The Beatles Release Love Me Do
On October 5, 1962, The Beatles took their first official step into the world of recorded music with the release of their debut single, “Love Me Do.” The song may sound simple compared to the groundbreaking work they would later produce, but its significance in rock history cannot be overstated.
Recorded at EMI’s Abbey Road Studios, the single has a unique backstory. The original release featured Ringo Starr on drums, as he had just joined the group, replacing Pete Best. However, producer George Martin had some reservations and also recorded a version using session drummer Andy White, with Ringo relegated to tambourine. It was White’s version that appeared on the U.S. single and most subsequent releases, while the original “Ringo” take remained a rarity until later compilations surfaced.
Though “Love Me Do” only peaked at No. 17 on the UK charts, it marked the beginning of a revolution. The harmonica riff played by John Lennon gave the track a distinctive flavor, and the vocal trade-offs between Lennon and Paul McCartney showcased the chemistry that would drive The Beatles to unprecedented heights. Within two years, they would conquer the world.
Paul McCartney’s Run Devil Run
Fast-forward to 1999, when Paul McCartney revisited the music that first inspired him. On October 5, he released Run Devil Run, an album primarily made up of covers of 1950s rock and roll classics. The project was deeply personal for McCartney, who was mourning the loss of his wife Linda, who had died in 1998. Returning to the raw energy of the songs he loved as a teenager served as both therapy and tribute.
What made the record even more special was the lineup of musicians who joined him. Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour brought his signature tone to the sessions, while Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice provided driving rhythm. Together, they captured the urgency and spontaneity of early rock and roll, with McCartney reminding the world of his roots.
While the album included three new McCartney originals, it was largely about honoring the past. Songs like “Blue Jean Bop” and “All Shook Up” reconnected McCartney with the spirit of Little Richard, Elvis Presley, and Gene Vincent—the artists who had inspired him to pick up a guitar in the first place. Run Devil Run proved that even after decades of innovation, McCartney could still deliver the raw rock and roll energy that first launched him to stardom.
Steve Miller Turns 82
October 5 is also the birthday of Steve Miller, born in 1943 and turning 82 today. Known for his string of hits in the 1970s and 1980s, Miller carved out a unique space in rock with a sound that blended blues, pop, and psychedelic influences.
Nicknamed “The Space Cowboy,” “The Gangster of Love,” and even “Maurice” (thanks to his song “The Joker”), Miller’s music was playful yet enduring. His breakthrough album, The Joker (1973), gave him his first No. 1 hit, but it was the mid-70s that made him a household name. Tracks like “Take the Money and Run,” “Rock’n Me,” and “Fly Like an Eagle” dominated radio airwaves and remain staples of classic rock playlists today.
Miller’s knack for catchy guitar riffs and clever lyrics made his songs timeless. His band’s blend of tight musicianship and accessibility ensured that he remained relevant even as musical trends shifted. Beyond the hits, Miller is respected as a guitarist deeply rooted in the blues, and his influence continues to be felt across generations of rock musicians.
final note
Taken together, the events of October 5 tell a story of rock’s past, present, and future. Love Me Do represents the spark that ignited the Beatles’ meteoric rise and changed popular music forever. Paul McCartney’s Run Devil Run reflects the importance of remembering one’s roots and the healing power of music. Steve Miller’s birthday reminds us of the staying power of artists who bridged eras, bringing joy to fans for decades.
October 5 is not just about dates on a calendar—it is a reminder of how rock and roll continues to evolve while honoring its foundations. From the youthful optimism of The Beatles’ debut to McCartney’s reflective tribute and Miller’s enduring legacy, the day highlights the resilience of rock’s spirit.
