Chapter 01 — Today in music
On a day like today May 25
1973
'Tubular Bells' launches Virgin Records and scares half the world
On May 25, 1973, 'Tubular Bells' was released — Mike Oldfield's instrumental debut and the first record on Richard Branson's Virgin label. Recorded almost single-handedly by a 19-year-old, it became a worldwide phenomenon when 'The Exorcist' used its opening theme. An album with no songs and no vocals that sold millions: progressive rock's most improbable winning bet.
Mike Oldfield
1958
Paul Weller is born, the modfather who aged without going soft
On May 25, 1958, Paul Weller was born in Woking — leader of The Jam, the band that fused punk urgency with mod elegance and British social commentary. He dissolved the group at its peak to found The Style Council and then build a solo career of rustproof prestige. The modfather is proof you can shed skins without betraying the attitude.
Paul Weller
The Jam
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