Experience the rich journey of music and concert culture in the 20th century, from Marilyn Monroe’s serenades to Run-DMC’s stand against societal issues. Immerse in the diverse yet unified world of music!
Marilyn Monroe Concert (1954)
In 1954, Marilyn Monroe also performed for soldiers in Korea, broadening the impact of her USO tour beyond American troops. This reflected the international nature of the peacekeeping effort during the Korean War.
Teen at Elvis Concert (1957)
On April 6, 1957, an anonymous teen was amid the crowd at Elvis Presley’s concert held at Philadelphia Arena, a defining occasion in the rock ‘n roll era.
Beatles Girls (1963)
Thrilled young female fans, overtaken by the intensity of watching their idols, The Beatles, perform live in Plymouth in 1963. The start of ‘Beatlemania’, a global frenzy led by predominantly teenage fans during the British band’s rise to fame.
New York Philharmonic in Central Park (1965)
The first Central Park concert by the New York Philharmonic, on August 10, 1965, made history, attracting over 70,000 people, establishing what would become a cherished tradition of free, outdoor orchestral music performances in NYC.
Jim Morrison’s Stage Arrest (1967)
In 1967, an intensely angered Jim Morrison was arrested onstage in New Haven, Connecticut while performing. This unforgettable moment marked a symbolic turning point in his tumultuous career.
Jimmy Swarbrigg Mobbed (1968)
On October 14, 1968, charismatic lead vocalist of The Times, Jimmy Swarbrigg, attracted hordes of excited teens at the Television Club in Dublin, reminiscent of Beatles-esque frenzy.
Woodstock Crowd (1969)
Woodstock 1969, famed for peace and music, gathered a crowd of 400,000. This iconic event, remembered for landmark performances and spontaneous camaraderie, is a symbol of counterculture era.
Altamont Free Concert Tragedy (1969)
In 1969, during a Rolling Stones gig at Altamont Free Concert, Hells Angels members brutally assaulted Meredith Hunter with pool cues, a distressing moment in rock and roll history.
Alice Cooper Concert (1973)
On March 26, 1973, Alice Cooper’s concert at the Boston Garden was a spectacle filled with shock rock theatrics, which included a stage show of snakes and executions; a thrilling performance that left fans awestruck and frightened.
Longest Walk Stars (1978)
In July 1978, a notable photo was captured at the end of The American Indian Movement “The Longest Walk” concert in Washington, DC. The photo features renowned figures like Muhammad Ali, Stevie Wonder, Marlon Brando, and activists such as Buffy Sainte-Marie and Floyd Red Crow Westerman.
Freddie Mercury on Vader (1980)
In August 1980, Freddie Mercury, Queen’s flamboyant frontman, astonished audiences during an encore at The Summit, Houston, by comically riding Darth Vader, a nod to widespread Star Wars mania, forging a legendary rock and pop culture link.
Marley’s Final Show (1980)
Bob Marley’s final live performance on September 23, 1980, was fueled by fervor despite his deteriorating health. He gave an unforgettable rendition of “Redemption Song”, unknowingly leaving a haunting legacy symbolizing ultimate freedom.
The Clash Concert (1982)
In 1982, The Clash rocked at the Lochem Festival, Holland. Amidst a massive rainstorm, the concert took a wild turn, with nearly 500 fans storming the stage.
Run-DMC Against Crack (1986)
Run-DMC, pioneers of hip-hop, at a benefit concert at Madison Square Garden, highlighting their stance against the crack epidemic, a side of their activism rarely seen, shot by Chester Higgins Jr.
Monsters of Rock (1991)
In September 1991, Russia’s biggest Western rock concert attracted half a million spectators, including AC/DC, Pantera, and Metallica. Branded as a tribute to Russian youth’s coup resistance, this monumental event symbolized western culture’s increasing influence on post-Soviet Russia.
