Rock History

On this day...

2012 – Ronnie Wood, guitarist for the Rolling Stones, opens art exhibition in New York’s SoHo on This Day in Rock History. — 2012 – Ronnie Wood, guitarist for the Rolling Stones, opens art exhibition in New York’s SoHo on This Day in Rock History. Amazon.com Widgets Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2010 – Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren has died after a cancer battle. He was 64. — 2010 – Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren has died after a cancer battle. He was 64. He died this morning. Spokesman Les Molloy says: “He’d been suffering from cancer [...]

2006 – former Smiths singer Morrissey went to No.1 on the UK album — 2006 – former Smiths singer Morrissey went to No.1 on the UK album chart with his 8th solo album ‘Ringleader Of The Tormentors.’ Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2004 – Lawyers for “Cheeseburgers in Paradise” singer… — 2004 – Lawyers for “Cheeseburgers in Paradise” singer Jimmy Buffett force a Maryland hamburger stand owner to change the name of his eaterie from “Cheeseburgers ‘n’ Paradise” to [...]

2004 – a man was arrested for allegedly stalking Avril Lavigne. James Speedy, — 2004 – a man was arrested for allegedly stalking Avril Lavigne. James Speedy, 30, from Seattle, Washington, was arrested after police searched his home, he was later released on $5,000 [...]

2004 – Nick and Mary Yankovic, the parents of “Wei… — 2004 – Nick and Mary Yankovic, the parents of “Weird Al” Yankovic, die of carbon monoxide poisoning in their Fallbrook, Calif., home on. Their accidental Deathss are caused by a [...]

2004 – Motley Crue frontman Vince Neil pleads… — 2004 – Motley Crue frontman Vince Neil pleads no contest to charges that he assaulted a prostitute at the Moonlite BunnyRanch brothel in Nevada. The judge fines him [...]

2003 – Paul McCartney played his first Manchester show in 24 years — 2003 – Paul McCartney played his first Manchester show in 24 years when he appeared at the MEN Arena as part of the UK leg on the ‘Back In The [...]

2003 – Shares in EMI tumble after Robbie Williams’ — 2003 – Shares in EMI tumble after Robbie Williams’ album Escapology debuts at a disappointing No. 43 in the States. The British music giant signed the solo superstar to a [...]

2003 – Paul McCartney buys the late rockabilly star Carl Perkins… — 2003 – Paul McCartney buys the late rockabilly star Carl Perkins’ song catalog. Although he’s best known for “Blue Suede Shoes,” The Beatles recorded covers of Perkins’ “Matchbox,” [...]

2003 – Linkin Park retain the No. 1 spot for a… — 2003 – Linkin Park retain the No. 1 spot for a second week with their Meteora album. Detroit rockers the White Stripes have the highest new entry with [...]

2002 – Musician, composer and instrument maker Jun… — 2002 – Musician, composer and instrument maker Juno Lewis dies at the age of 70 of complications from a stroke. Lewis was best known for his “Kulu Se Mama” composition [...]

2000 – NSYNC started a seven week run at No.1 on the US album — 2000 – NSYNC started a seven week run at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘No Strings Attached’ the Boybands first US No.1. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2000 – Moby started a five-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘Play — 2000 – Moby started a five-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘Play’. The album went on to spend 81 weeks on the chart. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1999 – “Faith Hill’s This Kiss Tour,” the country … — 1999 – “Faith Hill’s This Kiss Tour,” the country singer’s first solo outing, kicks off at Minneapolis’ Orpheum Theatre. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1998 – Pop star George Michael is arrested for inv… — 1998 – Pop star George Michael is arrested for investigation of engaging in misdemeanor lewd conduct. The arrest is made at Will Rogers Park in Beverly Hills, Calif., after an [...]

1998 – A public memorial service for Tammy Wynette… — 1998 – A public memorial service for Tammy Wynette is held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1998 – A Los Angeles Superior Court jury awards po… — 1998 – A Los Angeles Superior Court jury awards pop star Michael Jackson $2.7 million in damages in his defamation-of-character suit against Victor Gutierrez. On the TV program Hard Copy, [...]

1997 – Country singer Mae Axton dies. Axton was co… — 1997 – Country singer Mae Axton dies. Axton was co-writer of Elvis Presley’s Heartbreak Hotel. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1997 – A&M Records releases a statement saying… — 1997 – A&M Records releases a statement saying that Seattle grunge hit-makers Soundgarden have decided to disband. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1994 – Pantera : Far Beyond Driven : US… — 1994 – Pantera : Far Beyond Driven : US LP is no. 1 chart topper. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1994 – Pink Floyd : The Division Bell : UK… — 1994 – Pink Floyd : The Division Bell : UK LP is no. 1 chart topper. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1993 – Nirvana, L7, The Breeders, and Disposable H… — 1993 – Nirvana, L7, The Breeders, and Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy play a concert at San Francisco’s Cow palace to raise awareness and assistance for rape survivors in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Be Sociable, [...]

1990 – Billy Idol releases his single “Cradle of Love.” — 1990 – Billy Idol releases his single “Cradle of Love.” Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1989 – Rolling Stone Bill Wyman announced his forthcoming marriage to 19-year — 1989 – Rolling Stone Bill Wyman announced his forthcoming marriage to 19-year old Mandy Smith. He revealed the couple had been dating for six years Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1988 – Billy Ocean started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart — 1988 – Billy Ocean started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car’, a No.3 hit in the [...]

1988 – Dave Prater of Sam & Dave dies in a car acc… — 1988 – Dave Prater of Sam & Dave dies in a car accident. The group’s biggest hit is the Hold On, I’m Comin’. Discography Singles Release date Title Label & Cat no. Chart [...]

1985 – The British group Frankie Goes to Hollywood… — 1985 – The British group Frankie Goes to Hollywood opens a European tour in Copenhagen, Denmark. It spends the rest of the year in tax exile from the United Kingdom. Be [...]

1984 – R.E.M. release their second album, Reckoning. — 1984 – R.E.M. release their second album, Reckoning. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1983 – David Bowie: Let’s Dance UK 45… — 1983 – David Bowie: Let’s Dance UK 45 is no. 1 chart topper. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1983 – David Bowie was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Let’s — 1983 – David Bowie was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Let’s Dance’, his third UK No.1. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1981 – On this week’s UK Indie album chart, No.5, Crass, ‘Stations Of — Adam Ant 1981 – On this week’s UK Indie album chart, No.5, Crass, ‘Stations Of The Crass’, No.4, Toyah, ‘Toyah! Toyah! Toyah!’ No.3, Joy Division, ‘Closer’, No.2, Adam and the Ants, [...]

1980 – Born on this day, Albert Hammond Jr, guitar, The Strokes — 1980 – Born on this day, Albert Hammond Jr, guitar, The Strokes, (2001 UK No. 14 single, ‘Last Nite’ 2001 UK No.2 album ‘Is This It’). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1977 – Born on this day, Gerard Way, vocals, My Chemical Romance — 1977 – Born on this day, Gerard Way, vocals, My Chemical Romance, (2006 UK No.1 single ‘Welcome to the Black Parade’, 2006 US No.2 album ‘The Black Parade’). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1977 – Abba went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Dancing Queen — 1977 – Abba went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Dancing Queen’, the groups 7th US Top 40 hit and first No.1. Also a No.1 in the UK [...]

1976 – Folk star Phil Ochs commits suicide. He is … — 1976 – Folk star Phil Ochs commits suicide. He is 35. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1974 – Terry Jacks was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Seasons In The Sun.’ — 1974 – Terry Jacks was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Seasons In The Sun.’ Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1974 – Bruce Springsteen is introduced to Jon Landau… — 1974 – Bruce Springsteen is introduced to Jon Landau, a rock critic who would later become his manager and help produce Born to Run. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1973 – Newly signed to EMI Records, Queen played a showcase gig for their — 1973 – Newly signed to EMI Records, Queen played a showcase gig for their new record label at the Marquee Club, London. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1973 – Rock group Queen has its debut performance … — 1973 – Rock group Queen has its debut performance at the Marquee Theater in London. The group’s biggest hits are “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “Another One Bites the Dust” [...]

1973 – Paul McCartney releases the ballad “My Love… — 1973 – Paul McCartney releases the ballad “My Love,” which becomes his second solo No. 1. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1970 – Pink Floyd kicked off their second North American tour at The Fillmore — 1970 – Pink Floyd kicked off their second North American tour at The Fillmore East, Manhattan, New York City. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1970 – Paul McCartney announces his “break with the Beatles” in a typed statement e — 1970 – Paul McCartney announces his “break with the Beatles” in a typed statement enclosed in copies of the solo album McCartney sent to the British press. Paul McCartney attributes [...]

1969 – Emerson, Lake and Palmer perform their first… — 1969 – Emerson, Lake and Palmer perform their first concert at the Speakeasy, London. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1969 – King Crimson performs at the Speakeasy in London for the first time on This Day in Rock. — 1969 – King Crimson performs at the Speakeasy in London for the first time on This Day in Rock. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1967 -The Who begins a six-day season… — 1967 -The Who begins a six-day season at Brian Epstein’s Saville Theatre, with Jimi Hendrix on the bill. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1966 – The Righteous Brothers started a three week run at No.1 — 1966 – The Righteous Brothers started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘You’re My Soul And Inspiration’, a No.15 hit in the UK. Be Sociable, [...]

1966 – ‘Blue Turns To Grey’, a song written by Jagger and Richards gave — 1966 – ‘Blue Turns To Grey’, a song written by Jagger and Richards gave Cliff Richard a No.15 UK hit. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1965 – Rolling Stones’ dress sense attacked by E.M. Roberts… — 1965 – Rolling Stones’ dress sense attacked by E.M. Roberts, a Welsh headmaster, who is particularly critical of corduroy trousers. He said it was a ‘disservice to the [...]

1965 – Bruce Johnston joins the Beach Boys — 1965 – Bruce Johnston joins the Beach Boys as a touring replacement for Brian Wilson. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1964 – Rolling Stones make their first live national… — 1964 – Rolling Stones make their first live national UK TV appearance, on Ready, Steady, Go. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1964 – Capitol Records wins the rights to distribute… — 1964 – Capitol Records wins the rights to distribute the Beatles’ recordings in the U.S. from VeeJay. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1963 – The Beatles appeared live on the ITV show Tuesday Rendezvous — 1963 – The Beatles appeared live on the ITV show Tuesday Rendezvous, miming ‘From Me to You’ and ‘Please Please Me’ (during the closing credits). In the evening The Beatles [...]

1958 – Bill Haley & the Comets begin a tour… — 1958 – Bill Haley & the Comets begin a tour of South America in Buenos Aires. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1956 – Nat King Cole is beaten by racial segregationists… — 1956 – Nat King Cole is beaten by racial segregationists who disrupt his Birmingham, Ala., concert. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1956 – Gene Vincent records “Be-Bop-a-Lula.” — 1956 – Gene Vincent records “Be-Bop-a-Lula.” lyrics: Well Be-bo a lula She’s my baby Be-bop a lula I don’t mean maybe Be-bop a lula She’s my baby Be-bop a lula I don’t mean maybe Be-bop a lula She’s my baby doll my [...]

1954 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Wanted,” Pe… — 1954 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Wanted,” Perry Como. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1950 – Guitarist, Eddie Hazel is born in New York City on This Day in Rock! — 1950 – Guitarist, Eddie Hazel is born in New York City on This Day in Rock! Eddie played with Funkadelic and wrote the band’s classic “Maggot Brain.” Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1948 – Born on this day, Phillip Wright, vocals, drums, Paper Lace — 1948 – Phillip Wright (Paper Lace) is born on This Day in Rock! Wright played vocals and drums. His hits: (1974 UK No.1 single ‘Billy Don’t Be A Hero’, 1974 [...]

1944 – Gene Parsons (Byrds) is born this day in rock history! — 1944 – Gene Parsons (Byrds) is born this day in rock history! Lyrics: To everything, turn, turn, turn. There is a season, turn, turn, turn. And a time to every purpose under heaven. A time [...]

1943 – Terry Knight (Grand Funk) is born this day in rock history! — 1943 – Terry Knight (Grand Funk) is born this day in rock history! Knight was most famous for his production work with the band Grand Funk Railroad. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1942 – Carl Perkins is born near Tiptonville, Tenn on This Day in Rock. — 1942 – Carl Perkins is born near Tiptonville, Tenn on This Day in Rock. His biggest hit is “Blue Suede Shoes,” No. 2 in 1956 and wins a Grammy [...]