On this day in rock history, Led Zeppelin returned with a more riff-focused sequel to their groundbreaking debut – the aptly titled II.

They actually began work on the album before Led Zeppelin I was even on store shelves, recording through a series of concert stops to promote the debut project in Europe and the U.S. In some instances, songs were started on one side of the Atlantic, and then finished on the other. Jimmy Page's unerring knack for production stitched it all together.

Kiss also released their sophomore album Hotter than Hell, which arrived just six months after their eponymous debut. Paul McCartney issued Give My Regards to Broadstreet, one of his lesser-regarded studio projects, then Paul Simon produced The Rhythm of the Saints – one that's only grown in stature over the years.

Pearl Jam also got together for their very first show, back when they were still called Mookie Blaylock as an homage to their favorite basketball player.

Watch an exciting recap of many of the day’s biggest rock anniversaries above, narrated by our radio host Zach Martin. And learn more about these and other important events by clicking the links below.

News Anniveraries:
Pearl Jam plays their first show, as Mookie Blaylock (1990)

Album Anniversaries:
Led Zeppelin - II (1969)
Kiss - Hotter Than Hell (1974)
Paul McCartney - Give My Regards to Broad Street (1984)
Paul Simon - Rhythm of the Saints (1990)
Van Halen - Best of, Volume 1 (1996)

Birthdays:
Leslie West (1945)

The Top 100 Rock Albums of the ‘70s

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