Today in Rock History
October 6, 2009
Chris Cornell (ex-Soundgarden) joins Pearl Jam onstage in L.A. The appearance is a reunion of Temple Of The Dog, an early ’90s band that consisted of Cornell and future Pearl Jam members. Cornell started the band as a tribute to his friend,
Today in Rock History
September 19, 1990
Eddie Vedder is selected as lead vocalist of what will become Pearl Jam after Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard and Mike McCready hear his demo tape where he added vocals to three instrumental tracks the band had recorded.
Today in Rock History
May 20, 2015
The Foo Fighters are the last musical guest on The Late Show with David Letterman. Dressed in tuxedos, they perform “Everlong” while a montage of classic clips are shown. Letterman, a 33-year late night vet, calls the Foo Fighters his “favorite
Today in Rock History
September 23, 1975
Bruce Springsteen performs a medley of Little Richard songs in the style of Mitch Ryder for the first time to close a show. This would later be known as the "Detroit Medley" and become a staple of his performances for about 10 years.
Today in Rock History
July 15, 1946
Linda Ronstadt is born in Tucson, Arizona. Her music career starts as lead singer of the folk trio the Stone Poneys.
Today in Rock History
September 22, 1958
Joan Jett is born Joan Marie Larkin near Philadelphia. Raised in Rockville, Maryland, she began her music career as the guitarist for The Runaways. She later formed Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, whose debut album was rejected by 23 record
Today in Rock History
September 17, 1991
Guns N’ Roses release “Use Your Illusion I & II” at midnight. It’s either two single albums or a double album that can be bought separately. Their label ships 4.2 million copies (the largest shipment to date). Many record stores open at
Today in Rock History
August 16, 1977
Fans all over the world mourned as they learned of the death of “The King” Elvis Presley. He was just 42 when he died of heart failure. In the days that followed, thousands of fans gathered around his home, Graceland, to pay tribute to “The
Today in Rock History
August 14, 1975
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” opens in the U.K. The film, a horror musical comedy drawing from science fiction and 1930’s B-movies, stars Tim Curry (Dr. Frank-N-Furter), Susan Sarandon (Janet) and Barry Bostwick (Brad).
Today in Rock History
June 28, 2023
Disturbed frontman David Draiman sings an a capella version of the Israeli national anthem “Hatikvah” before a sold-out crowd during the band’s Tel Aviv Expo concert. The Hebrew-speaking Draiman once trained to be a cantor.
Today in Rock History
April 29, 1981
Fair Warning,” the fourth studio album by Van Halen is released. While it garnered over two million sales, it marked the band’s slowest-selling album during David Lee Roth’s tenure. Notably, despite commercial setbacks, the album earned
Today in Rock History
July 14, 1984
At The Jacksons' Victory tour stop at Texas Stadium, Eddie Van Halen joins Michael Jackson on stage to play his guitar solo from "Beat It."
Today in Rock History
September 5, 1946
Queen frontman Freddie Mercury is born as Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar (a set of islands off the coast of Africa).
Today in Rock History
March 2, 1968
At King Edward VII Hospital in London, Cat Stevens is diagnosed with tuberculosis. He spends three months in the hospital and another six recovering. The ordeal leads him to look inward and write songs like "On The Road To Find Out" and "Wild
Today in Rock History
September 13, 1965
The Beatles released “Yesterday” in the US. The Paul McCartney-penned song was a stylistic departure for the group, featuring a solo vocal performance, a string quartet, and an acoustic accompaniment.
Today in Rock History
April 1, 1989
Living Colour make a splash as the musical guests on Saturday Night Live, performing "Cult of Personality" and "Open Letter (To a Landlord)."
Today in Rock History
September 25, 2006
Evanescence issue “The Open Door,” the follow-up to their ’03 smash “Fallen.” The songs represent singer Amy Lee’s maiden effort with former Cold guitarist Terry Balsamo. “(After Ben Moody’s departure), I didn’t have somebody – I don’t
Today in Rock History
July 27, 1984
Metallica released Ride the Lightning featuring the tracks “Fade to Black,” “Creeping Death,” and the title track via Megaforce Records. It is reissued a short time later when they sign to Elektra Records.
Today in Rock History
June 1,1976
The Runaways release their eponymous debut album. Billed as the first all-female hard-rock band, the disc has little domestic success, peaking at
#194
. However, the band are hugely successful in Japan, hitting the
#1
spot with their single
Today in Rock History
April 10, 1993
Depeche Mode’s eighth album, Songs of Faith and Devotion, reaches
#1
in America, knocking Whitney Houston's soundtrack from The Bodyguard off the top spot, and holding off challengers Eric Clapton, Kenny G and Sting. Inspired by the grunge
Today in Rock History
February 2, 1981
“Jessie’s Girl” was released on this day in 1981. Rick Springfield hit number 1 in August of that year and won a Grammy for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance. Guitar and bass on the recording was played by Neil Geraldo (Pat Benetar).
Today in Rock History
July 15, 1983
Robert Plant released his second solo album The Principle of Moments. It contained his first solo hit “Big Log” as well as “In The Mood”.
Today in Rock History
September 25, 2021
“Only Love Can Save Me Now” is
#1
on the Mainstream Rock chart. The Pretty Reckless track features Kim Thayil and Matt Cameron (both of Soundgarden).
Today in Rock History
March 4, 2003
Evanescence release their first album, Fallen, featuring the hits "Bring Me To Life" and "Going Under”.
It has since sold more than four million copies and won two Grammy awards.
Today in Rock History
December 6, 1993
At a video shoot for Travis Tritt’s remake of the Eagles' "Take It Easy” the Eagles themselves reunite and decide to re-form for new songs and a tour.
Today in Rock History
February 3, 2008
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers performed during the halftime-show of Super Bowl XLII at the University of Phoenix Stadium. They played 'American Girl', 'I Won't Back Down', 'Free Fallin'' and 'Runnin' Down a Dream'.
Today in Rock History
January 1, 2019
Pegi Young, Neil Young's wife from 1978-2014, dies of cancer at 66. Pegi sang backup for Neil and released three solo albums
Today in Rock History
April 12, 1994
Hole release their major-label debut album, Live Through This, exactly one week after the suicide of Kurt Cobain, husband of the band's frontwoman, Courtney Love.
Today in Rock History
May 16, 1984
Prince released “When Doves Cry,” the lead single from his sixth studio album, Purple Rain. The song became a worldwide hit and his first
#1
on the Billboard Hot 100.
Today in Rock History
July 25, 1989
Alice Cooper released Trash. His eleventh solo album contains his first top 10 single (Poison) since 1977 and sells over two million copies.
Today in Rock History
June 12, 2015
Dave Grohl falls off the stage and breaks his leg during a Foo Fighters show in Gothenburg, Sweden. He gets medical attention but returns to finish the show, propped up while someone holds his leg. The rest of their European tour is cancelled
Today in Rock History
June 30, 2012
In Kiev, Queen launch their first tour with American Idol alumnus Adam Lambert on lead vocals. The band had previously toured with Paul Rodgers.
Today in Rock History
November 14, 1983
Michael Jackson's 14-minute film Thriller debuts at the Metro Crest Theater in Los Angeles. Directed by John Landis, the short film will become the most popular video in MTV history when the network begins airing it in December.
Today in Rock History
March 15, 2004
The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inducts Bob Seger, George Harrison, The Dells, ZZ Top, Jackson Browne, Prince, and Traffic at their annual ceremony in New York City.
The night was highlighted by a group performance of George Harrison’s “While
@TweeetsOfDogs
A dog is part of the family. Once you commit to it, you should no more get rid of it than you would throw your child out. I’ve never understood people who can do such a thing. Congrats on allowing “your dog” to make both of your lives better. 🫡
Today in Rock History
June 3, 1995
Bryan Adams' "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?," featured in the Johnny Depp movie Don Juan DeMarco, starts a five-week run at
#1
on the US singles chart.
Today in Rock History
August 27, 2015
Van Halen’s David Lee Roth calls out a fan for throwing a beer can onstage during the band’s concert in Camden, NJ. “In a younger day, I would’ve promised I would’ve slept with his girlfriend,” says Roth. “At this point in my career, the
Today in Rock History
December 13, 1981
Evanescence lead singer Amy Lee is born in Riverside, California. Her future bandmate Ben Moody hears her playing a Meat Loaf tune on the piano while the two attend a youth camp in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1994. The following year,
Today in Rock History
February 1, 2022
Evanescence’s music video for their ‘03 hit "Bring Me To Life" surpasses one billion views on YouTube. The video, uploaded to YouTube in late of ‘09, was filmed in Romania and features guest vocals by Paul McCoy.
Today in Rock History
June 16, 1990
The Swedish pop duo Roxette earn their third chart-topper when their breakup ballad "It Must Have Been Love" from the Pretty Woman soundtrack hits
#1
.
Today in Rock History
February 15, 1975
Rush release Fly by Night. This album featured Neil Peart on drums, who brought a fresh and dynamic energy to the band’s sound. Tracks like “Anthem,” “By-Tor and the Snow Dog,” and the title track.
Today in Rock History
August 31, 1976
George Harrison was found guilty of 'subconscious plagiarism' of the Ronnie Mack song 'He's So Fine' when writing 'My Sweet Lord'. Earnings from the song were awarded to Mack's estate; The Chiffons then recorded their own version of 'My
Today in Rock History
May 8, 2009
San Diego mayor Jerry Sanders declares "Adam Lambert Day" after Lambert's performance of "Black Or White" and "Mad World" on American Idol.
Today in Rock History
August 14, 1974
Drummer Neil Peart makes his debut with Rush at a show in Pittsburgh where they are the support act for Manfred Mann and Uriah Heep.
Today in Rock History
April 17, 1982
Denison University freshman Laura Carter is killed when a bullet from a gunfight a block away strikes her in the chest while she is riding in a car with her parents. Christopher Cross, who is dating her best friend, writes "Think Of Laura" in
Today in Rock History
March 6, 2014
Adam Lambert and Queen announced that they were teaming up for a 19-date North American tour. Lambert rose to fame in 2009 after finishing as runner-up to Kris Allen on the eighth season of American Idol.
Today in Rock History
September 21, 2012
No Doubt release the album Push and Shove, their first release in 11 years. Lead singer No Doubt released “Push and Shove”, their first album in 11 years. Lead singer Gwen Stefani said they "made the record of their lives," so there was
Today in Rock History
September 25, 1972
Black Sabbath released their fourth studio album, Black Sabbath Vol. 4 originally intended to be titled Snowblind due to the band's cocaine use, reflected in several songs. The cover features a monochrome photo of Ozzy Osbourne with
Today in Rock History
September 24, 1967
The Beatles film the dance scene for "Your Mother Should Know" in Magical Mystery Tour. Paul McCartney adds fuel to rumors of his death by wearing a black carnation, while the others wear red.
@NiallHarbison
Your effort to help sick and injured dogs ensure that Tina’s legacy lives on. I’m not sure I’ve seen another so relentless and passionate to help the ones who need it most. You really are the best that we humans have to offer.
Today in Rock History
March 21, 2024
Metallica honors Elton John and his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin at a tribute concert by performing “Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding” from John’s ’73 double album “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.”
Today in Rock History
May 25, 1987
The Cure find mainstream success in America with the versatile double album Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me, featuring the hit singles "Why Can't I Be You?" and "Just Like Heaven."
Today in Rock History
April 10, 1992
Brash stand-up comedian Sam Kinison, who also appeared in several music videos ("Bad Medicine," "Kickstart My Heart," "Wild Thing"), dies at age 38 when his car is hit by a teenage drunk driver.
Today in Rock History
April 24, 2021
“And So It Went,” The Pretty Reckless with Rage Against The Machine’s Tom Morello, is
#1
on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart.
Today in Rock History
April 6, 2023
Evanescence receive a diamond plaque for their debut album “Fallen.” The plaque commemorates sales and streams of 10-million units in the U.S.
Released in ’03, “Fallen” held the singles “Bring Me To Life” and “My Immortal.” Both songs
Today in Rock History
March 14, 1983
Bon Jovi, a band that bridged the divide between heavy rock and pop, formed in Sayreville, NJ. Taking their name from lead singer Jon Bon Jovi (John Francis Bongiovi Jr) the group went on to sell 34.5 million albums in the US, while their
Today in Rock History
April 30, 2019
Panic At The Disco’s Brendon Urie receives the Key to the City of Las Vegas on the eve of his band’s performances at the Billboard Music Awards. It’s the Vegas act’s first appearance on an awards show.
Today in Rock History
September 20, 1975
David Bowie achieved his first US No.1 with the single "Fame." The song was created at Electric Lady Studios in January 1975 during a jam session with John Lennon, featuring a guitar riff by Carlos Alomar.
Today in Rock History
September 12, 1952
Neil Peart is born near Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. In 1974, he joins Rush, becoming both their drummer and lyricist.
Today in Rock History
August 23, 1991
A month before their Nevermind album is released, Nirvana wow the crowd at the Reading Festival in England with a set capped by a Kurt Cobain headlong dive into Dave Grohl's drum kit. The next year, Nirvana headline the festival.
Today in Rock History
May 28, 1971
Rod Stewart’s “Every Picture Tells A Story” is released. The album contains Stewart’s breakthrough single “Maggie May.”
Today in Rock History
February 20, 1954
American bass guitarist Jonathan “Jon” Brant was born on this day February 20 in Chicago, Illinois. Best known as a member of the rock band Cheap Trick from 1982 until 1987.
Today in Rock History
February 1, 2007
Forced to do a press conference to promote his upcoming Super Bowl halftime show, Prince answers the first question with a guitar lick, then turns the event into a concert, leaving reporters stunned.
Today in Rock History
December 18, 2015
The Kinks Ray and Dave Davies performed together for the first time in twenty years when Ray joined his brother on stage at London's Islington Assembly Hall. The pair performed their 1964 smash "You Really Got Me", and re-ignited hope that
Today in Rock History
June 27, 2009
Neil Young performs in London's Hyde Park. He is joined on stage by Paul McCartney for a duet of "A Day In The Life."
Today in Rock History
September 4, 1971
Paul McCartney scores his second solo, number one hit in the US with "Uncle Albert / Admiral Halsey". Paul would later explain that "Uncle Albert" was based on his real-life uncle. "He's someone I recall fondly and when the song was
Today in Rock History
September 23, 1978
Van Halen orchestrated an unforgettable entrance by hiring four lookalike skydivers to jump from an airplane, landing behind the stage. The band, dressed in skydiving suits, waited inside a van. As the skydivers touched down, the band
Today in Rock History
February 20, 1993
Duran Duran’s “Ordinary World” peaks at
#3
on the U.S. pop chart. It’s the group’s first Top 10 song in five years.
Today in Rock History
March 23, 1973
Paul McCartney and Wings released “My Love,” the lead single from their second studio album, Red Rose Speedway. The single marked the first time that McCartney’s name appeared in the artist credit for a Wings record. It topped the Billboard
Today in Rock History
April 22, 1950
Peter Frampton is born in Beckenham, Kent, England. After forming Humble Pie, he finds success as a solo artist; his 1976 album Frampton Come Alive! is one of the most successful live albums of all time.
Today in Rock History
August 31, 1968
One of the Rolling Stones’ most political songs, “Street Fighting Man,” was released via Decca Records. Inspired by an anti-Vietnam war rally that Mick Jagger attended, the song was banned by many US radio stations, due to its seemingly
Today in Rock History
September 10, 1950
Aerosmith lead guitarist Joe Perry is born Anthony Joseph Perry in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He leaves the band at their drug-soaked nadir in 1979 but returns in 1984 as they return to prominence with the album Permanent Vacation.