John Lennon Wins His Immigration Battle
On October 7, 1975, after a grueling four-year legal battle, John Lennon finally received the news he had been waiting for: the U.S. Court of Appeals overturned an order to deport him. Lennon, who had been fighting to stay in America amid political pressure from the Nixon administration, called the ruling “a great birthday present from America.” He would turn 35 just two days later.
The case against Lennon stemmed partly from a 1968 cannabis conviction in the UK, but many believe the real motivation was political. The Nixon administration saw Lennon as a potential threat because of his outspoken anti-war activism and his influence on younger voters during the Vietnam era. Lennon’s fight became symbolic, a clash between free expression and government power.
When the decision came down, it didn’t just secure Lennon’s ability to remain in the United States—it also reaffirmed his connection to New York City, the city he would come to call home. His victory allowed him to live freely in America and continue his work as an artist, activist, and father. Sadly, just five years later, his life would be cut short in New York, but on this day in 1975, hope and triumph prevailed.
The Rolling Stones Take Over Saturday Night Live
October 7, 1978, brought a different kind of milestone when The Rolling Stones appeared as both hosts and musical guests on Saturday Night Live. The lineup—Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, Charlie Watts, and Bill Wyman—was at the height of their powers following the release of their album Some Girls.
The appearance was unforgettable. Mick Jagger, Ron Wood, and Charlie Watts joined in sketches, showing a playful side of the band that fans rarely saw. Onstage, the Stones performed three tracks from Some Girls, including “Beast of Burden,” “Respectable,” and “Shattered.” The performances were raw, energetic, and unapologetically loose—everything you’d expect from rock’s most dangerous band.
At the time, Some Girls was revitalizing the Stones’ career. With disco and punk reshaping the musical landscape, the band proved they could adapt and still dominate the charts. The SNL appearance captured that spirit, blending rock rebellion with late-night comedy in a way that remains one of the most memorable moments in the show’s long history of musical performances.
John Mellencamp Turns 74
October 7 is also the birthday of John Mellencamp, born in 1951, who turns 74 today. Known for his blend of heartland rock and Americana storytelling, Mellencamp rose to fame in the late 1970s and 1980s with hits like “Jack and Diane,” “Pink Houses,” and “Small Town.”
Mellencamp’s music resonated because it spoke directly to everyday American life. His songs celebrated small-town values, working-class struggles, and the search for dignity and identity in an ever-changing world. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Mellencamp combined pop hooks with social commentary, giving his music both mainstream appeal and lasting substance.
Beyond his hits, Mellencamp co-founded Farm Aid in 1985 with Willie Nelson and Neil Young, raising awareness and funds for family farmers. The organization continues to this day, holding annual concerts that keep the focus on agricultural issues and rural communities.
At 74, Mellencamp remains a voice of authenticity in rock music, an artist who has always stayed true to his roots and message. His birthday is a reminder of the enduring power of music to capture the spirit of ordinary people and turn their stories into anthems.
final note
The events of October 7 in rock history span the personal, the political, and the cultural. John Lennon’s immigration victory was not only a personal triumph but also a landmark moment in the struggle for artistic freedom and justice. The Rolling Stones’ takeover of Saturday Night Live highlighted the band’s ability to stay relevant and redefine themselves even in a new musical era. And John Mellencamp’s birthday reminds us of the importance of storytelling in rock, giving a voice to those often left out of pop culture’s spotlight.
Together, these stories reflect rock’s ability to do more than entertain. Rock music can shape cultural narratives, challenge authority, and build connections across generations. October 7 captures all of that—the struggles, the fun, and the authenticity that keeps rock alive.
