30 Of The Most Memorable Things That Happened In 1973

The year 1973 was a momentous one filled with significant events that left a lasting impact on pop culture, music, sports, and politics. From iconic album releases to historical sporting victories, the summer of 1973 was a time to remember. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the most memorable moments that shaped that unforgettable year.

June 1: Paul McCartney and Wings Release ‘Live and Let Die’

Paul McCartney and Wings released the theme song for the James Bond film “Live and Let Die” a few weeks before the film’s premiere. The single topped the charts and became the first James Bond theme to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

June 1: Robert Wyatt Breaks His Spine Falling From Window

An inebriated Robert Wyatt of Soft Machine fell from a fourth-floor window during a party and broke his spine. The accident left Wyatt paralyzed from the waist down, but he later credited it with saving him from future alcoholism and drug addiction.

June 4: Ronnie Lane Plays His Last Show With Faces

Ronnie Lane played his final show with Faces at the Edmonton Sundown in London. He went on to form his own band, Slim Chance, which achieved success with a couple of Top 40 hits in the U.K.

June 9: Secretariat Wins the Triple Crown

Secretariat won the Belmont Stakes by a record-breaking 31 lengths, becoming the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years. The historic victory was witnessed by nearly 70,000 people at the race and over 15 million households on television.

June 9: Suzi Quatro Lands Her First No. 1 in the UK

Suzi Quatro’s second solo single, “Can the Can,” reached No. 1 on the U.K. charts, bringing her wider recognition and eventually gaining attention in the United States.

June 12: Dolly Parton Records ‘I Will Always Love You’

Dolly Parton recorded her iconic song “I Will Always Love You” in RCA Studio B in Nashville. The song would top the country charts twice and later became a chart-topping hit for Whitney Houston in 1992.

June 12: Marlon Brando Punches Notorious Paparazzi Photographer

Marlon Brando punched notorious paparazzi photographer Ron Galella in New York City, leading to a high-profile legal settlement.

June 13: ‘Battle for the Planet of the Apes’ Premieres

The fifth and final installment of the original “Planet of the Apes” films, “Battle for the Planet of the Apes,” debuted in theaters, concluding the saga.

June 13: Pam Grier’s ‘Coffy’ Arrives in Theaters

Pam Grier’s film “Coffy” was released, establishing her as cinema’s first female action star and contributing to her status as an icon.

June 15: LGTBQ Legend Jobriath Releases Debut Album

Jobriath’s self-titled debut album, which featured contributions from Peter Frampton and John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin, was released, making him one of the first openly gay rock musicians signed to a major label.

June 18: Joe Walsh Issues ‘The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get’

Joe Walsh released his breakthrough album “The Smoker You Drink, the Player You Get,” featuring the hit single “Rocky Mountain Way.”

June 19: ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ Makes Its Stage Debut

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” made its theatrical debut on June 19 at London’s West End, becoming a cult classic with its garishly Bowiesque style.

June 19: Edgar Winter’s ‘Frankenstein’ Goes Gold

Edgar Winter’s instrumental track “Frankenstein” achieved gold status and topped the charts in several countries, becoming a rock classic.

June 22: David Bowie Releases ‘Life on Mars?’

David Bowie released “Life on Mars?” with a promotional video featuring him dressed in full makeup and a dazzling turquoise suit, further cementing his status as a glam rock icon.

June 26: Keith Richards and Anita Pallenberg’s Home Raided by Police

Keith Richards and Anita Pallenberg had their home raided by the police, resulting in legal consequences.

June 27: ‘Live and Let Die’ Showcases New James Bond

The eighth James Bond film, “Live and Let Die,” premiered in the U.S. on June 27, starring Roger Moore as the new James Bond.

June 27: Aerosmith Releases ‘Dream On’

Aerosmith released their iconic song “Dream On,” which became a staple of classic rock and contributed to the band’s lasting legacy.

June 29: Elton John Issues ‘Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting’

Elton John released “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting,” the first single from his acclaimed album “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.”

June 29: Ian Gillan Quits Deep Purple

Ian Gillan announced his departure from Deep Purple, citing the band’s unpleasant atmosphere.

June 30: George Harrison’s ‘Give Me Love’ Hits No. 1 in the US

George Harrison’s “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)” topped the Billboard Hot 100, reaching No. 1 in the U.S.

June 1973: Ideal Toy Company Releases Stunt Cycle Evel Knievel

The Ideal Toy Company released the Stunt Cycle Evel Knievel, becoming one of the most popular toys of the holiday season.

July 2: ‘Match Game’ Enjoys a Revival on NBC

“Match Game ’73” debuted on CBS, becoming a popular game show featuring a six-celebrity panel.

July 3: David Bowie Retires Ziggy Stardust

David Bowie played his final concert as Ziggy Stardust on July 3 at London’s Hammersmith Odeon, retiring the character that had defined his fame.

July 7: Billy Preston Earns First US No. 1 With ‘Will It Go Round in Circles’

Billy Preston achieved his first solo No. 1 hit with “Will It Go Round in Circles.”

July 10: John Paul Getty III Is Kidnapped in Rome

John Paul Getty III, the grandson of American oil tycoon J. Paul Getty, was kidnapped in Rome, leading to a high-profile ransom case.

July 13: Bob Dylan Releases ‘Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door’

Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” became a worldwide hit single and inspired numerous cover versions.

July 13: Queen’s Self-Titled Debut Arrives

Queen released their self-titled debut album, showcasing their unique mixture of rock, prog, and metal.

July 14: The Everly Brothers Go Their Separate Ways

The Everly Brothers announced their split before a show, with Phil Everly smashing his guitar and walking off stage, leading to a decade-long separation.

July 15: Ray Davies Temporarily Quits the Kinks

Ray Davies announced his temporary departure from the Kinks during a show at London’s White City Stadium.

July 15: Great Western Express Festival in London

The Great Western Express Festival took place in London, featuring performances by various bands, including the Edgar Winter Band, Sly & the Family Stone, and Canned Heat.