Rock History

On this day...

2011 – lyricist Jerry Leiber dies at age 78 on This Day in Rock! — 2011 – lyricist Jerry Leiber dies at age 78 on This Day in Rock! He Co-wrote hits like “Hound Dog” and “Jailhouse Rock” and was a key player in the [...]

2009 – Soul singer Johnny Carter, who was a member of doo-wop groups The Dells —   2009 - Soul singer Johnny Carter, who was a member of doo-wop groups The Dells and The Flamingos, died aged 75. Carter who was famed for his falsetto vocals, was one [...]

2008 – Hagar Slams Van Halen Blabbermouth reports: Ex-Van Halen singer Sammy — 2008 – Hagar Slams Van Halen Blabbermouth reports: Ex-Van Halen singer Sammy Hagar recently spoke to Ralph Sutton of the nationally syndicated rock radio show “The Tour Bus” about [...]

2008 – PR reports: Metallica have just released the first single off their upcoming — 2008 – PR reports: Metallica have just released the first single off their upcoming album, Death Magnetic. The epic track is entitled “The Day That Never Comes” and it’s now [...]

2008 – Velvet Revolver Pay Up Over Song Theft. According to Rolling Stone — 2008 – Velvet Revolver Pay Up Over Song Theft. According to Rolling Stone, Velvet Revolver has reportedly settled a song theft case brought U.K. musician Tony Newton. Newton claimed [...]

2006 – Keane singer Tom Chaplin admits he is undergoing — 2006 – Keane singer Tom Chaplin admits he is undergoing treatment for drink and drug problems. “The time has come to get the professional help I need to sort [...]

2005 – Maroon 5 top the UK album chart with their debut Songs — 2005 – Maroon 5 top the UK album chart with their debut Songs About Jane. The new No. 1 single is Daniel Bedingfield’s sister Natasha, with “These Words.” Be Sociable, [...]

2003 – Pop singer Pink sends an open letter to Prince William — 2003 – Pop singer Pink sends an open letter to Prince William, urging him to stop hunting on behalf of furry animals everywhere. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2003 – Twenty people are injured in a crowd crush during System — 2003 – Twenty people are injured in a crowd crush during System of a Down’s performance at the Leeds festival in England. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2001 – Country artist Travis Tritt receives the Ve… — 2001 – Country artist Travis Tritt receives the Veterans of Foreign Wars’ (VFW) 2001 Hall of Fame Award. The honor is given to individuals for distinguished service to the nation. Be [...]

2000 – Madonna contacts the World Intellectual Property Organization — 2000 – Madonna contacts the World Intellectual Property Organization to see if she can pry the Web site domain name www.madonna.com away from Dan Parisi, a Webmaster who specializes [...]

2000 – Violence erupts at the second annual Source… — 2000 – Violence erupts at the second annual Source Hip-Hop Music Awards 2000 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, Calif., causing police to stop the show about 21/2 hours [...]

1999 – At a Lilith Fair stop in Toronto, Prince appears during — 1999 – At a Lilith Fair stop in Toronto, Prince appears during Sheryl Crow’s set to rock on “Everyday Is a Winding Road.” Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1998 – Actor Jim Carrey launches an unexpected musical direction — 1998 – Actor Jim Carrey launches an unexpected musical direction when he joins Elton John onstage in Anaheim, Calif., to sing “Rocket Man.” Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1998 – Garth Brooks pledges to return to South Ame… — 1998 – Garth Brooks pledges to return to South America after his first concert on the continent draws a sold-out crowd of 50,000 to the Estadia Rezacao during the Rodeo [...]

1997 – Tim Weisberg sues former partner Dan Fogelb… — 1997 – Tim Weisberg sues former partner Dan Fogelberg for alleged breach of contract and fraud over the recording of “No Resemblance Whatsoever,” the 1995 follow-up to Twin Sons. Be Sociable, [...]

1997 – Country singer Mark Wills of Marietta, Ga.,… — 1997 – Country singer Mark Wills of Marietta, Ga., performs his hit single Jacob’s Ladder” for his Grand Ole Opry debut. The singer has new soles and heels put on [...]

1992 – Genesis : We Can’t Dance : UK LP is no. 1 chart — 1992 – Genesis : We Can’t Dance : UK LP is no. 1 chart topper this day in [...]

1987 – Levon Helm discovers the perils of playing the Stone Pony — 1987 – Levon Helm discovers the perils of playing the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, N.J. Bruce Springsteen jumps onstage and joins Helm’s band to play “Up on Cripple [...]

1987 – Bon Jovi headlines the Monsters of Rock fes… — 1987 – Bon Jovi headlines the Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donington, England. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1987 – Dusty Springfield returns to UK chart at No. 10 with Pet Shop — 1987 -  Dusty Springfield returns to UK chart at [...]

1985 – Bob Dylan films his video to “When the Night Comes — 1985 – Bob Dylan films his video to “When the Night Comes Falling” in a Hollywood gymnasium. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1981- ‘Foreigner 4′ US LP is no. 1 chart topper — 1981- ‘Foreigner 4′ US LP is no. 1 chart topper this day in rock history! Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1981 – The first Monsters of Rock Festival takes place — 1981 – The first Monsters of Rock Festival takes [...]

1979 – Led Zeppelin release ‘In Through the Out Door — 1979 -  Led Zeppelin [...]

1978 – Sex Pistol Sid Vicious made his last live stage appearance when he appeared with Rat — 1978 - Sex Pistol Sid Vicious made his last live stage appearance when he appeared with Rat Scabies from The Damned, former Sex Pistol Glen Matlock and Nancy Spungen at London’s [...]

1977 – Tousle-haired rock god Peter Frampton plays the first — 1977 – Tousle-haired rock god Peter Frampton plays the first of three sold-out nights at Madison Square Garden. And we’ll bet he did “Do You Feel Like We Do” [...]

1974 – ‘Up for the Downstroke’ revives the Parliament name — 1974 – ‘Up for the Downstroke’ revives the Parliament name. With overlapping personnel, Parliament and Funkadelic operate on different but parallel tracks through the end of the decade. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1972 – Born on this day, Paul Doucette, Matchbox 20, (1998 UK No.38 — 1972 - Born on this day, Paul Doucette, Matchbox 20, (1998 UK No.38 single ‘Push’, 2000 US No.1 single ‘Bent’). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1970 – Elton John signs to MCA Records. — 1970 – Elton John signs to MCA Records. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1970 – Elvis’ comeback is well and truly under way, as the King announces — 1970 – Elvis’ comeback is well and truly under way, as the King announces his first nationwide tour since 1958. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1970 – Eric Clapton enters the studio to begin recording the Derek — 1970 – Eric Clapton enters the studio to begin recording the Derek & the Dominos album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1970 – America experiences Creedence Clearwater Revival mania — 1970 – America experiences Creedence Clearwater Revival mania as the album Cosmo’s Factory hits No. 1 for the first of a nine-week run. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1970 – Moody Blues: ‘A Question of Balance’ UK LP this day in rock. — 1970 – Moody Blues: ‘A Question of Balance’ [...]

1970 – Bread hits #1 with “Make It With You”. — 1970 – Bread hits #1 with “Make It With You”. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1969 – The Beatles film a promotional clip for the song “The — 1969 – The Beatles film a promotional clip for the song “The Long and Winding Road.” Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1969 – The three-day Wild West Festival starts at San Francisco’s — 1969 – The three-day Wild West Festival starts at San Francisco’s Kezar Stadium, featuring performances by Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead, Santana, and the Youngbloods. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1969 – Elvis Presley’s show opens at the International Hotel — 1969 – Elvis Presley’s show opens [...]

1968 – Ringo Starr quit The Beatles during the White Album sessions when — 1968 - Ringo Starr quit The Beatles during the White Album sessions when the constant bickering and tension became too much for him. The news of Ringo’s departure was kept secret, [...]

1968 – A day before their sixth anniversary, John Lennon’s wife — 1968 – A day before their sixth anniversary, John Lennon’s wife, Cynthia, sues the Beatle for divorce after discovering Yoko Ono living in their London home. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1967 – Born on this day, Layne Staley, Alice In Chains, (1993 UK No.19 single — 1967 - Born on this day, Layne Staley, Alice In Chains, (1993 UK No.19 single ‘Would’). Staley was found dead in his home on 19th April 2002. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1966 – Police in New York manage to talk two teenagers down — 1966 – Police in New York manage to talk two teenagers down from a 22nd-floor ledge. The girls had threatened to commit suicide unless they met the Beatles. Instead, [...]

1966 – Producers for Catch My Soul, described as a rock version — 1966 – Producers for Catch My Soul, described as a rock version of Shakespeare’s Othello, sign Jerry Lee Lewis to play the villain Iago. A film was made of [...]

1965 – Beatles’ second film, ‘Help’, premieres in US this fine — 1965 – Beatles’ second film, ‘Help’, [...]

1961 – Tears for Fears’ Roland Orzabal is born today. — 1961 – Tears for Fears’ Roland Orzabal is born today. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1964 – On today’s chart, the Beatles are at No. 19 with “Ain’t She Sweet — 1964 – On today’s chart, the Beatles are at No. 19 with “Ain’t She Sweet.” The Beatles album Something New also peaks at No. 2, where it sits behind [...]

1964 – Martha & the Vandellas release their single “Dancing — 1964 – Martha & the Vandellas release their single “Dancing in the Street.” It becomes their biggest hit, peaking at No. 2. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1964 – Singer, songwriter, piano virtuoso, Tori Am… — 1964 – Singer, songwriter, piano virtuoso, Tori Amos is born Myra Ellen Amos in Newton, N.C. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1964 – The Ventures hit #8 with “Walk Don’t Run ’64″. — 1964 – The Ventures hit #8 with “Walk Don’t Run ’64″. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

“Where Did Our Love Go” by the Supremes goes to #1. — 1964 – “Where Did Our Love Go” by the Supremes goes to #1. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1963 – Born on this day, Tori Amos, singer, songwriter, (1994 UK No.4 single — 1963 - Born on this day, Tori Amos, singer, songwriter, (1994 UK No.4 single ‘Cornflake Girl’, 1992 album ‘Little Earthquakes’). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1962 – The first TV appearance of The Beatles was recorded by Manchester — 1962 - The first TV appearance of The Beatles was recorded by Manchester based Granada TV, who filmed a lunchtime session at The Cavern Club Liverpool, (it was shown on 17th [...]

1961 – The Bangles’ Debbie Peterson is born today. — 1961 – The Bangles’ Debbie Peterson is born today. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1961 – Born on this day, Roland Orzabal, singer, songwriter, guitarist, Tears For Fears — 1961 - Born on this day, Roland Orzabal, singer, songwriter, guitarist, Tears For Fears, (1985 US No.1 & UK No.2 single ‘Everybody Wants To Rule The World’, plus over 12 other [...]

Jackie Wilson hits #15 on pop and #1 on R&B with “A Woman, A Lover, A Friend”. — 1960 – Jackie Wilson hits #15 on pop and #1 on R&B with “A Woman, A Lover, A Friend”. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1958 – Former Living Colour metal god-turned-avant-garde — 1958 – Former Living Colour metal god-turned-avant-garde guru Vernon Reid is born in London. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1958 – Ian Mitchell (Bay City Rollers) is born — 1958 – Ian Mitchell (Bay City Rollers) is born this day in rock! Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1956 – Filming begins on Elvis Presley’s movie deb… — 1956 – Filming begins on Elvis Presley’s movie debut, “The Reno Brothers.” The movie is later re-titled “Love Me Tender.” Elvis plays Clint – until Presley’s song is added to [...]

1947 – Occasional Grateful Dead vocalist Donna Godchaux — 1947 – Occasional Grateful Dead vocalist Donna Godchaux is born in San Francisco. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1946 – Pianist Gary Withem – the other Gary in Gary Puckett — 1946 – Pianist Gary Withem – the other Gary in Gary Puckett & the Union Gap – is born in San Diego. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1945 – Born on this day, Ron Dante, singer, songwriter, The Archies — 1945 - Born on this day, Ron Dante, singer, songwriter, The Archies, (1969 US & UK No.1 single ‘Sugar Sugar’) and The Cufflinks, (1969 UK No.4 single ‘Tracy’). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1941 – R&B session drummer Howard Grimes (Al Green — 1941 -  R&B session drummer Howard Grimes (Al Green, Otis Clay, Rufus Thomas) is born. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1939 – Born on this day, Fred Milano, Dion and the Belmonts, (1961 US No.1 & UK No.11 —   1939 - Born on this day, Fred Milano, Dion and the Belmonts, (1961 US No.1 & UK No.11 single ‘Runaround Sue’). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1938 – Born on this day, Dale Hawkins, rockabilly singer, guitarist — 1938 - Born on this day, Dale Hawkins, rockabilly singer, guitarist, (1957 US No. 27 single ‘Susie Q’). Delmar Allen “Dale” Hawkins (August 22, 1936 – February 13, 2010) was a pioneer [...]

1917 – John Lee Hooker (August 22, 1917 – June 21, 2001) was an influential American post — 1917 – John Lee Hooker (August 22, 1917 – June 21, 2001) was an influential American post-war blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter born in Coahoma County near Clarksdale, Mississippi. From [...]