Don Kirshner's Rock Concert – The legendary live-music series

"Don Kirshner was one of
the seminal forces behind
the rise of rock music."

In 1972, ABC Television hired song publisher Don Kirshner as an executive producer and consultant for their new “In Concert” music series which ran every other week in The Dick Cavett Show slot. The show, featuring acts like Alice Cooper, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry and The Steve Miller Band, was highly successful, even occasionally topping NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. The following year, Kirshner left “In Concert” to launch his own syndicated weekly rock program, “Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert.” On September 27, 1973, “Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert” premiered featuring The Rolling Stones first American television performance in over four years. Read more…

seasons of unforgettable on television

210

episodes

1,407

performances

The Grateful Dead on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert

Few bands that came out of the 1960s San Francisco rock scene had the staying power and influence of the Grateful Dead. Known for their musical virtuosity, extended jams, and their loyal fans lovingly called “Deadheads,” the Grateful Dead were...

The Grateful Dead on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert

Bob Welch and Fleetwood Mac on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert

Last Thursday we received the sad news that Bob Welch, former Fleetwood Mac member had passed away at 65 years of age. Welch was a guitarist and vocalist for Fleetwood Mac from 1971 to 1974 during the group’s pre Stevie Nicks/Lindsey...

Bob Welch and Fleetwood Mac on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert

Donna Summer on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert

We are truly saddened by the passing of the beautiful and multi-talented disco pioneer Donna Summer. Summer lost her battle to cancer at only 63 years old. Summer was born LaDonna Adrian Gaines in Boston, Massachusetts. Before she became the “Queen...

Donna Summer on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

Bob Marley & The Wailers on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert

There are very few artists who even after their death continue to influence and captivate millions of people with their music. Bob Marley is one of those artists. Today, May 11th, marks the 31st anniversary of the passing of the...

Bob Marley & The Wailers on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

KC & The Sunshine Band on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert

The new sound of Disco was a reaction against the domination of rock music in the mainstream. Disco combined funk, soul, R&B and Latin music into a unique and new sound. One of the first innovators of this dance music...

KC & The Sunshine Band on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert

The Sex Pistols on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert

In the mid-1970’s, sounds of anger and energy struck in what came to be called “punk rock.” The Sex Pistols were at the forefront of the movement and responsible for initiating and ultimately revolutionizing punk music. By 1977, along with...

The Sex Pistols on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

Throughout the show’s run, Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert ushered in nearly every big music act of its era. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers were no exception. Although they did not perform live on Rock Concert’s stage, in March of 1980,...

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

Roy Wood & Wizzard on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert

Virtually unknown in the US, Roy Wood is a rock icon in the UK, a legendary figure with a mastery of songwriting and a unique musical and visual style. He was never quite able to break into the American market...

Roy Wood & Wizzard on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

Sly & The Family Stone On Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert

In 1968, Sly & The Family Stone appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show performing the exuberant but little-known album track “Love City.” The following year, they returned to the show for what proved to be a legendary performance, playing an...

Sly & The Family Stone On Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

T. Rex is widely known as being one of the pioneering acts of the 1970’s Glam Rock scene. The band gained a cult following in the mid 70’s with the release of hits “Jeepster”, "Get It On", "Ride a White...

T. Rex on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

On July 19, 1978, Don Kirshner's Rock Concert featured videos for “Feeling That Way” and “Lights” by the band Journey. A year later on October 10, 1979, emerging through a haze of stage smoke, Journey returned to perform live on Don Kirshner’s...

Journey on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

The Allman Brothers Band and The Marshall Tucker Band on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert

This coming Sunday, October 2nd, marks the 38th anniversary of the appearances of both The Allman Brothers Band and The Marshall Tucker Band on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert. Each performed a 20-minute set with some of their biggest hits to...

The Allman Brothers Band and The Marshall Tucker Band on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

Known for their savage stage antics and flamboyant face paint and costumes,KISS is widely regarded as one of music history’s most exhilarating live acts. Pyrotechnics, blood spitting, rockets, and smoking guitars are all ingredients of the standard KISS concert recipe that...

KISS on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

Robert Palmer on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert

When one thinks back today on the late, great Robert Palmer, who died suddenly in 2003, its inevitably of the suave crooner in the 3-piece suit, fronting a band of fashion models in his classic mid 80’s music videos. But...

Robert Palmer on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

One of the biggest bands of the seventies, Electric Light Orchestra appeared on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert three times during the show’s illustrious run. Their first appearance was in 1974, while the band was still in its early stages, with...

ELO on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

Led Zeppelin on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert

"In my opinion, next to The Beatles they're the most influential band in history…” - John Kalodner, Geffen Records As one of the best-selling and most highly regarded bands in the world, Led Zeppelin’s legendary stature in music history has yet...

Led Zeppelin on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

Rod Stewart on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert

This week in 1971, Rod Stewart topped the charts with the release of his acclaimed song “Maggie May.” Initially a B-side to the single “Reason to Believe,” the song went No. 1 in the U.S., U.K., and Australia. Every Picture...

Rod Stewart on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

Jim Croce Tribute on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert

This past week in 1973, Jim Croce’s hit “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” took the crown as the No. 1 single in the United States. Croce was inspired to write the material during his time in the military and based the...

Jim Croce Tribute on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

Black Sabbath on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert

This past week in 2007, Black Sabbath front man Ozzy Osbourne was honored as recipient of the first star on the Birmingham Walk of Fame. Much like its Hollywood counterpart, the British rendition celebrates world-renowned natives that have performed at...

Black Sabbath on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

Smokey Robinson on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert

This Thursday, June 23rd, marks the 39th anniversary of the final performance of Smokey Robinson and The Miracles, one of the premiere talents of Motown. Robinson performed with The Miracles until 1972, eventually leaving to focus more on family and his...

Smokey Robinson on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

Elton John Music Video on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert

This week in 1975, Elton John released his ninth studio album and triple platinum selling hit Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. It is famous for being the first album in history to debut in the #1 slot on...

Elton John Music Video on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

This past month marked the 39th anniversary of the release of The Eagles’ first hit single “Take It Easy." Three weeks after its initial release, the single broke through the Billboard charts and peaked at #12. The Eagles would later...

The Eagles' 1st single "Take It Easy"

The Rolling Stones on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert

In the fall of 1973, music producer Don Kirshner launched his own syndicated rock and roll television show on ABC. On September 27, 1973, Don Kirshner's Rock Concert premiered with an unforgettable performance by The Rolling Stones. By the early 1970’s,...

The Rolling Stones on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

THE BANDS

Jay Leno’s down-to-earth persona and topical humor have helped make him one of the most successful and recognizable personalities in the show business. Jay Leno began his entertainment career in the 1970’s touring the country as a stand-up comedians and...

Jay Leno on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

Billy Crystal on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert

Before becoming a superstar, Billy Crystal, like many other young comedians of the 1970’s, performed on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert. On January 1st 1975, Crystal appeared on Rock Concert to perform a standup between the musical acts of Natalie Cole...

Billy Crystal on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

David Letterman on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert

Known for having a dry and cynical sense of humor, David Letterman is a pioneer of the “late night show,” as well as one of the greatest comedians of our time. Letterman’s career started off in his hometown of Indianapolis, as a...

David Letterman on Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

COMEDIANS

Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert on Facebook

Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

1 week ago

April may start with April Fools’ Day, but the laughs don’t stop there. This month on DKRC, we’re highlighting some of the comedy legends who’ve been our guests, starting with Steve Martin, who had his 1978 album "Wild and Crazy Guy?" … See MoreSee Less

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Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

2 weeks ago

This week in 1978, Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert premiered a series of music videos from Gary Wright, including “Dream Weaver,” “Touch and Gone,” “Sky Eyes,” “Something Very Special,” and “Night Ride.”

Synth-driven rock, and these visuals brought his music to life in a whole new way. … See MoreSee Less

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Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

1 month ago

Today we celebrate the legendary Sly Stone ….a true innovator and unforgettable DKRC guest. Happy Birthday to a musical pioneer whose sound and spirit continue to influence generations. Rest in peace, Sly, and thank you for the music that still moves us today. 🎶✨ … See MoreSee Less

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Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

1 month ago

Today in 1980, Louisiana’s own Le Roux hit the Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert stage! And honestly, could there be a more perfect name? Anyone who knows Louisiana knows a roux is the foundation of a great gumbo… Safe to say, the name fits their roots perfectly. 🎶 … See MoreSee Less

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Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

1 month ago

Today on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert, we had the pleasure of welcoming the incredible Phoebe Snow to the stage. Nearly five decades later, her voice still moves us and gives us chills….timeless, soulful, and unforgettable. ✨🎶 … See MoreSee Less

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Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

2 months ago

Today in 1974, Kansas made their debut on Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert! We know we’ve got a lot of Kansas fans here — so here’s a little trivia for you: does anyone remember the band’s special connection to the show? Maybe a certain someone who helped launch their career? 👀👇 … See MoreSee Less

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Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

2 months ago

This week in 1979, Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert welcomed special guests Outlaws. The band, originally from Tampa, brought their signature Southern rock sound and unforgettable energy to the stage. … See MoreSee Less

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Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

2 months ago

Happy Birthday to the one and only Bob Marley 🇯🇲💚💛🖤
A legend, a revolutionary, and a voice that still moves the world. We loved having him on DKRC many moons ago…let's celebrate him! … See MoreSee Less

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Don Kirshner's Rock Concert

3 months ago

Can we bring back TBT? Because 52 years ago today, Brownsville Station took the DKRC stage 🔥🎸
Straight out of Detroit, they delivered raw energy, gritty guitars, and zero polish…forever known for the hard-rock anthem “Smokin’ in the Boys Room.” Pure DKRC rock! … See MoreSee Less

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