Rock History

On this day...

2010 -Rocker Vince Neil probed for alleged assault – Alleged victim talks about incident — 2010 -Rocker Vince Neil probed for alleged assault – Alleged victim talks about incident Rocker Vince Neil is at the centre of an assault investigation in Las Vegas after allegedly attacking [...]

2009 – The Beatles: Rock Band is released… — 2009 – The Beatles: Rock Band is released… The world’s leading music game meets the greatest band in history! The Beatles™: Rock Band™ gives fans what they’ve been waiting for: a [...]

2008 – A man was charged with assault after an attack on Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher — 2008 – A man was charged with assault after an attack on Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher during the band’s set at the V Festival in Canada. Gallagher was [...]

2008 – Elbow won the Mercury Music Prize for their album ‘The Seldom Seen Kid’. — 2008 – Elbow won the Mercury Music Prize for their album ‘The Seldom Seen Kid’. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2006 – Onetime blink-182 and Transplants drummer Travis Barker break — 2006 – Onetime blink-182 and Transplants drummer Travis Barker breaks his arm while shooting a video for (+44), his confusingly titled new group with Mark Hoppus. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2005 – U.K. art rockers, er, Art Brut announce they have parted ways — 2005 – U.K. art rockers, er, Art Brut announce they have parted ways with guitarist Chris Chinchilla. Chinchilla is replaced by the amazingly-named Jasper Future. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2005 – U2, Alicia Keys, Garth Brooks, Paul Simon, … — 2005 – U2, Alicia Keys, Garth Brooks, Paul Simon, Rod Stewart and the Dixie Chicks are among the artists that perform during a live telethon, “Shelter From the Storm: A [...]

2003 – Aerosmith are sued by their former manager David Krebs — 2003 – Aerosmith are sued by their former manager David Krebs after they assert he stole from them during an episode of VH1′s Behind the Music. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2003 – Sinead O’Connor releases She Who Dwells in the Secret — 2003 – Sinead O’Connor releases She Who Dwells in the Secret Place of the Most High Shall Abide Under the Shadow of the Almighty, which she claims will be her [...]

2003 – Shots are fired outside a New Jersey hotel after 50 Cent — 2003 – Shots are fired outside a New Jersey hotel after 50 Cent is seen entering the building. Police ask the rapper to turn himself in when he and his [...]

2003 – Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel announce they are reunited for an — 2003 – Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel announce they are reunited for an autumn tour. The “Bridge Over Troubled Water” duo last reformed for New York concerts in 1993. Be [...]

2003 – Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland erect four giant — 2003 – Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland erect four giant letters spelling “hope” on a beach outside of a World Trade Organization meeting in Cancun, Mexico. The band are [...]

2003 – The parents of the late R&B singer Aaliyah settle a negligence — 2003 – The parents of the late R&B singer Aaliyah settle a negligence lawsuit brought against the owners of the plane which fatally crashed in 2001. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2003 – Teenage U.K. rap star Dizzee Rascal overcomes competition — 2003 – Teenage U.K. rap star Dizzee Rascal overcomes competition from the likes of Radiohead and Coldplay to win the Mercury Music Prize for his debut album Boy in Da [...]

2003 – Australian superstars Powderfinger initiate their — 2003 – Australian superstars Powderfinger initiate their plans for world domination by signing with the V2 label. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2003 – The family of a 12-year-old New York schoolgirl sued by the — 2003 – The family of a 12-year-old New York schoolgirl sued by the recording industry for sharing music on the Internet settle the suit for $2000. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2003 – Velvet Revolver – the “super-group” made of ex-members of — 2003 – Velvet Revolver – the “super-group” made of ex-members of Guns N’ Roses and Stone Temple Pilots singer Scott Weiland – sign a recording deal with RCA. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2003 – John Mayer releases his third album, Heavier Things — 2003 – John Mayer releases his third album, Heavier Things, featuring the hit “Bigger Than My Body.” Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2003 – Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel announce their… — 2003 – Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel announce their first tour since 1994. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2003 – Coldplay frontman Chris Martin brings a sur… — 2003 – Coldplay frontman Chris Martin brings a surprise element of glitz to an otherwise staid gathering of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Cancun, Mexico, when he delivers the [...]

2002 – Carolyn Dawn Johnson is again the big winne… — 2002 – Carolyn Dawn Johnson is again the big winner at the Canadian Country Music Awards, held in Calgary, Alberta. In addition to top female, Johnson takes home trophies for [...]

2000 – Rush’s Neil Peart remarries, tying the knot with photographer — 2000 – Rush’s Neil Peart remarries, tying the knot with photographer Carrie Nuttall in a small private ceremony held in Montecito, Calif. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1999 – The Smashing Pumpkins announce that bassist D’Arcy Wretzky — 1999 – The Smashing Pumpkins announce that bassist D’Arcy Wretzky has left the band after recording her parts for their album Machina/The Machines of God. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1999 – Massive Attack have also lost a member, as “Mushroom — 1999 – Massive Attack have also lost a member, as “Mushroom” leaves the trip-hop group. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1999 – Nine Inch Nails makes their first-ever appe… — 1999 – Nine Inch Nails makes their first-ever appearance at a televised honors show when they perform at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1999 – Continuing her awards streak, multiplatinum… — 1999 – Continuing her awards streak, multiplatinum recording artist Lauryn Hill nabs four trophies at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards – one short of her output at the Grammys [...]

1998 – On TV today, former Sex Pistol John Lydon tries to settle — 1998 – On TV today, former Sex Pistol John Lydon tries to settle his case with a drummer who accuses him of head-butting in the courtroom of Judge Judy. Be Sociable, [...]

1998 – Pioneer synth-pop band Depeche Mode begins … — 1998 – Pioneer synth-pop band Depeche Mode begins its first concert outing in five years in Helsinki. The week prior, the band plays several warm-up gigs in Estonia, Latvia, and [...]

1998 – Lucio Battisti, considered Italy’s greatest… — 1998 – Lucio Battisti, considered Italy’s greatest contemporary singer/songwriter, dies in Milan. He is 55. A recluse since 1976, he is thought to have had a liver ailment. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1998 – German rapper/producer Moses Pelham apologi… — 1998 – German rapper/producer Moses Pelham apologizes for his alleged broadcast incitement to assault Viva TV host Stefan Raab. “I regret the consequences that this joke has had,” says Pelham. Be [...]

1998 – Bushwick Bill (Richard Shaw), a former memb… — 1998 – Bushwick Bill (Richard Shaw), a former member of Rap-A-Lot Records rap act the Geto Boys, sues the label, a division of Virgin Records’ Noo Trybe, for an alleged [...]

1997 – Bluesman Junior Wells slips into a coma aft… — 1997 – Bluesman Junior Wells slips into a coma after suffering a heart attack four days earlier. The harmonica player and singer, 62, had been undergoing treatment in a Chicago [...]

1996 – Jane Petty files for divorce from her husband, Tom. The — 1996 – Jane Petty files for divorce from her husband, Tom. The couple separate after 22 years of marriage because of “irreconcilable differences.” Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1996 – After a career that spanned 56 years on the… — 1996 – After a career that spanned 56 years on the Grand Ole Opry and a tireless reputation for touring and guarding his bluegrass progeny all the way to New [...]

1995 – Singer Chynna Phillips, the daughter of Mam… — 1995 – Singer Chynna Phillips, the daughter of Mamas and Papas stars Michelle and John Phillips, marries actor William Baldwin. Phillips’ former Wilson Phillips partners, Beach Boys’ offspring Carnie and [...]

1982 – Al Green and Patti LaBelle open on Broadway… — 1982 – Al Green and Patti LaBelle open on Broadway in the gospel musical “Your Arms Too Short to Box with God.” Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1981 – At Amnesty International’s fund-raising Secret Policeman’s — 1981 – At Amnesty International’s fund-raising Secret Policeman’s Other Ball in London, both Sting and Phil Collins make their first live solo appearances. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1980 – On British TV tonight, you can watch an airing of Abba – In Concert. — 1980 – On British TV tonight, you can watch an airing of Abba – In Concert. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1979 – Yusef Islam (Cat Stevens) marries Fouzia Al… — 1979 – Yusef Islam (Cat Stevens) marries Fouzia Ali at Kensington Mosque in London. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1978 – In Dublin, the young U2 support the Stranglers at the — 1978 – In Dublin, the young U2 support the Stranglers at the Top Hat Ballroom. The Stranglers and their entourage take up two dressing rooms, leaving Bono and company to [...]

1978 – On the albums chart, the Who are a new entry with Who — 1978 – On the albums chart, the Who are a new entry with Who Are You, their last long-player recorded with Keith Moon. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1975 – Wings kick off their world tour in Southampton, England. — 1975 – Wings kick off their world tour in Southampton, England. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1973 – Nutty Todd Rundgren records a thousand of his fans singing in San — 1973 – Nutty Todd Rundgren records a thousand of his fans singing in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park for the song “Sons of 1984.” The session ends in disarray after [...]

1971 – John Lennon releases his second solo record, Imagine. It becomes — 1971 – John Lennon releases his second solo record, Imagine. It becomes his first No. 1 solo album. But Rolling Stone‘s Ben Gerson is unimpressed. “On the evidence of Imagine, [...]

1968 – In the studio, the Beatles lay down 17 takes of “Helter — 1968 – In the studio, the Beatles lay down 17 takes of “Helter Skelter,” with one session seeing Paul McCartney playing bass on his back. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1967 – Sam & Dave release their “Soul Man” single, which — 1967 – Sam & Dave release their “Soul Man” single, which later climbs to No. 2. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1966 – You too can talk like a baby and make millions. But it help — 1966 – You too can talk like a baby and make millions. But it helps if your name is Adam Sandler. The man behind the ever-popular “Chanukah Song” is born [...]

1965 – On The Ed Sullivan Show, Ed airs a previously broadcast — 1965 – On The Ed Sullivan Show, Ed airs a previously broadcast performance by the Beatles. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1965 – “Madness!! Folk and Roll Musicians-Singers for acting roles in new TV series. Running — 1965 – “Madness!! Folk and Roll Musicians-Singers for acting roles in new TV series. Running parts for four insane boys, age 17 to 21.” That was part of the ad [...]

1965 – Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” reaches #2 this day in rock history! — 1965 – Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” reaches #2 this day in rock history! Here’s the rolling stone… rolling a tire… ouch! Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1964 – Rod Stewart records his first single, “Good Morning, Little Schoolgirl — 1964 – Rod Stewart records his first single, “Good Morning, Little Schoolgirl,” with the Hoochie Koochie Men. It promptly disappears from view, and Stewart goes on to perform with the [...]

1962 – Sherry (The Four Seasons) was a hit this day in rock history! — 1962 – Sherry (The Four Seasons) was a hit this day in rock history! Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1956 – Elvis Presley made his first appearance on ‘The Ed Sullivan show’ on This Day in Rock! — 1956 – Elvis Presley made his first appearance on ‘The Ed Sullivan show’ on This Day in Rock! Performing ‘Don’t Be Cruel’, ‘Love Me Tender’ and ‘Ready Teddy’ from the [...]

1956 – Elvis Presley appears on CBS-TV’s “Toast o… — 1956 – Elvis Presley appears on CBS-TV’s “Toast of the Town.” The show is watched by about one-third of the U.S. public. Host Ed Sullivan is ill and Charles Laughton [...]

1954 – Elvis played at the opening of the Lamar-Airways Shopping Center in Memphis — 1954 – Elvis played at the opening of the Lamar-Airways Shopping Center in Memphis Tennessee. Johnny Cash was in the audience and after the show met Elvis for [...]

1952 – Eurythmic and general muckety-muck David A. — 1952 – Eurythmic and general muckety-muck David A. Stewart is born in Sunderland, England. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1947 – Freddy Weller, who co-wrote the immortal “Dizzy” with — 1947 – Freddy Weller, who co-wrote the immortal “Dizzy” with Tommy Roe, is born in Atlanta. He also played with Paul Revere & the Raiders as a lead guitarist and [...]

1947 – Nellie Lutcher hits #2 on the R&B chart and #20 — 1947 – Nellie Lutcher hits #2 on the R&B chart and #20 on the pop chart with “Hurry On Down.” Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1946 – Keyboardist Billy Preston (“Will It Go Rou… — 1946 – Keyboardist Billy Preston (“Will It Go Round in Circles”) is born in Houston. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1946 – Doug Ingle of Iron Butterfly is born in Oma… — 1946 – Doug Ingle of Iron Butterfly is born in Omaha, Neb. His work is featured on Iron Butterfly albums Heavy, In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, Ball and Metamorphosis. Most famously, he authored the band’s [...]

1945 – Dee Dee Sharp is born in Philadelphia as Dione LaRue. — 1945 – Dee Dee Sharp is born in Philadelphia as Dione LaRue. She’s best remembered for her 1962 No. 2 hit “Mashed Potato Time.” Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1942 – Inez Foxx, who with her brother Charles scored a pop hit — 1942 – Inez Foxx, who with her brother Charles scored a pop hit with “Mockingbird” in 1963, is born in Greensboro, N.C. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1941 – Duffy Power, who recorded one of the earliest covers of the Beatles — 1941 – Duffy Power, who recorded one of the earliest covers of the Beatles’ “I Saw Her Standing There,” is born. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1941 – Otis Redding is born in Dawson, Ga. His big… — 1941 – Otis Redding is born in Dawson, Ga. His biggest hit, the No. 1 song “(Sitting on) The Dock of the Bay,” is recorded three days before he is [...]

1926 – Jake Carey of the Flamingos is born this day in rock history! — 1926 – Jake Carey of the Flamingos is born this day in rock history! Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1922 – Pipe Major MacKenzie John is born. … — 1922 – Pipe Major MacKenzie John is born. Be Sociable, Share! [...]