Rock History

On this day...

2011 – Guitar Hero gets the AX… not the AXE.. meaning, sorry dudes… Strings are too exspensive — 2011 – Guitar Hero gets the AX… not the AXE.. meaning, sorry dudes… Strings are too exspensive… These days, guns are more popular than guitars, at least when it comes [...]

2008 – Jack Johnson was at No.1 on the UK album chart — Jack Johnson 2008 – Jack Johnson was at No.1 on the UK album chart with his fifth album ‘Sleep Through The Static.’ Also a No.1 in the US and Australia. Be Sociable, [...]

2008 – Amy Winehouse won five prizes at this year’s Grammy — Amy Winehouse 2008 -  Amy Winehouse won five prizes at this year’s Grammy Awards, including song of the year and record of the year, both for her single ‘Rehab’, and best [...]

2006 – J Dilla, a founding member of hip-hop act S… — Slum Village 2006 – J Dilla, a founding member of hip-hop act Slum Village, dies in Los Angeles. He is 32. The Detroit-hailing rapper/producer succumbed to complications from lupus. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2005 – Who singer Roger Daltrey was awarded the CBE by The Queen — Roger Daltrey 2005 – Who singer Roger Daltrey was awarded the CBE by The Queen at Buckingham Palace for services to the music industry. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2005 – Prince topped Rolling Stone magazine’s annual list of the year’s — Prince 2005 – Prince topped Rolling Stone magazine’s annual list of the year’s biggest money earners after his 2004 tour grossed over $90 million (£53 million). Madonna came in second place [...]

2005 – R&B singer Mario holds on to the U.S. No.1 single spot… — 2005 – R&B singer Mario holds on to the U.S. No.1 single spot with “Let Me Love You” for an eighth week. The highest new entry is Matchbox [...]

2005 – Courtney Love resolves charges of assault with a deadly weapon — 2005 – Courtney Love resolves charges of assault with a deadly weapon and drug possession by signing a plea agreement in Los Angeles. The assault charges stem from [...]

2004 – Diana Ross was sentenced to two days in jail after pleading ‘no — Diana Ross 2004 – Diana Ross was sentenced to two days in jail after pleading ‘no contest’ to a drink driving charge. She was allowed to enter her plea over the [...]

2004 – Linkin Park cancel their show at Inglewood, Calif., after — 2004 – Linkin Park cancel their show at Inglewood, Calif., after singer Chester Bennington comes down with bronchitis and acute laryngitis. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2004 – Producer Steve Lillywhite says he’s leaving… — 2004 – Producer Steve Lillywhite says he’s leaving his job as joint managing director of Mercury UK to helm the new U2 album. As well as producing U2′s [...]

2004 – Eminem is among the guests heard on the sec… — 2004 – Eminem is among the guests heard on the second season premiere episode of Comedy Central’s “Crank Yankers.” The rapper gives voice to “Bobby’s Brother” opposite comedian Jim Florentine’s [...]

2004 – Beck calls off a competition to win his pet rabbit Rocket, blaming — 2004 – Beck calls off a competition to win his pet rabbit Rocket, blaming “technicalities.” “It’s better not to take chances and just give Rocket up to an [...]

2003 – The Rolling Stones play a free show in Los Angeles to raise — 2003 – The Rolling Stones play a free show in Los Angeles to raise awareness of global warming. Their support act is former sax player (and president) Bill [...]

2003 – A Chart Toppers.com poll finds that the nom… — 2003 – A Chart Toppers.com poll finds that the nominations for the 45th annual Grammy Awards are not an accurate representation of the year’s best music. A full 75% of [...]

2002 – Folk singer Dave Van Ronk, who had been und… — Dave Van Ronk 2002 – Folk singer Dave Van Ronk, who had been undergoing treatment for colon cancer, dies at New York University Medical Center. He is 65. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

2001 – police were investigating Eminem over suspected drug — 2001 – police were investigating Eminem over suspected drugs offences after he appeared to consume Ecstasy pills and encouraged the audience at his Manchester show to take drugs. Over 100 [...]

2001 – Saxophonist Buddy Tate dies in a nursing ho… — 2001 – Saxophonist Buddy Tate dies in a nursing home in Chandler, Ariz., after a battle with cancer. He is 85. Tate was one of the oldest surviving members of [...]

1999 – It is announced that BPI Communications is … — Musician magazine 1999 – It is announced that BPI Communications is suspending publication of its Musician magazine after 21 years. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1998 – Axl Rose was charged with disorderly conduct following — Axl Rose 1998 – Axl Rose was charged with disorderly conduct following a row with a baggage handler at Arizona Airport, Rose was later released on bail. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1997 – Brian Connolly singer with the 1970′s Glam rock group — 1997 – Brian Connolly singer with the 1970′s Glam rock group Sweet died of kidney and liver failure aged 47. Rock singer. Connolly was born in Hamilton, adopted into the McManus [...]

1997 – during a gig by Blur at London’s Astoria, Spice Girl — Spice Girls 1997 – during a gig by Blur at London’s Astoria, Spice Girl members Ginger Spice and Sporty Spice were thrown of the stage after joining the band during their [...]

1997 – Oasis’ Liam Gallagher calls off his wedding to actress Patsy — 1997 – Oasis’ Liam Gallagher calls off his wedding to actress Patsy Kensit, citing intrusive media attention. The pair get married in March. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1994 – Snoop Doggy Dog made his UK live debut — Snoop Doggy Dogg 1994 – Snoop Doggy Dog made his UK live debut at London’s Leicester Square Equinox. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1993 – on a special edition of the Oprah Winfrey show, Michael — Michael Jackson 1993 – on a special edition of the Oprah Winfrey show, Michael Jackson gave his first TV interview for 14 years, live from his Neverland Valley Ranch. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1990 – Paula Abdul started a three week run at No.1 on the US — Paula Abdul 1990 – Paula Abdul started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Opposites Attract’, her fourth US No.1, a No.2 hit in the UK. Be [...]

1990 – Guitarist Eric Clapton finishes an 18-show stand at London’s Royal — 1990 – Guitarist Eric Clapton finishes an 18-show stand at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The performances, which began Jan. 18, included three different bands, a 60-piece orchestra and blues jams [...]

1987 – ExposT’s debut album, “Exposure,” is rele… — ExposT 1987 – ExposT’s debut album, “Exposure,” is released. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1984 – Frankie Goes To Hollywood were at No.1 on the UK singles — Frankie Goes To Hollywood 1984 – Frankie Goes To Hollywood were at No.1 on the UK singles chart for the third week with ‘Relax.’ Eurythmics had the UK No.1 album with [...]

1980 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Do That to M… — 1980 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Do That to Me One More Time,” The Captain & Tennille. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1979 – The No. 1 single in America today is Rod Stewart’s “Da — 1979 – The No. 1 single in America today is Rod Stewart’s “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” Chart Topper! Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1978 – Dire Straits release their signature single “Sultans of Swing.” — 1978 – Dire Straits release their signature single “Sultans of Swing.” Dire Straits was a British rock band, formed in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (guitar and vocals), his brother David [...]

1977 – Born on this day, Rosanna Tavarez – member of vocal group — Rosanna Tavarez 1977 – Born on this day, Rosanna Tavarez – member of vocal group Eden’s Crush, who had a 2001 US No.1 single with ‘Get Over Yourself’, (the first female [...]

1977 – The Clash started recording their debut album — The Clash 1977 – The Clash started recording their debut album at CBS studios in London, England. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1976 – Elvis Presley was made a police reserve for the Memphis police — Elvis Presley 1976 – Elvis Presley was made a police reserve for the Memphis police on this day in rock history! Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1976 – “Dream On,” from Aerosmith’s debut album, is re-released as a single and reaches #6. — 1976 – “Dream On,” from Aerosmith’s debut album, is re-released as a single and reaches #6. 1976 “Dream On,” from Aerosmith’s debut album, is re-released as a single and reaches #6. 1976 “Dream [...]

1975 – Dave Alexander, bass player with Iggy Pop and the Stooges died — Iggy Pop 1975 – Dave Alexander, bass player with Iggy Pop and the Stooges died from Pneumonia aged 28. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1975 – Phil Spector’s office releases a statement saying that the producer has — 1975 – Phil Spector’s office releases a statement saying that the producer has suffered multiple head and body wounds in a car crash between Los Angeles and Phoenix. [...]

1973 – Elton John had his first UK No.1 album when ‘Don’t Shoot — Elton John 1973 – Elton John had his first UK No.1 album when ‘Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only The Piano Player’ started a six-week run at the top of the charts. Be [...]

1973 – British Rail, which was due to demolish Liverpool’s Cavern — 1973 – British Rail, which was due to demolish Liverpool’s Cavern club to build a subway station, gives the fabled venue a stay of execution. Owner Roy Adams [...]

1973 – Abba record their first single, “Ring Ring” in Swedish — 1973 – Abba record their first single, “Ring Ring” in Swedish, German, Spanish, and English for a worldwide release. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1972 – David Bowie appeared at the Tolworth Toby Jug — David Bowie 1972 – David Bowie appeared at the Tolworth Toby Jug, London, on the opening date of his Ziggy Stardust tour. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1972 – appearing at The Rainbow Theatre, London — 1972 – appearing at The Rainbow Theatre, London, England, The Faces, tickets cost 75p. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1971 – Carole King releases her album Tapestry bringing the contemporary — 1971 – Carole King releases her album Tapestry bringing the contemporary singer/songwriter character to the mainstream radio. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1970 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Thank You (F… — 1970 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)/Everybody Is a Star,” Sly & the Family Stone. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1968 – The Beatles close their American Artist Pages, Beatles U.S.A — 1968 – The Beatles close their American Artist Pages, Beatles U.S.A. They also fire their American press agents and withdraw from NEMS Enterprises, the company started by their [...]

1968 – The Four Tops ‘Greatest Hits’ was at No.1 on the UK album — 1968 – The Four Tops ‘Greatest Hits’ was at No.1 on the UK album chart, the first No.1 album for the Tamla Motown label. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1968 – One hit wonder Paul Mauriat started a five week run at No — 1968 – One hit wonder Paul Mauriat started a five week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Love Is Blue’, a No.12 hit in the UK. Be Sociable, [...]

1967 – As the Beatles continue to record “A Day in the Life,” they’re — The Beatles Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band Album 1967 – As the Beatles continue to record “A Day in the Life,” they’re visited in the studio by Pattie Harrison, [...]

1967 – Heavy metal pioneers Blue Cheer (“Summertime Blues”) perform at — 1967 – Heavy metal pioneers Blue Cheer (“Summertime Blues”) perform at a “Tribute to J. Edgar Hoover” in San Francisco. Blue Cheer was a late 60′s band that had its [...]

1966 – Bob Marley married Rita Anderson a singer in the group The — 1966 – Bob Marley married Rita Anderson a singer in the group The Soulettes. The couple had three children together. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1964 – In the wake of last night’s appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, the — 1964 – In the wake of last night’s appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, the Beatles have become overnight sensations. Elvis Presley sends them a telegram of congratulations [...]

1962 – Born on this day, Cliff Burton, bass player with Metallica — 1962 – Born on this day, Cliff Burton, bass player with Metallica. Burton was killed on September 27th 1987, when the band’s tour bus crashed as it was traveling between [...]

1962 – Henry Mancini went to No.1 on the US album chart with — 1962 – Henry Mancini went to No.1 on the US album chart with the soundtrack to ‘Breakfast At Tiffany’s.’ Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1958 – Born on this day, Norman Harris, guitarist, songwriter — 1958 – Born on this day, Norman Harris, guitarist, songwriter and producer. He worked with The Delfonics, The Trammps and MFSB. Harris died of a heart attack on March 21st [...]

1958 – Frank Sinatra started a five week run at No.1 on the US — Frank Sinatra 1958 – Frank Sinatra started a five week run at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Come Fly With Me.’ Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1956 – Little Richard Records Long Tall Sally on this day in rock — 1956 – Little Richard Records Long Tall Sally at J&M Studio on this day in rock history! “Long Tall Sally” is a rock and roll 12-bar blues song written by Robert [...]

1950 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Rag Mop,” A… — 1950 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Rag Mop,” Ames Brothers. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1949 – Born on this day, Nigel Olsson, drummer with the Elton — 1949 – Born on this day, Nigel Olsson, drummer with the Elton John band. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1946 – Born on this day, Clifford T. Ward, UK, singer, songwriter, — 1946 – Born on this day, Clifford T. Ward, UK, singer, songwriter, (1973 UK No.8 single ‘Gaye’). Ward died on the 18th December 2001. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1942 – Glen Miller became the first person to be awarded — 1942 – Glen Miller became the first person to be awarded a Gold disc, for his ‘Chattanooga Choo Choo’, single. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1939 – Roberta Flack is born in Asheville, N.C. Her biggest hit is — 1939 – Roberta Flack is born in Asheville, N.C. Her biggest hit is “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” which top Chart Toppers’s Hot 100 for six weeks [...]

1937 – Guitarist Don Wilson of the Ventures (“Walk Don’t Run”) — 1937 – Guitarist Don Wilson of the Ventures (“Walk Don’t Run”) is born in Tacoma, Wash. Be Sociable, Share! [...]

1929 – Born on this day, Jerry Goldsmith. Created the music for scores — 1929 – Born on This Day In Rock is Jerry Goldsmith who created the music for scores of classic movies and television shows “Star Trek”, “Planet of the Apes”, “The [...]

1914 – Born on this day, Larry Adler, mouth organist, worked as a soloist — 1914 – Born on This Day In Rock, Larry Adler, was an American musician, widely acknowledged as one of the world’s most skilled harmonica players, and worked as a soloist [...]