Rock History

On this day...

2010 – Dave Mustaine says police were called to the set of a video shoot because — 2010 – Dave Mustaine says police were called to the set of a video shoot because Megadeth were using a tank in their promo film. Checking in via his [...]

2009 – Kelly Clarkson went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘My Life — 2009 – Kelly Clarkson went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘My Life Would Suck Without You’. US singer Clarkson won American Idol in 2000 and [...]

2006 – Jackson 5 drummer Johnny Jackson… — 2006 – Jackson 5 drummer Johnny Jackson is found stabbed to death in his Gary, Indiana, home. The Jackson family cousin, who was part of the group’s live [...]

2005 – Chris Curtis, drummer with The Searchers died aged 63 after a long illness — 2005 – Chris Curtis, drummer with The Searchers died aged 63 after a long illness. (1964 UK No.1 single ‘Needles And Pins’, 1964 US No.3 single ‘Love Potion Number Nine’). Be [...]

2005 – Martin Bashir, producer of the Living with Michael Jackson… — 2005 – Martin Bashir, producer of the Living with Michael Jackson documentary, appears as a witness for the prosecution at the King of Pop’s child molestation trial in [...]

2004 – Michael Jackson unveiled a new website, www.mjjsource.com — Michael Jackson 2004 – Michael Jackson unveiled a new website, www.mjjsource.com. The site featured a celebration of his music career plus news on his current criminal trial, including short biographies of [...]

2004 – Time Warner sell the Warner Music Group… —   2004 – Time Warner sell the Warner Music Group to an investment group led by former Universal chairman Edgar Bronfman Jr. The WMG is home to Madonna, Metallica, [...]

2004 – Reclusive cult star Scott Walker… — 2004 – Reclusive cult star Scott Walker, who during the ’60s went from teen idol to recording demented songs that crossed Jacques Brel with Ingmar Bergman, signs a [...]

2003 – Nelly, Ashanti, Musiq and B2K each win two award… — 2003 – Nelly, Ashanti, Musiq and B2K each win two awards at the 17th annual Soul Train Music Awards. Mariah Carey and LL Cool J win Quincy Jones [...]

2003 – Great White: A casualty of the Feb. 20 Rhode Island… —   2003 – A casualty of the Feb. 20 Rhode Island nightclub fire set off by rock band Great White’s pyrotechnics dies in hospital, bringing the death toll to [...]

2002 – Doreen Waddell, a former vocalist with the … — 2002 – Doreen Waddell, a former vocalist with the group Soul II Soul, dies after fleeing from a store where she had been accused of shoplifting and being struck by [...]

2002 – Limp Bizkit’s tour manager testifies… — 2002 – Limp Bizkit’s tour manager testifies at an inquest into a fan’s death at a 2001 Australian concert. He said the show was understaffed and poorly [...]

2001 – Collin Raye receives the Artist Humanitaria… — 2001 – Collin Raye receives the Artist Humanitarian Award from Country Radio Broadcasters Inc. Presented to Raye by Clint Black during opening ceremonies for that years Country Radio Seminar, the [...]

1999 – The original lineup of ’80s chart regulars … — 1999 – The original lineup of ’80s chart regulars Madness enter a London studio to start recording their first new album since 1984′s “Keep Moving.” Among the group’s more well-known [...]

1999 – Sony Music Distribution raises wholesale pr… — 1999 – Sony Music Distribution raises wholesale prices on audio CDs by 8 cents. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1997 – ‘Bowie Bonds’ were issued on the US Stock Exchange. Linked to David — 1997 – ‘Bowie Bonds’ were issued on the US Stock Exchange. Linked to David Bowie’s back catalogue albums with money earned on the bonds via interest from royalties, investors could [...]

1997 – a Motley Crue fan who claimed his hearing had been irreparably — 1997 – a Motley Crue fan who claimed his hearing had been irreparably damaged after a show in New Jersey had his lawsuit thrown out of court. The judge told [...]

1995 – Bruce Springsteen wins four Grammys for “St… —   1995 – Bruce Springsteen wins four Grammys for “Streets of Philadelphia” from the Tom Hanks film “Philadelphia.” Sheryl Crow wins three awards, including Record of the Year. Tony Bennet wins [...]

1995 – Bill Berry collapses in Lausanne, Switzerla… — 1995 – Bill Berry collapses in Lausanne, Switzerland due to a brain aneurysm. It’s the first of several medical mishaps for R.E.M.’s world tour. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1995 – At the Grammys this evening, Sheryl Crow… —   1995 – At the Grammys this evening, Sheryl Crow is awarded Song of the Year for “All I Wanna Do” and is named Best New Artist. Album of the [...]

1994 – Nirvana played their final ever concert when they appeared — 1994 – Nirvana played their final ever concert when they appeared at The Terminal Einz in Munich, Germany. The 3,000 capacity venue was a small Airport Hanger. The power went [...]

1991 – Frank Smith from Air Supply died of pneumonia in Melbourne, Australia. (1980 — 1991 – Frank Smith from Air Supply died of pneumonia in Melbourne, Australia. (1980 UK No.11 single ‘All Out Of Love’, 1981 US No.1 single ‘The One That You Love’). Be [...]

1989 – Madonna started a $5 million, (£2.9m) sponsorship deal with Pepsi Cola. — 1989 – Madonna started a $5 million, (£2.9m) sponsorship deal with Pepsi Cola. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1989 – R.E.M. kicked off the US leg of the ‘Green World Tour’, — 1989 – R.E.M. kicked off the US leg of the ‘Green World Tour’, in Louisville, Kentucky. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1986 – Mr Mister started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles — 1986 – Mr Mister started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Kyrie’, the groups second US No.1, a No.11 hit in the UK. Also [...]

1986 – Gary Glitter was admitted to hospital, suffering from an — 1986 – Gary Glitter was admitted to hospital, suffering from an accidental overdose of sleeping pills. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1986 – Mr. Mister is No. 1… —   1986 – Mr. Mister is No. 1 on the American singles chart with “Kyrie.” Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1982 – Jimmy Page releases his first solo… —   1982 – Jimmy Page releases his first solo album, the soundtrack to Death Wish II. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1980 – Blondie were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Atomic’ — 1980 – Blondie were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Atomic’ the group’s third UK No.1 single. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1980 – Patti Smith married MC5 guitarist Fred “Sonic” Smith — 1980 – Patti Smith married MC5 guitarist Fred “Sonic” Smith. Smith died on November 4th 1994. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1980 – Patti Smith marries former MC5… — 1980 – Patti Smith marries former MC5 guitarist Fred “Sonic” Smith in Detroit. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1977 – appearing at Friars, Aylesbury, England, Iggy Pop — 1977 – appearing at Friars, Aylesbury, England, Iggy Pop and David Bowie plus The Vibrators. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1977 – Sara Lowndes Dylan files… — 1977 – Sara Lowndes Dylan files for divorce from Bob Dylan in Santa Monica, Calif. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1975 – winners at this years Grammy Awards included; Paul McCartney — 1975 – winners at this years Grammy Awards included; Paul McCartney for Best pop vocal on ‘Band On The Run’, Olivia Newton-John won Record Of The Year for ‘I Honestly [...]

1975 – The Eagles went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Best — 1975 – The Eagles went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Best Of My Love’, the first of five US No.1′s for the band. The highest chart position [...]

1975 – Bob Dylan started a two-week run at No.1 on the US — 1975 – Bob Dylan started a two-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Blood On The Tracks’ his second US No.1 album. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1975 – Olivia Newton-John’s “I Honestly Love You”… — 1975 – Olivia Newton-John’s “I Honestly Love You” is named Record of the Year At the 17th annual Grammy Awards. Stevie Wonder wins Album of the Year for [...]

1974 – Chris Difford placed an advert in a shop window ‘lyricist seeks — 1974 – Chris Difford placed an advert in a shop window ‘lyricist seeks musician for co-writing’ Glen Tillbrook answered the ad. The pair went on to form Squeeze. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1974 – Queen kick off their first headlining… — 1974 – Queen kick off their first headlining tour of England in Blackpool. Queen are an English rock band formed in 1970 in London by guitarist Brian May, lead [...]

1973 – Beach Boys: The New York Joffrey Ballet premieres… — 1973 – The New York Joffrey Ballet premieres the Deuce Coupe Ballet. The work is based completely around the music of the Beach Boys. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1973 – Born on this day, Ryan Peake, guitar, Nickelback, (2002 US No.1 & UK No — 1973 – Born on this day, Ryan Peake, guitar, Nickelback, (2002 US No.1 & UK No. 4 single ‘How To Remind You’, 2001 US No.2 & 2002 UK No.2 album [...]

1970 – appearing at The Northcote Arms, Middlesex, England — 1970 – appearing at The Northcote Arms, Middlesex, England, Mott The Hoople supported by Genesis. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1970 – Charles Manson’s album “Lie” is released … — 1970 – Charles Manson’s album “Lie” is released on Awareness Records. Profits go to Manson’s defense. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1970 – The Ed Sullivan Show, airs clips of the Beatles performing “Let It Be”… —   1970 – The Ed Sullivan Show, airs clips of the Beatles performing “Let It Be” and “Two of Us.” It’s the last time the band appear on the [...]

1969 – Jim Morrison of The Doors was charged with lewd — 1969 -  Jim Morrison of The Doors was charged with lewd and lascivious behaviour after showing his penis to the audience during a show in Miami. He was found guilty [...]

1969 – Born on this day, Dafydd Leuan, drums, Super Furry — 1969 – Born on this day, Dafydd Leuan, drums, Super Furry Animals, (1998 UK No.12 single ‘Ice Hockey Hair’). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1968 – Elton John’s first single ‘I’ve Been Loving You To Long’ was released — 1968 – Elton John’s first single ‘I’ve Been Loving You To Long’ was released on the Phillips label, it didn’t chart. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1967 – working at Abbey Road studios, London, The Beatles — The Beatles at Abby road Studios 1967 – working at Abbey Road studios, London, The Beatles started recording a new song John Lennon song ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.’ Be Sociable, [...]

1966 – Gene Clark of The Byrds announced he was leaving the group — The Byrds 1966 – Gene Clark of The Byrds announced he was leaving the group due to his fear of flying. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1966 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “The Ballad o… — 1966 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “The Ballad of the Green Berets,” Staff Sgt. Barry Sadler. The single sells more than 1 million copies in its first two [...]

1966 – during an 11-date tour of Australia and New Zealand The Rolling — 1966 – during an 11-date tour of Australia and New Zealand The Rolling Stones played at the Civic Theatre, Auckland, New Zealand. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1963 – Born on this day, Rob Affuso, Skid Row, (1989 US No.4 — 1963 – Born on this day, Rob Affuso, Skid Row, (1989 US No.4 & 1990 UK No.12 single ’18 And Life’). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1961 – Elvis Presley signed a five-year movie deal with producer — 1961 – Elvis Presley signed a five-year movie deal with producer Hal Wallis. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1958 – Eighties hit-maker and songwriter Nik Kershaw is born… —   1958 – Eighties hit-maker and songwriter Nik Kershaw is born in Bristol, England. His songs have been covered by Elton John, Bonnie Tyler, and Chesney Hawkes. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1958, Buddy Holly and the Crickets began their only UK tour, a 25 date, twice — Buddy Holly and the Crickets 1958, Buddy Holly and the Crickets began their only UK tour, a 25 date, twice- nightly package with Des O’Connor, Gary Miller, The Tanner Sisters and [...]

1957 – Chuck Berry releases “School Days” … — 1957 – Chuck Berry releases “School Days” on Chess Records. It becomes his biggest hit to date, peaking at No. 3. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1955 – CBS talent scout Arthur Godfrey turned down the chance to sign Elvis Presley — 1955 – CBS talent scout Arthur Godfrey turned down the chance to sign Elvis Presley Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1950 – Rock critic and Bruce Springsteen biographer… — 1950 – Rock critic and Bruce Springsteen biographer Dave Marsh is born in Pontiac, Mich. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1944 – The Who’s Roger Daltrey is born on This Day in Rock! — 1944 – The Who’s Roger Daltrey is born in Hammersmith, England. Roger Harry Daltrey, CBE (born 1 March 1944), is a rock vocalist, songwriter, and actor, best known as the founder [...]

1944 – Born on this day, Mike D’Abo, singer, songwriter, Manfred Mann — 1944 – Born on this day, Mike D’Abo, singer, songwriter, Manfred Mann, (1968 UK No.1 & US No.10 single ‘Mighty Quinn’). Wrote ‘Handbags & Gladrags’ covered by Rod Stewart and [...]

1942 – Born on this day, Jerry Fisher, vocals, Blood Sweat & Tears — Blood, Sweat and Tears 1942 – Born on this day, Jerry Fisher, vocals, Blood Sweat & Tears, (1969 US No.12 & UK No.35 single ‘You’ve Made Me So Very Happy’). Be Sociable, [...]

1927 – Harry Belafonte is born in Harlem, N.Y. His… — 1927 – Harry Belafonte is born in Harlem, N.Y. His 1956 album “Calypso” tops Chart Toppers’s pop album chart for 31 weeks. Only Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and the soundtrack to [...]

1904 – Big band leader Glenn Miller is born in Cla… — 1904 – Big band leader Glenn Miller is born in Clarinda, Iowa. His orchestra has 23 No. 1 songs, including the million-sellers “In the Mood” and “Tuxedo Junction.” His plane [...]