Rock History

On this day...

2011 – Gary Moore, a former guitarist with the 1970s rock band Thin Lizzy, has died — 2011 – Gary Moore, a former guitarist with the 1970s rock band Thin Lizzy, has died at age 58, according to his official website.(CNN) – “It is with deep sorrow [...]

2011 – Prince performed his final concert at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan on This Day in Rock. — 2011 – Prince performed his final concert at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan on This Day in Rock. One Highlight… Prince Kicks Kim Kardashian Off The Stage Playing songs such as [...]

2008 – Amy Winehouse was told she could not perform at this year’s — Amy Winehouse 2008 – Amy Winehouse was told she could not perform at this year’s Grammy awards ceremony because her US visa application has been rejected by the embassy in London. [...]

2006 – The Darkness kicked off a 9-date UK tour — 2006 – The Darkness kicked off a 9-date UK tour at Alexandra Palace, London. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2005 – Michael Jackson’s Thriller was named the top pop video in a poll — 2005 – Michael Jackson’s Thriller was named the top pop video in a poll of Channel 4 viewers in the UK. The 1983 video, which depicts the singer as a [...]

2004 – Queen’s single ‘We Will Rock You’ topped a poll of music fans to — Queen 2004 – Queen’s single ‘We Will Rock You’ topped a poll of music fans to find the greatest rock anthem of all time. The 1977 song beat the band’s classic [...]

2003 – Courtney Love arrived at a benefit concert at London’s Old Vic — Courtney Love 2003 – Courtney Love arrived at a benefit concert at London’s Old Vic Theatre dressed as Donald Duck. Courtney joined Elton John on stage for a version of ‘The [...]

2002 – Country artist Jeff Carson is seriously inj… — 2002 – Country artist Jeff Carson is seriously injured while sledding with his wife on their property in Franklin, Tenn. While taking a solo run, he hits a tree head-on [...]

2001 – U2 returns to its roots as a U.K. club band… — 2001-11-20 – REVIEW: U2 returns to simple roots by Mike Weatherford Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal Irish band abandons stadium touring for more intimate show at Thomas & Mack Maybe you remember, in the [...]

2001 – Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band’s f… — 2001 – Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band’s final two performances at Madison Square Garden, edited into a nearly two-hour program, debuts on HBO. It is the first time Springsteen [...]

2000 – Dave Pevertt guitarist with Savoy Brown died from kidney — 2000 – Dave Peverett guitarist with Savoy Brown died from kidney cancer aged 56. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1999 – Blondie went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Maria — Blondie 1999 – Blondie went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Maria’, giving the group their 6th UK No.1 single, 20 years after their first. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1999 – Songwriter/pianist/actor Bobby Troup dies o… — 1999 – Songwriter/pianist/actor Bobby Troup dies of a heart attack in Sherman Oaks, Calif. Troup, 80, is best known as the writer of “(Get Your Kicks) On Route 66.” Bobby Troup [...]

1999 – Songwriter Robert Williams died aged 81. Wrote, ‘Route 66′ (covered by — 1999 – Songwriter Robert Williams died aged 81. Wrote, ‘Route 66′ (covered by many acts including The Stones, Chuck Berry, and ‘The Girl Can’t Help It.’ Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1994 – Blind Melon’s lead singer Shannon Hoon was forced to leave — Blind Melon 1994 – Blind Melon’s lead singer Shannon Hoon was forced to leave the American Music Awards ceremony for his loud and disruptive behavior. Hoon was later charged with battery, [...]

1989 – Georgia state representative Billy Randall introduced a bill to make — Little Richard 1989 – Georgia state representative Billy Randall introduced a bill to make Little Richards ‘Tutti Frutti’, the state’s official rock song. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1989 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Straight Up,… — 1989 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Straight Up,” Paula Abdul. Paula Julie Abdul (born June 19, 1962) is an American multi-platinum selling Grammy Award-winning singer, dancer, television personality, jewelry [...]

1987 – George Michael and Aretha Franklin were at No.1 on the — 1987 – George Michael and Aretha Franklin were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)’. Written by Simon Climie it gave Aretha [...]

1987 – Madonna went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Open Your — 1987 – Madonna went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Open Your Heart’, her 5th US No.1, a No.4 hit in the UK. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1985 – Matt Monro, 60′s UK ballad singer died. (1964 UK No.4 & US — 1985 – Matt Monro, 60′s UK ballad singer died. (1964 UK No.4 & US No.23 single ‘Walk Away’ plus 10 other UK Top 40 hits). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

— 1981 – John Lennon: Double Fantasy UK LP No. 1 Chart Topper! Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1981 – John Lennon Woman UK 45 No. 1… — 1981 – John Lennon Woman UK 45 No. 1 Chart Topper. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1981 – Kool & The Gang started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles — 1981 – Kool & The Gang started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Celebration’ the groups first No.1 and 8th top 40 hit, a [...]

1979 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? … — 1979 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” Rod Stewart. The song is an international success, reaching No. 1 in 11 countries. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1979 – Stephen Stills became the first rock performer to record on digital — 1979 – Stephen Stills became the first rock performer to record on digital equipment in Los Angeles’ Record Plant Studio. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1976 – Bob Dylan: Desire US LP is No. 1 Chart… — 1976 – Bob Dylan: Desire US LP is No. 1 Chart Topper! Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1976 – Paul Simon: 50 Ways to Leave Your… — 1976 – Paul Simon: 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover US 45 is no. 1 Chart Topper “The problem is all inside your head”, she said to me The answer is easy [...]

1976 – Bob Dylan started a five-week run at No.1 on the US — 1976 – Bob Dylan started a five-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Desire’, his second US No.1. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1975 – Born on this day, Wes Borland, guitar, Limp Bizkit — Limp Bizkit 1975 – Born on this day, Wes Borland, guitar, Limp Bizkit, (2001 UK No.1 single ‘Rollin’ & US & UK No.1 album ‘Chocolate Starfish and the Hotdog Flavoured Water’). Be [...]

1974 – Born on this day, Danny Goffey, drums, Supergrass, (1995 UK No.2 — 1974 – Born on this day, Danny Goffey, drums, Supergrass, (1995 UK No.2 single ‘Alright’, 1995 UK No.1 album ‘I Should Coco’ spent 35 weeks on the UK chart). Be Sociable, [...]

1970 – Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull married record company secretary — 1970 – Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull married record company secretary Jennie Franks. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1970 – One hit wonders Shocking Blue went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Venus’, — 1970 – One hit wonders Shocking Blue went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Venus’, making them the first Dutch act to top the US charts. It made [...]

1970 – Led Zeppelin scored their first UK No.1 album with ‘Led Zeppelin II’. — Led Zeppelin 1970 – Led Zeppelin scored their first UK No.1 album with ‘Led Zeppelin II’. Featuring the US single ‘Whole Lotta Love’, it went on to stay on the chart [...]

1969 – The weekly TV music variety show “This Is … — 1969 – The weekly TV music variety show “This Is Tom Jones” premieres on ABC-TV. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1969 – The Who recorded Pinball Wizard at Morgan Studio’s, London. — The Who 1969 – The Who recorded Pinball Wizard at Morgan Studio’s, London. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1969 – John and Yoko were featured on the cover of Rolling Stone — 1969 – John and Yoko were featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, on sale for 35 Cents, (2/6). John was named as Rolling Stone’s ‘Man Of The Year’. Be [...]

1967 – Mike Nesmith and Mickey Dolenz from The Monkees appeared — 1967 – Mike Nesmith and Mickey Dolenz from The Monkees appeared on UK TV’s ‘Top Of The Pops.’ Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1967 – Robin, Maurice and Barry Gibb of The Bee Gees returned to the — 1967 – Robin, Maurice and Barry Gibb of The Bee Gees returned to the UK after living in Australia for nine years. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1964 – The Beatles land at New York’s John F. Kenn… — 1964 – The Beatles land at New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport and are greeted by thousands of new fans. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1963 – appearing at The Manor House, London, The Blues By Six — 1963 – appearing at The Manor House, London, The Blues By Six plus The Rolling Stones, tickets 4 shillings, ($0.56c). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1962 – David Bryan (Bon Jovi) is born. — 1962 – David Bryan (Bon Jovi) is born.  David Bryan (born David Bryan Rashbaum, February 7, 1962, Edison, New Jersey) is the keyboard player of the band Bon Jovi. Bryan [...]

1962 – Singing and songwriting country superstar, … — 1962 – Singing and songwriting country superstar, Garth Brooks (Troyal Garth Brooks) is born in Tulsa, OK. In 1990, at the age of 28, Brooks becomes the youngest member of [...]

1962 – Born on this day, Deborah Bonham, English rock and blues vocalist — 1962 – Born on this day, Deborah Bonham, English rock and blues vocalist and the sister of John Bonham, the late drummer for the band Led Zeppelin. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1962 – Born on this day, Garth Brooks, country singer, (1991 US No.1 — Garth Brooks Garth Brooks 1962 – Born on this day, Garth Brooks, country singer, (1991 US No.1 album ‘Ropin’ The Wind’ spent 70 weeks on the US chart, 1994 UK No.13 single [...]

1960 – Born on this day, Steve Bronski, Bronski Beat, (1984 UK — 1960 – Born on this day, Steve Bronski, Bronski Beat, (1984 UK No.3 single ‘Smalltown Boy’). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1959 – Brian Travers (UB40) is born. — 1959 – Brian Travers (UB40)  is born. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1959 – Rock `n’ roll pioneer Buddy Holly’s funeral… — Buddy Holly 1959 – Rock `n’ roll pioneer Buddy Holly’s funeral is held in Lubbock, Texas. Charles Hardin Holley was born in Lubbock, Texas on September 7th, 1936, to Laurence and Ella [...]

1959 – Born on this day, Brian Travers, sax, UB40, (1983 UK No.1 & 1988 — 1959 – Born on this day, Brian Travers, sax, UB40, (1983 UK No.1 & 1988 US No.1 single ‘Red Red Wine’ and over 30 other top 40 hits). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1949 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “A Little Bir… — 1949 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “A Little Bird Told Me,” Evelyn Knight & the Stardusters. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1949 – Born on this day, Stoney Browder, Kid Creole And The Coconuts — 1949 – Born on this day, Stoney Browder, Kid Creole And The Coconuts, (1982 UK No.2 single ‘Annie I’m Not Your Daddy’). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1949 – Born on this day, Alan Lancaster, bass, Status Quo, (left in 1984 — 1949 – Born on this day, Alan Lancaster, bass, Status Quo, (left in 1984, 1977 UK No.3 single ‘Rockin’ All Over The World’ plus 50 other UK Top 75 singles [...]

1948 – Born on this day, Jimmy Greenspoon, organ, Three Dog Night, — 1948 – Born on this day, Jimmy Greenspoon, organ, Three Dog Night, (1970 UK No.3 & US No.1 single ‘Mamma Told Me Not To Come’). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1934 – Born on this day, US sax player King Curtis. Stabbed to death by a vagrant — 1934 – Born on This Day In Rock, US sax player King Curtis.  On August 13th 1971 Curtis was stabbed to death by a vagrant on the front steps of [...]

1934 – Born on this day, Earl King, New Orleans Blues guitarist. King — 1934 – Born on This Day In Rock, Earl King, New Orleans Blues guitarist. At age 69 King died on April 17th 2003. He wrote “Come On, (Let The Good [...]

1924 – Born on this day, Dora Bryan, singer, (1963 UK No.20 single — 1924 – Born on This Day In Rock, Dora Bryan, singer, (1963 UK No.20 single “All I Want For Christmas Is A Beatle”). Dora Bryan was born as Dora May Broadbent [...]