Rock History

On this day...

2010 – RUSH is honored at the 2010 Billboard Touring Awards on This Day in Rock Music History! — 2010 – RUSH is honored at the 2010 Billboard Touring Awards on This Day in Rock Music History! in New York City with the Legend of Live award, which “honors [...]

2007 – The Eagles went to No.1 on the UK album chart for the first time ever — 2007 – The Eagles went to No.1 on the UK album chart for the first time ever – 33 years after their debut album On the Border. This was the [...]

2006 – The Flaming Lips are robbed on the first date of their UK tour. — 2006 – The Flaming Lips are robbed on the first date of their UK tour. The thieves steal Wayne Coyne’s laptop and his wife’s digital camera from their dressing room. [...]

2005 – In a bizarre outburst of experimental rock violence, singer Jean — 2005 – In a bizarre outburst of experimental rock violence, singer Jean-Herve Peron of Krautrock legends Faust beats up British Sea Power’s bassist during an onstage “jam” in Hove, England. [...]

2005 – Drummer Mana “China” Nishiura of Shonen Knife and DMBQ — 2005 – Drummer Mana “China” Nishiura of Shonen Knife and DMBQ dies when the latter band’s van flips over on Delaware’s I-95. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2004 – Nebraskan songwriter Conor Oberst, aka Bright Eyes, takes over the — 2004 – Nebraskan songwriter Conor Oberst, aka Bright Eyes, takes over the top two spots of the American singles survey with “Lua” and “Take It Easy (Love Nothing).” It’s the [...]

2004 – LL Cool J cancels the remainder of his American tour after — 2004 – LL Cool J cancels the remainder of his American tour after suffering an “abdominal illness.” Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2004- Dancehall star Sizzla cancels concerts dates in the UK — 2004- Dancehall star Sizzla cancels concerts dates in the UK after police launch a probe into alleged homophobia in his lyrics. Beenie Man, Elephant Man, Vybz Kartel and Bounty Killer [...]

2003 – VH1 films the opening night of Kid Rock’s winter tour in Detroit — 2003 – VH1 films the opening night of Kid Rock’s winter tour in Detroit for a Christmas special. Keeping it seasonal, Rock performs “Frosty the Blowman” and “Santa Baby.” Be Sociable, [...]

2003 – Pink refuses to admit Christina Aguilera into a London bash — 2003 – Pink refuses to admit Christina Aguilera into a London bash she’s hosting after the “Stronger” strumpet snubbed the “Try This” tart at a separate party. Grow up, girls. Be [...]

2003 – Dixie Chick Martie Maguire announces that after two — 2003 – Dixie Chick Martie Maguire announces that after two years of trying to have children with husband Gareth, she is now pregnant with twins. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2003 – Rap Romeo Ja Rule releases his fifth album Blood in My — 2003 – Rap Romeo Ja Rule releases his fifth album Blood in My Eye, which finds him returning to his gangsta rap roots. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2003 – Ryan Adams releases his third solo album Rock N Roll, — 2003 – Ryan Adams releases his third solo album Rock N Roll, featuring appearances by Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong and Adams’ current girlfriend, actress Parker Posey. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2003 – Britney Spears cancels a scheduled appearance at the MTV — 2003 – Britney Spears cancels a scheduled appearance at the MTV Europe Music Awards, blaming illness. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2001 – Michael Jackson proves that he’s “Invincibl… — 2001 – Michael Jackson proves that he’s “Invincible” in the U.K. as his Epic album Invincible goes straight to the top of the country’s album chart, earning him his seventh [...]

1999 – The Atlanta High Museum of Art begins exhibiting Elton John’s — 1999 – The Atlanta High Museum of Art begins exhibiting Elton John’s comprehensive collection of photographs. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1998 – An unusual concert takes place at the Santa Monica Airport — 1998 – An unusual concert takes place at the Santa Monica Airport in California. Don Henley, John Mellencamp, James Taylor, Elvis Costello, and others perform their favorite one-hit-wonder song. Proceeds [...]

1998 – Amazon.com forms a program, “Advantage For … — 1998 – Amazon.com forms a program, “Advantage For Music,” which allows unsigned artists and independent labels to sell music online. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1996 – The king of pop – Michael Jackson – announc… — 1996 – The king of pop – Michael Jackson – announces that he and a friend, Debbie Rowe, are expecting a child, but denies a tabloid report that the couple [...]

1995 – Michael Jackson premieres his new single “… — 1995 – Michael Jackson premieres his new single “Earth Song” on the German celebrity game show “Wanna Bet?” Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1994 – Fred “Sonic” Smith, guitarist with agit-rockers the MC5 — 1994 – Fred “Sonic” Smith, guitarist with agit-rockers the MC5 and husband of Patti Smith, dies of a heart attack in Detroit. He was 45. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1992 – Elton John and his lyricist Bernie Taupin sign to the music — 1992 – Elton John and his lyricist Bernie Taupin sign to the music publisher Warner/Chappell for an unprecedented $39 million. Now you know how Elton can afford all those pairs [...]

1991 – The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame admits Bobby “Blue” — 1991 – The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame admits Bobby “Blue” Bland, Booker T. & the MG’s, Johnny Cash, Jimi Hendrix, the Isley Brothers, Sam & Dave, and the [...]

1990 – Nashville session guitarist Phil Baugh dies. He had a — 1990 – Nashville session guitarist Phil Baugh dies. He had a unique sound courtesy of a series of six pedals he developed that allowed him to bend the strings of [...]

1987 – Bobby Nunn of the Coasters dies of a heart … — 1987 – Bobby Nunn of the Coasters dies of a heart attack at age 61. The group’s biggest hit is the No. 1 song “Yakety Yak” in 1958. Be Sociable, [...]

1982 – Talking Heads’ rhythm section, Chris Frantz and Tina — 1982 – Talking Heads’ rhythm section, Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth, welcome a new addition to their family, as Tina gives birth to son Robert. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1978 – Talking Heads release their single “Take Me to the River. — 1978 – Talking Heads release their single “Take Me to the River.” It becomes their first top 40 single, peaking at No. 26. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1978 – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young are sued by a former bass — 1978 – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young are sued by a former bass player. Greg Reeves wants $1 million in unpaid royalties. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1978 – Boston plays in the city of Boston for the … — 1978 – Boston plays in the city of Boston for the first time, a sold-out show at the Boston Garden. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1976 – A Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band concert at New York — 1976 – A Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band concert at New York’s Palladium Theater is delayed when someone phones in a bomb threat. Springsteen later jokes it was [...]

1973 – At London’s Rainbow Theater, Pink Floyd and Soft Machin — 1973 – At London’s Rainbow Theater, Pink Floyd and Soft Machine perform a benefit for Machine drummer Robert Wyatt. Wyatt was paralyzed after falling from an open window during a [...]

1972 – The Doobie Brothers go to No. 11 on the singles — 1972 – The Doobie Brothers go to No. 11 on the singles chart with “Listen to the Music.” Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1970 – Bullet-dodging rap mogul Puff Daddy is born in Harlem, N.Y. — 1970 – Bullet-dodging rap mogul Puff Daddy is born in Harlem, N.Y. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1969 – Led Zeppelin play a disastrous gig at Ontario’s Kitchener — 1969 – Led Zeppelin play a disastrous gig at Ontario’s Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. John Bonham is too ill to perform “Moby Dick.” Jimmy Page blows out his amplifier. And only [...]

1968 – Yoko Ono is admitted into Queen Charlotte’s Hospital. — 1968 – Yoko Ono is admitted into Queen Charlotte’s Hospital. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1967 – Smokey Robinson & the Miracles release their single “I Second T — 1967 – Smokey Robinson & the Miracles release their single “I Second That Emotion.” The Motown classic becomes their first top 10 hit since 1963′s “Mickey’s Monkey.” Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1964 – The Beatles wrap up sessions for their album Beatles for Sale. — 1964 – The Beatles wrap up sessions for their album Beatles for Sale. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1963 – The Beatles perform for Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother — 1963 – The Beatles perform for Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother, Princess Margaret, and Lord Snowdon at the Royal Variety Performance in London. John Lennon informs the audience, “Will [...]

1963 – The Beatles appear on London’s U.K. Royal V… — 1963 – The Beatles appear on London’s U.K. Royal Variety Show, which is attended by the Queen Mother. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1961 – Bob Dylan gives a concert at the Carnegie Chapter Hall in — 1961 – Bob Dylan gives a concert at the Carnegie Chapter Hall in New York. Only 43 people attend. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1958 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “It’s Only Ma… — 1958 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “It’s Only Make Believe,” Conway Twitty. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1957 – The top six pop and R&B singles today are identical. Topping — 1957 – The top six pop and R&B singles today are identical. Topping both charts is Elvis Presley with “Jailhouse Rock,” followed by the Everly Brothers’ “Wake Up Little Susie,” [...]

1956 – Pretenders guitarist James Honeyman-Scott is born in Hereford — 1956 – Pretenders guitarist James Honeyman-Scott is born in Hereford, England. He died of a drug overdose in 1982. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1954 – Squeeze’s Chris Difford (“Tempted”) is born in London. — 1954 – Squeeze’s Chris Difford (“Tempted”) is born in London. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1954 – Singer, musician Chris Difford of the rock … — 1954 – Singer, musician Chris Difford of the rock group Squeeze is born. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1954 – Pianist, Yanni is born. … — 1954 – Pianist, Yanni is born. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1943 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Paper Doll,’… — 1943 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Paper Doll,” The Mills Brothers. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1940 – Delbert McClinton, the country star who taught John — 1940 – Delbert McClinton, the country star who taught John Lennon how to play harmonica, is born in Lubbock, Texas. Be Sociable, Share! [...]