heavy metal

1968
Led Zeppelin organised their first North American tour

Tour manager Richard Cole , who would become a major figure in the touring life of the group, organised their first North American tour at the end of the year.

Accept (band) Accept evolved from an earlier group called Band X, formed in 1968 by

Accept evolved from an earlier group called Band X, formed in 1968 by lead vocalist Udo Dirkschneider . After Dirkschneider finished his military service in 1972, he reformed the band changed its name to Accept, influenced by the album Accept by the British blues band Chicken Shack . For many…
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Alice Cooper In 1968, the band learned that Todd Rundgren also had a band called

In 1968, the band learned that Todd Rundgren also had a band called Nazz , which was signed to a major label, and found themselves in need of another name. Furnier also believed that the group needed a gimmick to succeed, and that other bands were not exploiting the showmanship…
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Blue Cheer Their first hit was a cover version of Eddie Cochran ‘s ” Summertime

Their first hit was a cover version of Eddie Cochran ‘s ” Summertime Blues ” from their debut album Vincebus Eruptum (1968). The single peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, their only such hit, and the album peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 chart.…
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Blue Cheer The group underwent several personnel changes, the first occurring

The group underwent several personnel changes, the first occurring after the 1968 release of Outsideinside after Leigh Stephens – who never used drugs – was asked to leave the band after criticizing his bandmates’ behaviour. He was replaced by Randy Holden , formerly of Los Angeles garage rock band the…
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Black Sabbath break-up of their previous band

Following the break-up of their previous band, Mythology , in 1968, guitarist Tony Iommi and drummer Bill Ward sought to form a heavy blues rock band in Aston , Birmingham. They enlisted bassist Geezer Butler and vocalist Ozzy Osbourne , who had played together in a band called Rare Breed;…
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Deep Purple booked to support Cream

The following month, Deep Purple were booked to support Cream on the US leg of their Goodbye tour.

Blue Öyster Cult moved in together at their first house

In 1968, the band moved in together at their first house in the Thomaston area of Great Neck, New York .

Deep Purple television appearances

During the late 1968 US tour, the band made several high-profile television appearances, including Playboy After Dark and The Dating Game (where, in addition to the band performing, Lord appeared as a contestant).

Blue Öyster Cult recorded an album’s worth of material

The band recorded an album’s worth of material for Elektra Records in 1968.