This Day in Rock History - Page 2
On this day back in 1987, Billy Idol turned a rock cover into a cultural phenomenon. His original studio version of “Mony Mony” had already been out for a few years, released in 1981 on his debut album. But it was the live version, officially released on October 2nd, 1987, that took the song over […]
Every generation has them — those unforgettable tracks that burst onto the airwaves, dominate the charts, and then vanish almost as quickly as they arrived. They’re called one-hit wonders, but for fans, they’re much more than that. What makes these songs so powerful isn’t just their melody or their riffs; it’s the way they capture […]
On September 24, 1980, John Bonham lived his final day much like he had lived his career, caught between thunderous brilliance and quiet struggle. Known to fans simply as “Bonzo,” he wasn’t just the drummer for Led Zeppelin. He was the heartbeat of the band, a force of nature behind the kit. His power, speed, […]
September 24th should honestly be declared a holiday for rock fans, because over the years it’s given us a wild streak of classic albums that shaped entire decades. Let’s run through the lineup. First up: The Eagles’ The Long Run (1979). This was the follow-up to Hotel California, and while critics were split at the […]
In 1985, during a severe farm crisis in America, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp answered a call sparked by Bob Dylan’s comments at Live Aid: What about helping family farmers at home? Thus, Farm Aid was born. An annual benefit concert to raise awareness and funds for the farmers who grow our food. […]
Forty years ago, in September 1985, Washington became the unlikely stage for a cultural showdown over rock ’n’ roll. The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee convened hearings to consider labeling music with explicit lyrics. The push came from the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC), a group founded by Tipper Gore, wife of then-Senator Al Gore, after […]
On September 18, 1983, the world saw a different side of KISS. For the first time in nearly a decade, the band that built its empire on face paint, fire, and theatrics appeared on MTV without makeup. The unmasking came as part of the promotion for their new album Lick It Up. By the early […]
Rick Davies, the keyboardist, singer, and co-founder of Supertramp, has died, leaving behind a catalog that helped define progressive pop and classic rock radio. Known for his bluesy playing style and understated vocals, Davies was the steady hand at the center of a band that thrived on contrasts. While Roger Hodgson brought the high tenor […]
August 25 is like the birthday of badassery. It all began in 1970, when a fresh-faced Elton John strummed his way into American hearts at The Troubadour in L.A. The intimate 300-seat club was packed with industry legends. One attendee later admitted, “We knew within forty-five minutes that we had a superstar. It was electrifying.” […]
On a steamy night in West Hollywood, August 25, 1970, Elton John took the stage at The Troubadour for his very first U.S. performance, and the world was never the same. In a club packed with just around 300 fans, he poured out early gems like “Your Song,” “Border Song,” “Take Me to the Pilot,” […]
A video of artists talking about the influence of Jeff Buckley’s music popped up on my timeline. It reminded me of how amazing he was and his impact on so many. His only album “Grace” was released August 23, 1994, but still lives on almost 30 years later. Jeff Buckley sang like he had one […]
August 21, 1984, one of the iconic tracks of the 80s hit record stores. Scandal, featuring the electric vocals of Patty Smyth, released their debut full-length album, “Warrior”. Fast forward to 1985. As Van Halen was searching for a new voice after David Lee Roth’s exit, they turned to a surprising candidate: Patty Smyth. She […]