Rock History

On this day...

2013 – “Two-time GRAMMY® winner Jeff Hanneman from the band “Slayer” died on This Day in Rock Music and Metal History! — 2013 – “Two-time GRAMMY® winner Jeff Hanneman from the band “Slayer” died on This Day in Rock Music and Metal History! NEWS RELEASE The Recording Academy® Statement re: Jeff Hanneman Thurs., May 2, [...]

2009 – A rare Motown seven-inch single sold for £25,742, ($38,378), setting a new world record. Kenny Burrel — 2009 – A rare Motown seven-inch single sold for £25,742, ($38,378), setting a new world record. Kenny Burrell, from Fife in Scotland, put the unreleased 1965 single ‘Do I Love [...]

2009 – Bob Dylan mingled unnoticed with other Beatles tourists during a minibus — 2009 – Bob Dylan mingled unnoticed with other Beatles tourists during a minibus tour to John Lennon’s childhood home. He was one of 14 tourists to examine photos and documents [...]

2008 – Chad Kroeger was banned from driving for a year after being convicted of drink-driving — 2008 – Chad Kroeger was banned from driving for a year after being convicted of drink-driving in the Canadian city of Vancouver. The 33-year-old Nickelback singer had almost twice the [...]

2007 – almost 2,000 musicians gathered in the Polish city of Wroclaw — 2007 – almost 2,000 musicians gathered in the Polish city of Wroclaw to play a rock anthem by Jimi Hendrix. The guitarists were aiming to set a new Guinness World [...]

2007 – Britney Spears made her first appearance on stage since she left a rehabilitation — 2007 – Britney Spears made her first appearance on stage since she left a rehabilitation clinic. Spears performed five songs at the House of Blues club in San Diego, California. [...]

2006 – Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards was released from hospital in New Zealand after — 2006 – Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards was released from hospital in New Zealand after the 62 year-old suffered “mild concussion” when he fell out of a coconut tree while [...]

2006 – Twenty-year-old singer/songwriter and guita… — 2006 – Twenty-year-old singer/songwriter and guitarist Chris Young becomes the newest Nashville Star, when he wins the fourth season of the USA Networks country talent series. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2006 – Rosita Fernandez, the Mexican-born singer k… — 2006 – Rosita Fernandez, the Mexican-born singer known as San Antonio’s First Lady of Song, dies from heart complications in San Antonio. She is 88. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2005 – Linkin Park vocalist Chester Bennington files for divorce… — 2005 – Linkin Park vocalist Chester Bennington files for divorce from his wife of nine (NINE!) years. The couple blame the usual “irreconcilable differences.” Can a multi-platinum album [...]

2005 – Eric Clapton joined former Cream members drummer Ginger Baker — 2005 – Eric Clapton joined former Cream members drummer Ginger Baker and bass player Jack Bruce for the first of four nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall 36 years after [...]

2005 – Eric Clapton joined former Cream members drummer Ginger Baker and bass player — 2005 – Eric Clapton joined former Cream members drummer Ginger Baker and bass player Jack Bruce for the first of four nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall 36 years after [...]

2004 – The Cure and Flaming Lips bring California’s annual Coachella… — 2004 – The Cure and Flaming Lips bring California’s annual Coachella festival to a close. The Flaming Lips have to cut their show short when singer Wayne Coyne [...]

2004 – Total Guitar magazine’s readers voted Guns N’ Roses’ anthem ‘Sweet Child — 2004 – Total Guitar magazine’s readers voted Guns N’ Roses’ anthem ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’ as the greatest guitar riff ever ahead of Nirvana’s grunge anthem ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’. [...]

2002 – Hundreds of admirers line up outside a larg… — 2002 – Hundreds of admirers line up outside a large suburban Atlanta church to attend the funeral of TLC singer Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, who died in a car crash [...]

2001 – Neutrino, one half of U.K. chart-topping da… — 2001 – Neutrino, one half of U.K. chart-topping dance act Oxide & Neutrino, is arrested by police after he is shot in Central London. Neutrino suffers a flesh wound and [...]

2001 – Jazz drummer Billy Higgins dies in L.A. of … — 2001 – Jazz drummer Billy Higgins dies in L.A. of liver failure. Higgins, who had been awaiting a second liver transplant, is 65. He came to fame as a member [...]

2000 – Metallica chat online with fans about their Napster woes… — 2000 – Metallica chat online with fans about their Napster woes. The metal band has also turned over a list of 300,000 Napster users to the company, asking [...]

2000 – Bobby Brown producer L.A. Reid becomes Clive Davis’ successor… — 2000 – Bobby Brown producer L.A. Reid becomes Clive Davis’ successor at Arista Records. The announcement ends a feud between Davis and the owners of the label he [...]

2000 – The sixth annual Sizzlin’ Country concert, … — 2000 – The sixth annual Sizzlin’ Country concert, to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, raises more than $500,000 for research. Clint Black and Lisa Hartman Black host the evening event [...]

2000 – Country star LeAnn Rimes sues her father an… — 2000 – Country star LeAnn Rimes sues her father and former co-manager for allegedly funneling away millions of dollars from the company set up to manage her finances. Be Sociable, [...]

1999 – Sinead O’Connor made her first performance since her ordination as Mother — 1999 – Sinead O’Connor made her first performance since her ordination as Mother Bernadette when she appeared on Irish television’s ‘Late Late Show’. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1998 – Japanese rock star Hideto Matsumoto was found hanged in the bathroom at his — 1998 – Japanese rock star Hideto Matsumoto was found hanged in the bathroom at his Tokyo apartment and died in hospital a short time later at the age of 33. [...]

1998 – Loretta Lynn makes the announcement backsta… — 1998 – Loretta Lynn makes the announcement backstage at the Grand Ole Opry that she intends to return to college and get a degree. “I’m gonna try to get through [...]

1998 – Former X-Japan lead guitarist Hide dies in … — 1998 – Former X-Japan lead guitarist Hide dies in Tokyo in an apparent suicide. He is 33. Hide, real name Hideto Matsumoto, is found hanging in his condominium and dies [...]

1994 – Eric Clapton played tracks from his upcoming… — 1994 – Eric Clapton played tracks from his upcoming blues album, From the Cradle, at a New York benefit concert in 1994. It was the follow-up to his [...]

1992 – The Cure scored their first UK No.1 album with ‘Wish’, their 15th album release — 1992 – The Cure scored their first UK No.1 album with ‘Wish’, their 15th album release, featuring the top 10 single ‘Friday I’m In Love’. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1992 – little known UK duo Nirvana filed a suit against the American band of the — 1992 – little known UK duo Nirvana filed a suit against the American band of the same name claiming that they had been using the name since 1968. The dispute [...]

1992 – Bonnie Raitt receives an honorary Doctor of… — 1992 – Bonnie Raitt receives an honorary Doctor of Music Degree from Berklee College of Music during commencement ceremonies in Boston. The principal speaker at the commencement is Capitol Records [...]

1991 – Nirvana booked into Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California for 16 — 1991 – Nirvana booked into Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California for 16 days. On a budget of $65,000 and with Butch Vig producing the band started recording what [...]

1991 – The video for the R.E.M. song ‘Losing My Religion’, was banned in Ireland — 1991 – The video for the R.E.M. song ‘Losing My Religion’, was banned in Ireland because its religious imagery was seen as unfit for broadcast. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1991 – Appearing at The Marquee Club, London, Extreme — 1991 – Appearing at The Marquee Club, London, Extreme on this day in rock history! Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1989 – Police are summoned to a Zales jewelry store in Simi Valley… — 1989 – Police are summoned to a Zales jewelry store in Simi Valley, Calif., after an employee sees a suspicious person with a fake moustache and false teeth [...]

1987 – Cutting Crew started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with — 1987 – Cutting Crew started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘(I Just), Died In Your Arms’, a No.4 hit in the UK. Be [...]

1983 – New Romantic act Spandau Ballet were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with — 1983 – New Romantic act Spandau Ballet were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘True’, the group’s only No.1. The song spent four weeks at the top of [...]

1981 – Scottish singer Sheena Easton started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Morning Train — 1981 – Scottish singer Sheena Easton started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Morning Train (9 to 5)’. The title of the song [...]

1980 – South Africa bans Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall… — 1980 – South Africa bans Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall, Part II,” claiming the song is “prejudicial to the safety of the state.” Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1979 – The Who play their first gig since the death of Keith Moon… — 1979 – The Who play their first gig since the death of Keith Moon at Rainbow Theatre, with Kenny Jones on drums. Simultainously: The Film Quadrophenia opens in London. Quadrophenia is a [...]

1977 – Eric Clapton records “Wonderful Tonight.” — 1977 – Eric Clapton records “Wonderful Tonight.” Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1976 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Welcome Back,… — 1976 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Welcome Back,” John Sebastian. The song is the theme of the TV show “Welcome Back Kotter.” Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1974 – Stevie Wonder wins four Grammy Awards: Pop … — 1974 – Stevie Wonder wins four Grammy Awards: Pop Vocal Performance (Male), R&B Song (Male), R&B Vocal Performance (Male) and Album of the Year. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1972 – Les Harvey, guitarist with soul/rockers Stone the Crows… — 1972 – Les Harvey, guitarist with soul/rockers Stone the Crows, is electrocuted after touching a faulty microphone onstage in Swansea, Wales. Harvey is thrown into the air and [...]

1972 – Bruce Springsteen auditioned for CBS Records A&R man John Hammond in New — 1972 – Bruce Springsteen auditioned for CBS Records A&R man John Hammond in New York. Springsteen played a short set for him in his office; Hammond was so impressed that [...]

1970 – One hit wonder Norman Greenbaum was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with — 1970 – One hit wonder Norman Greenbaum was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Spirit In The Sky.’ Also a No.1 hit for Doctor and the Medics in [...]

1969 – Pink Floyd record another concert for their Ummagumma… — 1969 – Pink Floyd record another concert for their Ummagumma album, this time at the Chamber in Commerce in Manchester, England. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1969 – The Beatles recorded a re-make of the new George Harrison song ‘Something’ at — 1969 – The Beatles recorded a re-make of the new George Harrison song ‘Something’ at Abbey Road Studios in London. They recoded 36 takes of the song, which included Billy [...]

1969 – The Who gave a press preview of their new rock opera ‘Tommy’ at Ronnie — 1969 – The Who gave a press preview of their new rock opera ‘Tommy’ at Ronnie Scott’s in London, England. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1969 – Session drummer Benny Benjamin died. One of ‘The Funk Brothers’ played on — 1969 – Session drummer Benny Benjamin died. One of ‘The Funk Brothers’ played on many Tamla Motown hits including, The Four Tops, Temptations, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes and Stevie Wonder. [...]

1967 – Capitol Records announces that the Beach Boys have… — 1967 – Capitol Records announces that the Beach Boys have abandoned their sessions for the album Smile. It becomes one of the most fetishized lost albums in pop [...]

1966 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Monday, Monda… — 1966 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Monday, Monday,” The Mamas & the Papas. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1965 – Although he swore he would never allow the band to appear… — 1965 – Although he swore he would never allow the band to appear on his show again, Ed Sullivan plays host to the Rolling Stones for a second time. [...]

1964 – Beginning a career-long rivalry of sorts, the Rolling Stones… — 1964 – Beginning a career-long rivalry of sorts, the Rolling Stones’ self-titled debut knocks With the Beatles off the top of the U.K. album chart. Stones manager Andrew [...]

1964 – The Rolling Stones self-titled debut album started a 12-week run at No.1 on the — 1964 – The Rolling Stones self-titled debut album started a 12-week run at No.1 on the UK charts. The album spent a total of 51 weeks on the UK chart. [...]

1963 – The Beatles were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘From Me To You’ — 1963 – The Beatles were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘From Me To You’, the group’s first No.1 and the first of eleven consecutive No.1′s. The title [...]

1959 – The Buddy Holly Story hits UK LP chart. — 1959 – The Buddy Holly Story hits UK LP chart. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1957 – Elvis Presley records Jailhouse Rock at MGM… — 1957 – Elvis Presley records Jailhouse Rock at MGM, Culver City, California this day in rock history. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1954 – Prescott Niles (The Knack) is born… — 1954 – Prescott Niles (The Knack) is born this day in rock history. Prescott Niles Bass Guitar In addition to being a much sought after instructor for piano, guitar and bass, Prescott Niles [...]

1950 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “The Third Man… — 1950 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “The Third Man Theme,” Anton Karas. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1950 – Foreigner vocalist Lou Gramm is born in Roc… — 1950 – Foreigner vocalist Lou Gramm is born in Rochester, N.Y. He has solo top 10 hits with “Midnight Blue” and “Just Between You and Me.” Biography Pre-Foreigner Era Louis Grammatico attended Gates-Chili [...]

1946 – Singer Lesley Gore is born in New York. Her… — 1946 – Singer Lesley Gore is born in New York. Her biggest hit is her first single, “It’s My Party,” which tops Chart Toppers’s Hot 100 for two weeks in [...]

1946 – Born on this day, Bob Henrit, drums, Argent, 1972 UK No.5 single ‘Hold — 1946 – Born on this day, Bob Henrit, drums, Argent, 1972 UK No.5 single ‘Hold Your Head Up’), also a member of The Kinks. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1945 – Born on this day, Goldy McJohn, Steppenwolf, (1968 US No.2 and 1969 UK — 1945 – Born on this day, Goldy McJohn, Steppenwolf, (1968 US No.2 and 1969 UK No.30 single ‘Born To Be Wild’). Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1945 – Goldy McJohn (Steppenwolf) is born… — 1945 – Goldy McJohn (Steppenwolf) is born this day in rock history. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1943 – Hilton Valentine (Animals) is born this day in rock history. .. — 1943 – Hilton Valentine (Animals) is born this day in rock history. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1935 – Born on this day, Link Wray, guitarist, (1958 US No.16 single ‘Rumble’). Wray — 1935 – Born on this day, Link Wray, guitarist, (1958 US No.16 single ‘Rumble’). Wray was credited with inventing ‘fuzz’ guitar after punching a hole in a speaker giving him [...]