December 26, 1963 – Capitol Records releases the first Beatles single in the United States.  It’s “I Want To Hold Your Hand” backed with “I Saw Her Standing There.”

December 26, 1968 – Led Zeppelin start their first North American tour, supporting Vanilla Fudge and Spirit at Denver Auditorium, in Colorado. Tickets for the Sunday night show cost $5.

Top 15 Best-Selling Rock Artists of All Time in U.S. Sales

Classic Rock Birthdays

December 26, 1963 – Lars Ulrich, drums (Metallica)
December 26, 1939 – Phil Spector, producer (d. 2021)
December 26, 1951 – Paul Quinn, guitar (Saxon)
December 26, 1953 – Steve Witherington, drums (Ace)
December 26, 1966 – Jay “J.” Yuenger, guitar (White Zombie)