Rock History

On this day...

2008 – Amy Winehouse was admitted into rehab in a battle to kick her — 2008 – Amy Winehouse was admitted into rehab in a battle to kick her addiction to drugs. A statement from her record company, Universal said she entered the facility “after [...]

2007 – record producer Dave Shayman (also known as Disco D) was found — 2007 – record producer Dave Shayman (also known as Disco D) was found dead at his home in New York City. 26-year-old Shayman was famous for his production work on [...]

2006 – Brit girl group All Saints announce they are reforming, four years — 2006 – Brit girl group All Saints announce they are reforming, four years after their 2001 split. The quartet had hits with “Black Coffee,” “Pure Shores” and “Never Ever.” Be Sociable, [...]

2004 – Madonna receives a lifetime achievement… — 2004 – Madonna receives a lifetime achievement award from Britney Spears during the NRJ French Music Awards in Cannes. Kyo are named best French-language group. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2003 – With three trophies, Avril Lavigne tops the… — Avril Lavigne 2003 – With three trophies, Avril Lavigne tops the fan-voted MTV Asia Awards at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Lavigne wins for favorite female artist and breakthrough artist, as well [...]

2003 – Led Zeppelin’s 1971 rock anthem “Stairway t… —   2003 – Led Zeppelin’s 1971 rock anthem “Stairway to Heaven” and Peter, Paul and Mary’s classic 1963 recording of “Blowin’ in the Wind” are among 21 new additions to the [...]

2002 – The London Court of Appeal, in a long-runni… — Spice Girls 2002 – The London Court of Appeal, in a long-running dispute, rules that the Spice Girls must pay an Italian scooter maker an estimate $1.5 million in damages and [...]

2001 – Newcomer Nelly Furtado grabs five 2001 Juno… — 2001 – Newcomer Nelly Furtado grabs five 2001 Juno Awards nominations for her debut album, “Whoa Nelly!” Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2001 – AC/DC postpone their date in Adelaide… — 2001 – AC/DC postpone their date in Adelaide, Australia after drummer Phil Rudd is diagnosed with a minor kidney infection. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2000 – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young play… — 2000 – Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young play the first date of their reunion tour at Michigan’s Palace of Auburn Hills. It’s the first time they’ve toured together [...]

1999 – The Offspring went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with — The Offspring 1999 – The Offspring went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Pretty Fly, For A White Guy’. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1999 – Belgian producer Mike Dellanay is killed in… — 1999 – Belgian producer Mike Dellanay is killed in a car accident while traveling to MIDEM. He is 40. Brussels-based Dellanay had a 15-year career as a bass player and [...]

1998 – Justin Tubb, son of late Country Music Hall… — 1998 – Justin Tubb, son of late Country Music Hall of Fame member Ernest Tubb, dies early in the morning following surgery for an aortic aneurysm. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1998 – Oasis went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘All Around The World’. The longest — Oasis 1998 – Oasis went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘All Around The World’. The longest running-time for a number 1 with a total duration of 9 minutes [...]

1995 – Balance (Van Halen) is released this day in rock history! — Sammy Hagar with Van HalenSammy Hagar with Van Halen 1995 – Balance (Van Halen) is released this day in rock history! Release date: 1995-01-24 Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1994 – David Cole, who went from being a New York … — 1994 – David Cole, who went from being a New York club DJ to superstar producer, dies of complications from spinal meningitis at age 32. Along with Robert Clivilles, Cole [...]

1993 – Keith Richards plays Las Vegas… — Keith Richards 1993 – Keith Richards plays Las Vegas for the first time with his solo group the X-Pensive Winos. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1992 – Nirvana played their first ever show in Australia at the Phoenician — Nirvana 1992 – Nirvana played their first ever show in Australia at the Phoenician Club in Sydney. Also on the bill, Tumbleweed and The Meanies. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1992 – Greg McPherson, a music professor at the Un… — 1992 – Greg McPherson, a music professor at the University of Massachusetts, files a $21 million lawsuit against New Kids on the Block manager Maurice Starr saying he wasn’t paid [...]

1992 – Composer Ken Darby dies of heart problems i… — 1992 – Composer Ken Darby dies of heart problems in Sherman Oaks, Calif., at age 82. He adapted music for such films a “The King and I” and “Camelot,” winning [...]

1992 – Alleging that the New Kids on the Block… — 1992 – Alleging that the New Kids on the Block only sang about 20% of the vocals on their 1988 album, Hangin’ Tough, a producer sues the band [...]

1987 – Billy Vera and the Beaters started a two week run at No.1 — 1987 – Billy Vera and the Beaters started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘At This Moment’ not a hit in the UK. Be Sociable, [...]

1981 – Adam And The Ants started a 10-week run at No.1 on the UK chart with their debut — Adam Ant 1981 – Adam And The Ants started a 10-week run at No.1 on the UK chart with their debut album ‘Kings Of The Wild Frontier’. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1981 – Steve Tyler of Aerosmith was hospitalised after being involved — Steve Tyler 1981 – Steve Tyler of Aerosmith was hospitalised after being involved in a crash on his motorbike. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1980 – appearing at The Blizt Club, London, England, Spandau Ballet — 1980 – appearing at The Blizt Club, London, England, Spandau Ballet on this day in rock history! Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1980 – Pink Floyd’s The Wall… — Pink Floyd 1980 – In Los Angeles, a billboard is put up advertising Pink Floyd’s The Wall. Every day a brick is added to the billboard until the entire [...]

1979 – Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys divorced his wife Marilyn — Brian Wilson 1979 – Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys divorced his wife Marilyn after 15 years together. She was a member of the Honeys and mother of Wendy and Carnie [...]

1979 – The Clash’s “I Fought the Law”… — The Clash 1979 – The Clash’s “I Fought the Law” becomes their first single released in the United States. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1978 – workers at EMI’s record pressing plant refused to press copies — 1978 – workers at EMI’s record pressing plant refused to press copies of The Buzzcocks forthcoming release ‘What Do I Get’ because of the title on the B-side ‘Oh Shit.’ Be [...]

1977 – appearing at the Roxy, London, England, The Buzzcocks supported by — 1977 – appearing at the Roxy, London, England, The Buzzcocks supported by Chelsea. Also appearing at the venue over the last week, The Damned, The Boys, The Adverts, Slaughter And [...]

1977 – The Ants, led by Adam Ant… — Adam Ant 1977 – The Ants, led by Adam Ant, are busy at London’s AIR Studios recording “Deutscher Girls” and “Plastic Surgery” for inclusion in the punk rock movie [...]

1976 – Diana Ross went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Theme From — diana ross 1976 – Diana Ross went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Theme From Mahogany’, the singers third US No.1, a No.5 hit in the UK. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

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

1975 – Born on this day, Paul Marazzi, vocals, A1, (2000 UK No.1 single — 1975 – Born on this day, Paul Marazzi, vocals, A1, (2000 UK No.1 single, ‘Same Old Brand New You’). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1974 – Born on this day, Christopher River Hesse, drummer, Hoobastank — 1974 – Born on this day, Christopher River Hesse, drummer, Hoobastank, 2004 US No.2 hit ‘The Reason.’ Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1974 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “You’re Sixte… — 1974 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “You’re Sixteen,” Ringo Starr. Former Beatles bandmate Paul McCartney sings a brief solo on the song. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1970 – James Sheppard, the lead singer from the Heartbeats and Shep a — 1970 – James Sheppard, the lead singer from the Heartbeats and Shep and the Limelites, was found murdered in his car on the Long Island Expressway. The US singer had [...]

1970 – The body of James “Shep” Sheppard… — 1970 – The body of James “Shep” Sheppard is discovered in his car on the Long Island Expressway. He was a singer for the New York R&B group [...]

1969 – New Jersey state prosecutors issue a warning to US record dealers — 1969 – New Jersey state prosecutors issue a warning to US record dealers that they would be charged with distributing pornography if they were caught selling the John Lennon / [...]

1969 – Jethro Tull opens its first U.S. tour in Ne… — 1969 – Jethro Tull opens its first U.S. tour in New York. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1969 – Jethro Tull opens ofr Led Zeppelin… — 1969 – Jethro Tull play America for the first time. They open up for Led Zeppelin in New York City. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1969 – the Beatles work on recording “On Our Way Home,”… — The Beatles with Billy Preston. 1969 – At the Apple Studios in London, the Beatles work on recording “On Our Way Home,” “Teddy Boy,” “Maggie Mae,” “Dig It,” “Dig A [...]

1968 – Georgie Fame was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘The Ballad — 1968 – Georgie Fame was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘The Ballad Of Bonnie and Clyde’. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1965 – The film Ferry Cross the Mersey premieres at the Liverpool — 1965 – The film Ferry Cross the Mersey premieres at the Liverpool Odeon. Imagine A Hard Day’s Night, only starring Gerry & the Pacemakers. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1965 – The film Ferry Cross the Mersey… — 1965 – The film Ferry Cross the Mersey premieres at the Liverpool Odeon. Imagine A Hard Day’s Night, only starring Gerry & the Pacemakers. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1963 – Born on this day, Keech Rainwater, drums, Lonestar — 1963 – Born on this day, Keech Rainwater, drums, Lonestar, (2000 US No.1 & UK No. 21 single ‘Amazed’). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1963 – US songwriter Otto Harbach died aged 90. He co-wrote, ‘Smoke Gets — 1963 – US songwriter Otto Harbach died aged 90. He co-wrote, ‘Smoke Gets In Your Eyes’, US & UK No.1 for The Platters in 1958. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1963 – US songwriter Otto Harbach died aged 90. He co-wrote, ‘Smoke Gets — 1963 – US songwriter Otto Harbach died aged 90. He co-wrote, ‘Smoke Gets In Your Eyes’, US & UK No.1 for The Platters in 1958. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1962 – Brian Epstein signs a management contract w… — 1962 – Brian Epstein signs a management contract with the Beatles. Biography: Epstein was born into a Jewish family in Rodney Street, Liverpool, England. His grandfather (Isaac Epstein) was from Hodan, [...]

1962 – Danny Peppermint is electrocuted… — 1962 – Danny Peppermint is electrocuted by a live mike stand at Las Vegas’ Thunderbird Hotel. The “Peppermint Twist” singer later recovers. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1960 – Bob Dylan arrives in New York — 1960 – Bob Dylan arrives in New York with his friend Fred Underhill and doesn’t waste any time getting down to work. That night he performs at the [...]

1960 – No. 1 in the pop chart today is Johnny Preston… — 1960 – No. 1 in the pop chart today is Johnny Preston and the not-quite politically correct “Running Bear.” Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1958 – The Quarry Men performed at the Cavern Club, in Liverpool, (this was — 1958 – The Quarry Men performed at the Cavern Club, in Liverpool, (this was the bands only performance at the club). It was three years later when they appeared again [...]

1958 – Elvis Presley was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Jailhouse Rock’ — Elvis in "Jail House Rocks" 1958 – Elvis Presley was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Jailhouse Rock’. It became the first ever single to enter the chart at [...]

1957 – Elvis Presley records “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear,”… — Elvis Presley 1957 – Elvis Presley records “(Let Me Be Your) Teddy Bear,” his 17th top 40 hit and 8th No. 1. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1955 – Born on this day, Jools Holland, keyboards, Squeeze, Jools Holland — 1955 – Born on this day, Jools Holland, keyboards, Squeeze, Jools Holland Big Band, TV presenter on The Tube, Juke Box Dury and Later. (1979 UK No.2 single with Squeeze, [...]

1953 – Born this day in history, Ed Ulibarri. — 1953 – Born this day in history, Ed Ulibarri. 1-24-1953 Ed is originally from Denver Colorado where he started performing as a professional musician at the age of 15 years old, [...]

1953 – Eddie Fisher was at No.1 on the UK singles chart — Eddie Fisher 1953 – Eddie Fisher was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Outside Is Heaven’. 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 – Blues Brother’s John Belushi is Born… — 1949 – Saturday Night Live comedian John Belushi is born in Chicago. John performed in the Blues Brothers. John Adam Belushi (January 24, 1949 – March 5, 1982) was a [...]

1947 – Acerbic songwriter Warren Zevon… — Warren Zevon 1947 – Acerbic songwriter Warren Zevon (“Werewolves of London”) is born in Chicago. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1945 – Born on this day, Tammi Terrell, singer, who died of a brain tumour — 1945 – Born on this day, Tammi Terrell, singer, who died of a brain tumour on March 16th 1970 after collapsing into Marvin Gaye’s arms on stage during a duet [...]

1941 – Neil Diamond is born in Brooklyn, N.Y. He s… — Neil Diamond 1941 – Neil Diamond is born in Brooklyn, N.Y. He scores three No. 1 songs on Chart Toppers’s Hot 100, the biggest of which is the 1978 duet “You [...]

1941 – Neville Brother Aaron Neville is born… — Aaron Neville 1941 – Heavenly voiced singer and, of course, Neville Brother Aaron Neville is born in New Orleans. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1939 – Singer/songwriter Ray Stevens is born. Best… — 1939 – Singer/songwriter Ray Stevens is born. Best known as a novelty singer, Stevens lands his first top 40 song in 1961 with “Jeremiah Peabody’s Poly Unsaturated Quick Dissolving Fast [...]

1936 – Jack Scott is born… — 1936 – Snarling rockabilly dude turned country balladeer Jack Scott is born Jack Scafone Jr. in Windsor, Ontario. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1933 – Zeke Carey is born… — 1933 – Zeke Carey, singer with doo-wop pioneers the Flamingos, is born in Bluefield, W.Va. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1918 – Composer Gottfried von Einem is born. … — 1918 – Composer Gottfried von Einem is born. Be Sociable, Share! [...]