On this day today:
1955 - Steve Jones, the legendary lead guitarist who helped define the raw sound of punk rock with The Sex Pistols, hails from the gritty streets of Hammersmith, London. Born into a world on the brink of musical revolution, Jones would go on to slash through the bloated rock scene of the 1970s with his searing riffs and unapologetic attitude.
1968 - After a dramatic departure from The Beatles during the tumultuous sessions for the White Album, Ringo Starr made a heartfelt return to the band. When he walked back into the studio, he was greeted by a touching and symbolic gesture—his drum kit was adorned with a vibrant array of flowers.
1970 - Alan Wilson, the soulful frontman and musical genius behind Canned Heat, tragically took his own life at just 27 years old, succumbing to a barbiturate overdose. His untimely death marked the beginning of a dark chapter in rock history, as just two weeks later, the world would lose another iconic figure—Jimi Hendrix—also at the age of 27.
1973 - Jennifer Paige, the pop sensation known for her infectious hit "Crush," was born Jennifer Paige Scoggins in the charming town of Marietta, Georgia.
1982 - When Culture Club dropped "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me?" in the UK, it faced a less-than-warm reception from critics. Smash Hits, never one to mince words, dismissed the track as "fourth division reggae," casting a skeptical eye on its reggae influences and challenging its credibility. Despite the early backlash, the song would go on to defy expectations, proving the naysayers wrong by becoming an international hit and solidifying Culture Club's place in pop history.
1982 - Steve Wozniak, the visionary co-founder of Apple, set out to host the US Festival as a personal gathering for "a few thousand friends," aiming to blend music and technology in a unique way. What began as an intimate affair quickly ballooned into a colossal event, with over 200,000 people converging in the scorching San Bernardino heat. For three days, the festival was a whirlwind of music, tech innovations, and, inevitably, dust—lots of it. Headlined by Fleetwood Mac in their first performance in two years, the lineup also boasted electrifying sets from The Police and the Grateful Dead, making the US Festival a landmark moment where tech geekery and rock’n’roll collided in unforgettable fashion.
1983 - UB40 celebrated a major career milestone with their first UK No.1 single, "Red Red Wine." The reggae-infused track, originally a Neil Diamond cover, became a defining hit for the band, resonating with audiences and solidifying their place in the music scene.
1990 - George Michael dropped his highly anticipated second solo album, Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1, with a deliberate shift away from the high-profile approach that marked his debut, Faith. Determined to sidestep the overwhelming pressures and intense scrutiny that accompanied his previous success, Michael made a bold move by opting out of touring and staying out of the music videos. His decision to focus on the music itself rather than the spectacle was a statement of artistic integrity, aiming to let the album speak for itself. The result was a deeply introspective and sonically rich record that underscored Michael’s evolution as an artist, even as he stepped back from the limelight.
1991 - Rush's 14th studio album, Roll the Bones, hit the shelves with a blend of the band's signature progressive rock flair and a fresh, accessible twist. Released in 1991, the album marked a dynamic evolution in Rush's sound, embracing a mix of hard rock and modern influences. Tracks like the titular "Roll the Bones" showcased the band's knack for intricate musicianship while exploring new thematic territories.
2001 - In a dramatic twist of fate, a free System Of A Down concert in a Los Angeles parking lot spiraled into chaos when an unexpectedly massive crowd overwhelmed the venue. Originally planned as a celebratory event for the release of their album Toxicity, the situation quickly unraveled as authorities, unable to manage the crowd, pulled the plug on the show. The ensuing riot saw fans clashing with police, resulting in the band's equipment being trashed and six arrests. What was meant to be a triumphant pre-release party for one of the year's most anticipated albums turned into a headline-making spectacle of rock'n'roll mayhem.
2006 - Justin Timberlake, featuring Timbaland, scored a major milestone with "SexyBack," which rocketed to No.1 on the UK singles chart.
2008 - R&B star Ne-Yo was awarded $700,320 (£395,580) after a legal battle stemming from his unexpected removal as the opening act on a US tour with R. Kelly. Ne-Yo alleged that he was dropped from the tour last November due to fan and critical acclaim that overshadowed Kelly, a claim that Kelly vehemently denied.
2009 - Madonna’s Sticky & Sweet tour shattered records, becoming the highest-grossing tour ever for a solo artist, amassing a staggering $408 million (£250 million). At 51 years old, the pop icon dazzled audiences across 32 countries, showcasing her unmatched star power and relentless energy.
2012 - In the run-up to Michael Jackson's highly anticipated 2009 comeback concerts, internal emails from the promoters revealed deep concerns about the singer's well-being. On the very day Jackson appeared in London to announce his This Is It shows, one email described him as being "an emotionally paralyzed mess." Reports indicated that Jackson had sequestered himself in his room, displaying signs of distress and reportedly being drunk and despondent.
2022 - In a heart-stirring tribute at Wembley Stadium, a constellation of music legends including Paul McCartney, Kesha, and Nile Rodgers united with Foo Fighters to honor their late drummer, Taylor Hawkins, who had passed away six months prior.
