock heroes. The tome contains over 400 rare photos, including handbills, posters, backstage passes and vinyl from around the world, as well as private and concert photography.

In addition, a roster of top writers from the music industry (including Gibson.com’s own Dave Hunter) examine all of the band’s studio albums and chronicles the group’s various personnel changes, as well as the Young brothers’ guitar gear. An all-star array of musical artists also lend their commentary on one of the greatest bands in rock history, including Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott, who provides an afterward.

AC/DC: High Voltage Rock ‘N’ Roll — The Ultimate Illustrated History will be available from Voyageur Press on October 15.

With all the talk in recent years about Pixies reunions, one could be forgiven for forgetting Kim Deal’s other great band. But The Breeders, which were initially formed by Deal and Throwing Muses guitarist Tanya Donelly as a side project in 1988, became bona fide hit-makers after the Pixies broke up in 1993. In between Pixies tours, Deal is back on the road with sister Kelley and company. Although the retooled band released an album, Mountain Battles, last year, the bassist told Cleveland Scene there could be more new Breeders music in the works.

“I’ve got enough songs for an EP, and I’m thinking about doing something like Fate to Fatal again,” Deal said. “If I had a third EP, maybe I could put it all out on a record. I don’t want to wait. It takes me forever to write a record.”

September 2nd: On this Day

1962, Johnny Cash appeared at the Buck Lane Ranch, Angola, Indiana.

1964, On tour in the USA The Beatles appeared at The Convention Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Days before the concert, Philadelphia had experienced race-riots, The Beatles, who were Civil Rights supporters, were shocked to see that their audience of 13,000 is completely white.

1964, The Rolling Stones recorded their version of the Willie Dixon song ‘Little Red Rooster’ at Regent Sound Studios in London, England.

1965, Steam Packet with Long John Baldry, Rod Stewart, Julie Discoll and The Brian Auger Trinity appeared at the Marquee Club, London.

Rush have always been a band for hardcore cult fans, mostly guys, and a bit of a punching bag for critics. But that attitude has slowly changed in the last year, with the Canadian trio getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a cameo in the Paul Rudd bromance, I Love You, Man. But the biggest factor in the band’s sudden “cool” status is the award-winning documentary Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage. Guitarist Alex Lifeson spoke to MusicRadar.com about the film’s impact.

September 1st: On this Day

1952, Atlantic Records bought Ray Charles' contract from Swingtime Records, where Charles had been recording in the mellower, bluesy style of Nat King Cole and Charles Brown.

1953, The Texas duo of Buddy Holly and Bob Montgomery auditioned for radio station KDAV's Sunday Party. The duo started a slot on Sunday afternoon that became known as The Bob and Buddy Show.

1955, After complaints from his neighbours, Rock 'n' Roll fan Sidney Adams was fined £3 and 10 shillings, ($9.80) by a London Court after playing Bill Haley's 'Shake Rattle and Roll' all day at full volume.

1956, Elvis Presley was at No.2 on the US singles chart with 'Hound Dog' being held off the top by The Platters 'My Prayer'.