Rock History

On this day...

2012 – Cyber Hackers Steal $250 million of Michael Jackson’s music on This Day in Rock! — 2012 – Cyber Hackers Steal $250 million of Michael Jackson’s music on This Day in Rock! A large number of music files of the late “king of pop” Michael Jackson were [...]

2012 – Jimmy Ellis, the lead singer of the hit “Disco Inferno” on This Day in Rock! — 2012 – Jimmy Ellis, the lead singer of the hit “Disco Inferno” on This Day in Rock!  The singer died from complications from Alzheimer’s disease in Rock Hill, South Carolina [...]

2011 – Phil Collins of Genesis, Singer and drummer has announced his retirement — 2011 – Phil Collins of Genesis, Singer and drummer has announced his retirement so that he can spend more time with his family and sons.

2011 – Billy Joel Releases Billy Joel – Live at Shea Stadium, Double CD + DVD/Blu-ray — 2011 - Billy Joel Releases Billy Joel – Live at Shea Stadium, Double CD + DVD/Blu-ray Peforming artists include–Tony Bennett, Garth Brooks (“Shameless”), Paul McCartney (“I Saw Her Standing There” and [...]

2011 – Simon and Garfunkel release their iconic album Bridge Over Troubled Water — 2011 – Simon and Garfunkel release their iconic album Bridge Over Troubled Water 40th Anniversary Edition CD/DVD Set.  

2011 – ‘American Idiot’ Ticket Sales Plummet on This Day In Rock! —   2011 – ‘American Idiot’ Ticket Sales Plummet on This Day In Rock! Ticket sales for the Broadway production of American Idiot have fallen ever since Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong [...]

2009 – U2 started a two week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with their twelfth — 2009 – U2 started a two week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with their twelfth studio album ‘No Line on the Horizon’.

2009 – a blue plaque in honour of The Who drummer Keith Moon was unveiled on th — 2009 – a blue plaque in honour of The Who drummer Keith Moon was unveiled on the site of the Marquee Club in Soho, London, where in 1964 the [...]

2008 – China was set to impose stricter rules on — Bjork 2008 – China was set to impose stricter rules on foreign pop stars after Bjork caused controversy by shouting “Tibet, Tibet” at a Shanghai concert after a powerful performance of [...]

2006 – R&B singer-songwriter Ne-Yo tops the U.S. album charts… — 2006 – R&B singer-songwriter Ne-Yo tops the U.S. album charts with his debut In My Own Words. Rock band Hawthorne Heights, who launched an online campaign against Ne-Yo’s [...]

2005 – Former Fleshtones saxophonist and harmonica player Gordon Spaeth dies… — 2005 – Former Fleshtones saxophonist and harmonica player Gordon Spaeth dies in New York’s Prince Gordon Hotel. He was 53.

2004 – Jack White of the White Stripes pleads guilty to simple — 2004 – Jack White of the White Stripes pleads guilty to simple assault and battery and is sentenced to probation and anger management therapy. White beat up the lead singer [...]

2004 – Westlife singer Bryan McFadden told the Daily — 2004 – Westlife singer Bryan McFadden told the Daily Star he was quitting the group to spend more time with he wife and two children. The Irish band had scored [...]

2004 – 3 Doors Down bassist Todd Harrell is charged… — 2004 – 3 Doors Down bassist Todd Harrell is charged with simple assault in Moss Point, Miss. Harrell allegedly hit a newspaper deliveryman who accused him of taking [...]

2004 – The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office charge troubled ex-Hole… — 2004 – The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office charge troubled ex-Hole leader Courtney Love with disorderly conduct. The charge is in connection with her 2003 arrest for drugs [...]

2003 – singer, actor Adam Faith died. Had the 1959 UK No.1 — 2003 – singer, actor Adam Faith died. Had the 1959 UK No.1 single ‘What Do You Want’, plus over 20 other UK Top 40 singles, acting roles include the TV [...]

2003 – System of a Down’s bassist Shavo Odadjian sues… — 2003 – System of a Down’s bassist Shavo Odadjian sues a Grand Rapids security firm, saying its employees assaulted him during a 2001 concert.

2001 – winners in ‘Rock Sound’ readers poll included — 2001 – winners in ‘Rock Sound’ readers poll included, Pitchshifter who won Best British Band, Slipknot won Best single for ‘Wait & Bleed’ Foo Fighters won Best video for ‘Breakout’, [...]

2001 – it was reported that US manufactures Art A — 2001 – it was reported that US manufactures Art Asylum planned to send over 100,000 Eminem dolls to shops in the UK. The lifelike figure had the rapper’s tattoos recreated [...]

2001 – Courtney Love announces on her Web site… — Courtney Love 2001 – Courtney Love announces on her Web site that she’s formed a new band with Veruca Salt guitarist-vocalist Louise Post, former Hole drummer Patty Schemel, and [...]

1999 – Bill Sammeth files suit against Cher, charg… —   1999 – Bill Sammeth files suit against Cher, charging that she owes him a 15% personal manager’s fee involving the proceeds of “Believe,” her hit single. Sammeth says he masterminded [...]

1993 – Bandleader Billy Eckstein dies in Pittsburg… — 1993 – Bandleader Billy Eckstein dies in Pittsburgh of complications from a stroke. He was the first Black singer to achieve lasting success in mainstream pop.

1990 – Cher won the worst dressed female, and worst — 1990 – Cher won the worst dressed female, and worst video for ‘If I Could Turn Back Time’, in The Rolling Stone Magazine’s awards, Donny Osmond won the most unwelcome [...]

1987 – Bob Seger tells an audience at Detroit’s Joe Louis… —   1987 – Bob Seger tells an audience at Detroit’s Joe Louis Arena he’s on his last tour. The rocker returned to the road shortly afterward.

1986 – Whitney Houston went to No.1 on the US album — 1986 – Whitney Houston went to No.1 on the US album chart with her self-titled album. It spent a total of 14 weeks at the No.1 position.

1986 – Diana Ross Chain Reaction UK 45 is no. 1 chart topper. — 1986 – Diana Ross Chain Reaction UK 45 is no. 1 chart topper.

1982 – Elton John begins tour of New Zealand… — fs 1982 – Elton John begins tour of New Zealand, his first for two years.

1979 – Born on this day, Tom Chaplin, vocals, Keane, (2004 — 1979 – Born on this day, Tom Chaplin, vocals, Keane, (2004 UK No.1 album ‘Hopes And Fears’).

1979 – Rolling Stone hints that hard times… — 1979 – Rolling Stone hints that hard times are hitting the music industry. According to one reporter, “skyrocketing costs of producing, promoting and supporting a new album are [...]

1976 – Born on this day, Gareth Coombes, vocals, guitar, Supergrass — 1976 – Born on this day, Gareth Coombes, vocals, guitar, Supergrass, (1995 UK No.2 single ‘Alright’, 1995 UK No.1 album ‘I Should Coco’ spent 35 weeks on the UK chart).

1975 – Olivia Newton-John went to No.1 on the US — 1975 – Olivia Newton-John went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Have You Ever Been Mellow’, the singers second US No.1.

1975 – England’s NME reports that the Rolling Stones… — 1975 – England’s NME reports that the Rolling Stones are trying out guitarist Wayne Perkins as a replacement for Mick Taylor.

1975 – Telly Savalas: If UK 45 No. 1 Chart topper… —   1975 – Telly Savalas: If UK 45 No. 1 Chart topper… You mean he remade “If” by Bread… the guy who sucked Lollipops…. Bwahahahahahahahahahahah! Ok…. I’m done.

1974 – John Denver records “Annie’s Song” and… — 1974 – John Denver records “Annie’s Song” and “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.”

1974 – Bad Company gives its debut performance in … —   1974 – Bad Company gives its debut performance in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England. The band is fronted by Singer Paul Rodgers and over the years has many hits including: “Alright now”, “Bad [...]

1973 – Ron “Pigpen” McKernan of the Grateful Dea… —   1973 – Ron “Pigpen” McKernan of the Grateful Dead dies of a stomach hemorrhage.

1973 – Paul McCartney is arrested for growing mari… — 1973 – Paul McCartney is arrested for growing marijuana on his farm in Scotland. “Paul McCartney pleads guilty to having grown marijuana on his Scottish farm. He’s fined the [...]

1971 – Radio Hanoi broadcasts Jimi Hendrix’s “Sta… —   1971 – Radio Hanoi broadcasts Jimi Hendrix’s “Star Spangled Banner.” The tape is sent by Abbie Hoffman.

1970, Diana Ross made her first performance as a solo — 1970, Diana Ross made her first performance as a solo act when she appeared in Framingham, Massachusetts.

1969 – The Small Faces split up after singer Steve Marriott — 1969 – The Small Faces split up after singer Steve Marriott announced he was leaving the band. Ronnie Lane, Ian McLagan and Kenny Jones linked up with Ronnie Wood and [...]

1968 – appearing at New York’s Filmore East, Albert King, Janis — 1968 – appearing at New York’s Filmore East, Albert King, Janis Joplin and Tim Buckley. Lyrics: Oh, come on, come on, come on, come on! Didn’t I make you feel like you [...]

1968 – Elvis’ film Stay Away Joe premieres. Presley… — 1968 – Elvis’ film Stay Away Joe premieres. Presley plays Joe Lightcloud, an Indian with Burgess Meredith for a father. Songs include “U.S. Male.” (Words & music by [...]

1968 – The Fillmore East opens in New York City. … — 1968 – The Fillmore East opens in New York City.

1966 – Lulu became the first British female singer to appear — 1966 – Lulu became the first British female singer to appear behind the Iron curtain, when she toured Poland with The Hollies.

1965 – David Bowie made his TV debut with The Manish — 1965 – David Bowie made his TV debut with The Manish Boys on a UK program called ‘Gadzooks! It’s All Happening’ when they performed their current single ‘I Pity The [...]

1964 – Born on this day, Peter Gill, drummer, Frankie Goes — 1964 – Born on this day, Peter Gill, drummer, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, (1984 UK No.1 & US No. 10 single ‘Relax’ and six other UK Top 40 singles)

1962 – Born on this day, Steve Grantley, Eighth Wonder — 1962 – Born on this day, Steve Grantley, Eighth Wonder, (1988 UK No.7 single ‘I’m Not Scared’).

1962 – Beatles perform for the first time on BBC… — 1962 – Beatles perform for the first time on BBC on the 5 p.m. show Teenagers Turn, playing Dream Baby.

1962 – Roy Orbison’s Dream Baby hits UK chart. —   1962 – Roy Orbison’s Dream Baby hits UK chart. Elvis Presley admitted that Roy was the greatest singer living. Roy also Penned: “PrettyWoman” and “You’re no Good!”

1961 – The Beatles played at the Cavern Club in Liverpool — 1961 – The Beatles played at the Cavern Club in Liverpool at lunchtime. That night they perform twice: at Aintree Institute, Aintree, Liverpool, and at Hambleton Hall, Huyton, Liverpool.

1960 – Born on this day, Richard Darbyshire, Living In A — 1960 – Born on this day, Richard Darbyshire, Living In A Box, (1987 UK No.5 single ‘Living In A Box’).

1960 – Peter ‘Ped’ Gill (Frankie Goes to Hollywood) is born… —   1960 – Peter ‘Ped’ Gill (Frankie Goes to Hollywood) is born this day in Rock History! Frankie Goes to Hollywood (FGTH) was a UK dance-pop band that was extremely popular in [...]

1958 – Gary Numan is born in Hammersmith, England…. — 1958 – Gary Numan is born in Hammersmith, England. Lyrics: Here in my car I feel safest of all I can lock all my doors Its the only way to live In cars Here in my car I [...]

1957 – Born on this day, Clive Burr, Iron Maiden, (1982 UK No.1 album ‘The Number Of The — 1957 – Born on this day, Clive Burr, Iron Maiden, (1982 UK No.1 album ‘The Number Of The Beast’, 1991 UK No.1 single ‘Bring Your Daughter To The [...]

1954 – Born on this day, Cheryl Baker, Bucks Fizz, (1981 — 1954 – Born on this day, Cheryl Baker, Bucks Fizz, (1981 UK No.1 single ‘Making Your Mind Up’, plus 12 other UK Top 40 singles’). TV presenter.

1954 – The Stargazers were at No.1 on the UK singles chart — 1954 – The Stargazers were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘I See The Moon’, the groups second No.1.

1949 – Born on this day, Dave Lambert, The Strawbs, (1973 — 1949 – Born on this day, Dave Lambert, The Strawbs, (1973 UKNo.2 single ‘Part Of The Union’).

1948 – Mel Galley (Whitesnake) is born… — 1948 – Mel Galley (Whitesnake) is born this day in Rock History!

1947 – Michael Allsup (Three Dog Night) is born… — 1947 – Michael Allsup (Three Dog Night) is born this day in Rock History.

1946 – Born on this day, Randy Meisner, guitar, Poco, The Eagles — 1946 – Born on this day, Randy Meisner, guitar, Poco, The Eagles, (1977 US No.1 & UK No.8 single ‘Hotel California’). Quit the band in 1977.

1946 – Born on this day, Carole Bayer Sager, singer, songwriter — 1946 – Born on this day, Carole Bayer Sager, singer, songwriter. Wrote ‘Groovy Kind Of Love’, hit for The Mindbenders and Phil Collins. Sinatra, Pitney and Dolly Parton have all [...]

1945 – Mickey Dolenz of the Monkees is born in Tar… — 1945 – Mickey Dolenz of the Monkees is born in Tarzana, Calif. The Monkees have three million-selling No. 1 songs: “Last Train to Clarksville” (1966), “I’m a Believer” (1966- [...]

1944 – Born on this day, Keef Hartley, Keef Hartley Band, — 1944 – Born on this day, Keef Hartley, Keef Hartley Band, (1970 UK No.41 album ‘The Time Is Near’).

1943 – Born on this day, Andrew Semple, guitar, vocals — 1943 – Born on this day, Andrew Semple, guitar, vocals, The Fortunes, (1965 UK No.2 & US No.7 single ‘You’ve Got Your Troubles’).

1942 – Born on this day, Ralph Ellis, The Swinging Blue Jeans — 1942 – Born on this day, Ralph Ellis, The Swinging Blue Jeans, (1964 UK No.2 & US No.24 single ‘Hippy Hippy Shake’).