Today In Rock History
In 1969 Cream released the album “Goodbye Cream.”
In 1971 George Harrison became the first Beatle to have a number one solo song when “My Sweet Lord” topped the U.K. charts.
In 1978 Chicago singer-guitarist Terry Kath died after he shot himself in the head.
In 1983 Journey released the album “Frontiers.”
In 1984 New releases included Bon Jovi’s self-titled album and The Rolling Stones’ single “She Was Hot” backed with “Think I’m Going Mad.”
In 1986 Keith Richards was the first ever presenter for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He gave Chuck Berry an award. Elvis Presley, James Brown, Buddy Holly, and Fats Domino were also among the first round of inductees.
In 1990 Former Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Allen Collins died of complications from pneumonia in Jacksonville, Florida. He had been paralyzed from the waist down since a 1986 car accident in which his girlfriend died. Collins was 37.
In 1996 Officials in Johnson City, Tennessee withdrew permission for White Zombie to perform in the town after hearing testimony that band members preached devil worship.
In 2000 Heart’s Nancy Wilson gave birth to twins.
In 2004 A judge ordered Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland to serve six-months in rehab. The sentence came after the singer cut short his previous court-ordered stint. Weiland was threatened with arrest if he left lockdown early again, or if he tested positive for drugs during the course of his stay.
Former Judas Priest drummer Dave Holland was found guilty in an English court of trying to rape a learning-disabled teenager who was getting a drum lesson from the rocker. A rep for Judas Priest said the group was “shocked and stunned” by the news.
Former Jethro Tull keyboardist David Palmer announced that he’d had a sex change, and was now “Dee.”
Melissa Etheridge and Ben Harper were among the artists who performed at the first 2004 Rock For Choice concert in support of women’s rights.
In 2006 Billy Joel played the first of his record-setting 12-nights at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
In 2007 New releases included John Mellencamp’s album “Freedom’s Road” and the Paul Weller box set “Hit Parader.”
The Who’s Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey received the Outstanding Achievement honor at the South Bank Awards. The event recognizes British accomplishments in all the arts, including TV, film, theater, dance, comedy, literature, and visual art as well as opera, classical, and pop music.
In 2008 U2 frontman Bono met with U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates in Washington, DC to discuss global poverty and the AIDS epidemic in Africa.
In 2012 Aretha Franklin announced that her engagement to longtime friend William “Willie” Wilkerson was off, just a few weeks after revealing plans to tie the knot with Wilkerson that summer.
In 2017 African-American soul and R&B singer, songwriter and record producer Bobby Freeman died of natural causes at age 76.
In 2018 Singer-songwriter Neil Diamond abruptly retired from touring after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
In 2023 Guitarist Anthony “Top” Topham died at the age of 75. He was the lead guitarist of The Yardbirds. He left the band in 1964 to focus on his art degree and was replaced by Eric Clapton.
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