Today in rock history May 31st

1944 – Guitarist Mick Ralphs is born in Heresford, England. He is a founding member of Mott the Hoople, but leaves the group in 1973 to form Bad Company. 1948 – John Bonham (Led Zeppelin) is born this day 1961 – Chuck Berry opened an amusement called “Berry Park” near St Louis 1962 – The Beatles performed at the Star-Club in Hamburg, West Germany 1969 – Jimi Hendrix appears on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine 1993 – Rocker Jon Bon Jovi and wife Dorothea Hurley have their first child in Red Bank, N.J. They name their daughter Stephanie Rose. 1995 – Bob Dole blasts Hollywood, singling out Time Warner for “the marketing of evil” in movies and music. He later admits he hasn’t seen or heard much of what he’s criticized. 1999 – “Behind the Music,” VH1’s highest-rated original series, begins airing at 9 p.m. nightly. The broadcasts kick off with the premiere of “The Red Hot Chili Peppers: Behind the Music.” 2005 – The Salvation Army close Strawberry Field, a Liverpool children’s home which inspired the Beatles’ song, “Strawberry Fields Forever.” 2006 – A few hundred lucky fans pack into New York’s Avalon to witness Pearl Jam tape an episode of the VH1 series “Storytellers,” which premieres a month later on the music channel.

Today in rock history 30th May

1943 – Jack Bruce of Cream is born this day 1955 – Clash drummer Nicky “Topper” Headon is born in Bromley 1964 – The Beatles are No. 1 in the U.S. with “Love Me Do.” 1964 – Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine) is born this day 1965 – The Rolling Stones played the final night of a US tour at the New York Academy of Music. During the afternoon the band recorded six songs for the Clay Pole TV show. 1966 – The Jefferson Airplane perform at a benefit for the Haight-Ashbury Legal Organization in San Francisco. 1968 – The Beatles kick off recording The Beatles double album by laying down 18 takes of “Revolution 1.” Sessions will gradually deteriorate until all four members are recording independently of one another. 1971 – At San Francisco’s Winterland Auditorium, 36 Deadheads have to be treated for hallucinations after ingesting apple drink at the venue. Not surprisingly, the drink was spiked with LSD. 1972 – The immortal Roxy Music play their first major date at Lincolnshire, England’s Great Western Express Festival. 1972 – Slade with Status Quo as support appeared at The Free Trade Hall, Manchester. Tickets priced at 65p. 1978 – Led Zeppelin begin pre production recording In Through The Out Door. 1980 – Carl Radle, who played bass in Derek & the Dominos, dies from a kidney ailment at age 37. 1987 – Beastie Boy Adam Horovitz is arrested for allegedly hitting a female fan during a concert in Liverpool 1987 – David Bowie kicked off his 87-date Glass Spider world tour at the Feynoord Stadium, Rotterdam, Holland. 1992 – The Black Crowes went to No.1 on the US album chart with ‘The Southern Harmony And Musical Companion’. 1996 – Bassist John Kahn, a bassist who played with Jerry Garcia, dies at the age of 48. 1997 – West Arkeen, who played guitar on Guns N’ Roses’ Use Your Illusion albums, dies. 1997 – Neil Young cancels his European tour after cutting his finger open while slicing a ham sandwich. 2003 – Linkin Park vocalist Chester Bennington is hospitalized in L.A. for “severe back and abdominal pains,” according to a statement from the band. Due to his condition, 12 European tour dates are postponed. 2007 – A leaked copy of the new White Stripes album ‘Icky Thump’ was played completely on Chicago’s radio station Q101-WKQX. Jack White personally called the US radio station from Spain, where he was touring, to voice his displeasure. 2009 – Ozzy Osbourne sued Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi for lack of royalty payments.Tony was falsely claiming the right to sole ownership of the band’s name which cost Ozzy royalties from merchandise sold with the band’s name.

Today in rock history 29th May

1945 – Gary Brooker, leader of Procul Harum, is born in Essex 1961 – Singer, songwriter and guitarist Melissa Etheridge is born in Leavenworth, Kan. 1972 – Paul McCartney releases his bizarre interpretation of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” as Wings. 1973 – Record executive Clive Davis is fired from Columbia for misappropriating $100,000. He later founded Arista Records and engineered Santana’s comeback with Supernatural. 1973 – Mike Oldfield releases his ambient masterpiece Tubular Bells 1973 – Roger McGuinn performs his first solo gig at New York’s Academy of Music and confirms rumors that his band The Byrds is finished. 1984 – Bob Dylan holds a press conference in Sirmione, Italy, and hands out the set list for his current European tour 1988 – Bob Dylan makes a guest appearance at a Levon Helm concert at New York’s Lone Star Cafe. The two perform “The Weight” and Chuck Berry’s “Nadine.” 1991 – In Ohio a truck sideswipes Steve Winwood’s tour bus. Stevie is unhurt. 1995 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman,” Bryan Adams. 1997 – Jeff Buckley drowns while swimming with a friend off Mud Island in Memphis. 1999 – The Rolling Stones launch the European leg of their Bridges to Babylon tour, performing in front of 80,000 enthusiastic fans in an open-air concert in Stuttgart, Germany. 1999 – The body of Philip “Taylor” Kramer is discovered in a valley in Malibu, Calif. The Iron Butterfly bass player had been missing since 1995. 2003 – Black Crowes guitarist Rich Robinson’s new band Hookah Brown call it quits a mere six months after their first show. Sighs Robinson, “Sometimes life gets in the way of people being able to make music together.” 2004 – Canadian rock act Sum 41 is forced to evacuate the African nation of Congo while filming a documentary, “From the Front Lines” for aid agency War Child Canada. 2005 – Bob Geldof and Elton John announce five July concerts that will make up Live 8 – a new initiative to raise awareness of poverty. Among the headliners are Coldplay, Dave Matthews Band, Lauryn Hill and Duran Duran.

Today in rock history 28th May

1910 – Born on this day, T- Bone Walker, US blues guitarist, influenced Albert Collins, BB King, Buddy Guy, Freddy King. 1917 – Born on this day, Papa John Creech – violinist with Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna 1945 – John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival is born in Berkeley, Calif. 1949 – Born on this day, Wendy O. Williams – singer with The Plasmatics 1955 – Born on this day, John McGeoch, guitar, member of Magazine 1963 – During a UK tour supporting Roy Orbison, The Beatles played at the Gaumont Cinema in Worcester. 1964 – The BBC received over 8,000 postal applications for tickets for The Rolling Stones appearance on Juke Box Jury. 1969 – Rolling Stone Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithfull were arrested at their London home and charged with possession of cannabis, They were released on £50 ($85) bail. 1977 – Sting, Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers played together for the first time when they performed as part of Mike Howletts band, Strontium 90 at the Circus Hippodroms, Paris. 1982 – Promoter Bill Graham staged a special Vietnam Veterans benefit concert in San Francisco starring The Jefferson Starship, The Grateful Dead and Country Joe. 1983 – The four day US Festival ’83’ took place in California, featuring The Clash, U2, David Bowie, The Pretenders, Van Halen, Stray Cats, Men At Work, Judas Priest, Stevie Nicks and Ozzy Osbourne. Over 750,000 fans attended the festival. 1988 – Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler married second wife Teresa Barrick in her hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. 1990 – Mitch Mitchell former drummer with Jimi Hendrix took out a High Court action against Private Eye magazine over an allegedly defamatory item. 1995 – Hootie & the Blowfish started a four-week run at No.1 on the US album charts with ‘Cracked Rear View’. The album went on to sell over 15m copies. 1996 – Depeche Mode singer Dave Gahan was rushed to Cedars Sinai Hospital, Los Angeles after an apparent drug overdose. 2003 – Paul McCartney announces that he and his wife Heather Mills are expecting their first child later in the year. 2004 – Guitarist from 80’s glam band Enuff Z’ Nuff Derek Frigo died of a drug overdose aged 36 2007 – The Police kicked off their 152 show Reunion Tour at General Motors Place in Vancouver, Canada in front of 22,000 fans. 2012 – “Yellow Submarine” the animated Beatles movie was restored and re-released.

Today in rock history 27th May

1948 – Born on this day, Pete Sears, Jefferson Starship 1957 – The Buddy Holly & the Crickets hit “That’ll Be the Day” is released. 1957 – Born on this day, Eddie Harsch, keyboards, The Black Crowes 1964 – Eleven boys are suspended at a Coventry school for having hairstyles like Mick Jagger. 1966 – Born on this day, Sean Kinney, Alice In Chains 1971 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Brown Sugar,” The Rolling Stones. 1977 – The Sex Pistols single ‘God Save The Queen’ was released in the UK. Banned by TV and radio, high street shops and pressing plant workers refused to handle the record. It sold 200,000 copies in one week and peaked at No.2 on the UK charts. 1988 – Def Leppard kicked off the third leg of their North American Hysteria world tour at George M. Sullivan Arena, Anchorage, Alaska. 1997 – During a UK tour Marilyn Manson appeared at Rock City, Nottingham, 1997 – Oasis singer Liam Gallagher was left with cuts and bruises after a scuffle with a youth at the Tower Thistle Hotel in east London. Members of the band had been drinking at the bar when the fight broke out. 1999 – Winners at the Ivor Novello song writing awards included Rod Stewart who won a Lifetime Achievement Award, 1999 – B.B. King, Susan Tedeschi, and Keb’Mo’ capture multiple W.C. Handy Awards at the Blues Foundation’s ceremony at the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis. 2000 – Paula Yates was awarded £400,000 ($680,000) in an out-of-court settlement from her boyfriend Michael Hutchence fortune. 2006 – For the first time in their 22-year career, Red Hot Chili Peppers score a No. 1 album on The Chart Toppers 200. for “Stadium Arcadium” 2008 – Sir Paul McCartney was awarded an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Yale University in the United States. Yale’s president, Richard Levin, said; The former Beatle had awakened a generation, giving a fresh sound to rock and roll and to rhythm and blues.

Timesweep 28th May

Timesweep 28th May Part 1 1. Gary Moore - Over the hills and far away 2. Aerosmith - Rag doll 3. The Hooters - Satellite 4. Pink Floyd - Learning to fly 5. The Cult - Lil' devil 6. INXS - New sensation Part 2 1. Faith No More - We care a lot 2. Whitesnake - Crying in the rain 3. Genesis - Tonight tonight tonight 4. Heart - There's the girl Part 3 1. Sex Pistols - God save the queen 2. The Police - So lonely 3. Aerosmith - Angel Part 4 1. The Byrds - Turn turn turn 2. David Bowie - Ashes to ashes 3. Black Sabbath - Paranoid 4. Bon Jovi - Dry country Part 5 1. Canned Heat - Let's work together 2. Deep Purple - Black night 3. Status Quo - Down the dustpipe Part 6 1. Creedence Clearwater revival - Down on the corner 2. Procul Harum - Pandora's box 3. Melissa Etheridge - Like the way I do 4. Cream - White room Part 7 1. The Clash - I fought the law 2. Bad Company - Can't get enough 3. Led Zeppelin - Kashmir Part 8 1. Status Quo - Rocking all over the world 2. Boston - More than a feeling 3. Ram Jam - Black Betty 4. The Eagles - Hotel California Part 9 1. The Beatles - Sgt Pepper's 2. The Doors - Light my fire 3. Cream - Strange brew 4. Jimi Hendrix - Little wing 5. Moody Blues - Nights in white satin Part 10 1. Small Faces - All or nothing 2. Dave Davies - Death of a clown 3. Love - Alone again or 4. Vanilla Fudge - Ticket to ride Part 11 1. Rolling Stones - Let's spend the night together 2. The Who - Summertime blues 3. Van Morrison - Brown eyed girl

Brit Rock 28th May

1. Reef - Place your hands 2. Foo Fighters - Monkey wrench 3. Aerosmith - Taste of India 4. Placebo - Nancy boy 5. Bon Jovi - Jani don't take your guns to town 6. Genesis - Shipwrecked 7. Green Day - Good riddance (time of your life) 8. INXS - Beautiful girl 9. Joe Cocker - You are so beautiful 10. Marillion - Beautiful 11. Badfinger - No matter what 12. Stephen Stills - Love the one you're with 13. Warren Zevon - Werewolves of London 14. Bruce Springsteen - Born to run 15. U2 - Elevation 16. Bon Jovi - It's my life 17. Iron Maiden - Blood brothers 18. Flogging Molly - Devil's dance floor 19. Offspring - Oringinal prankster 20. Linkin Park - Crawling 21. Coldplay - Yellow 22. Don Henley - Taking you home 23. Slash - Beautiful dangerous 24. Toto - Hold the line 25. Python Lee Jackson - In a broken dream 26. Fleetwood Mac - Man of the world 27. Chicken Shack - I'd rather go blind It an hour of prog rock for hour three 1. Marillion - Assasing 2. Pink Floyd - shoine on you crazy diamond 3. Rush - Limelight 4. Muse - Knights of Cydonia 5. Asia - Face on the bridge 6. Rare Bird - Sympathy 7. Jethro Tull - Cross eyed Mary 8. Magnum - On a story teller's night 9. Barclay James Harvest - Mokingbird 10. Van Der Graf - Theme one

Today in rock history 26th May

1942 – The Band’s Levon Helm is born in Marvell, Ark. 1948 – Stephanie Lynn “Stevie” Nicks is born in Phoenix, Arizona 1994 – Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley secretly wed in the Dominican Republic. 1999 – The British punk revivalist band Manic Street Preachers refuse to play a concert to mark the opening of Wales’ parliament because Queen Elizabeth II is present. 2000 – Drummer Tommy Lee was jailed for five days for drinking alcohol. Lee appeared in front of a LA court charged with violating his probation by consuming alcohol, an act that directly contravenes the terms of his parole. 2001 – Appearing at Ozzfest, Milton Keynes Bowl, England were Black Sabbath, Slipknot, Tool and Papa Roach. Tickets cost £32.50 ($55.25). 2002 – The first episode of ‘At Home With The Osbournes’ was shown on MTV in the UK. 2010 – Sum 41 had this bad news for fans: It’s unfortunate to say but we are forced to postpone some upcoming European Tour dates. Stevo was in a minor accident yesterday and is unable to get on a airplane to fly to Europe to perform. Anyone who knows our band, knows that touring is our life and is the primary reason we play music. We are completely and utterly bummed out and we all wish Stevo a speedy recovery. 2010 – The good news for Stone Temple Pilots is that the band’s first studio album in nine years will be the highest debut on the Billboard chart.

Today in rock history 25th May

1974 – Jim Morrison’s widow, Pam, dies of a drug overdose 1983 – This Day in Dio: Dio release their Holy Diver album. 1988 – Frank Zappa must have had a great agent. Because he’s invited to perform during the opening night of the historic Reagan/Gorbachev summit in Moscow. But he also had lousy business sense. Zappa declined. 1989 – “Weird Al” Yankovic records “She Drives Like Crazy” and “Isle Thing” for the UHF soundtrack. 1997 – The day after his 56th birthday, Bob Dylan is admitted into a Los Angeles hospital with chest pains. What’s feared to be a heart attack turns out to be a case of histoplasmosis, or an inflammation of the sac around his heart. He cancels a European tour. 2000 – In Houston, Eddie Van Halen is tested for cancer at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. The hospital says that the tests are routine, and that the guitarist is not ill. 2000 – Paul McCartney wins the ultimate accolade from Britain’s music industry when he is awarded the first Fellowship of the British Academy of Composers & Songwriters Award during the annual Ivor Novello awards in London. 2000 – The 21st annual W.C. Handy Blues Awards are webcast live via the House Of Blues website. 2003 – Mars Volta keyboardist Jeremy Ward is found dead of a suspected drug overdose at his Los Angeles home. He was 27. 2004 – Courtney Love pleads guilty to being under the influence of a controlled substance, a charge stemming from a 2003 arrest. She is now eligible for a sentence that would require her to attend a drug treatment program instead of going to jail. 2004 – In a surprising move, Vermont-based jam band Phish announces that it plans to split following the conclusion of its summer tour in August. 2006 – Legendary songwriting and producing team Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, Kinks frontman Ray Davies, electro-rock outfit New Order and veteran pop siblings the Bee Gees are among the honorees at the 51st Ivor Novello Awards for songwriters. 2007 – Wayne Fontana of the 60’s group, “Mindbenders”, was taken into custody. Wayne admitted to pouring petrol on a bailiff’s vehicle and setting it on fire.

Today in rock history 24th May

1941 – Bob Dylan (Robert Allen Zimmerman) is born in Duluth, Minn. 1963 – Guitarist Elmore James, who influenced blues boom bands like Fleetwood Mac, dies in Chicago from a heart attack. More than 400 blues musicians attended his funeral. 1964 – On The Ed Sullivan Show tonight, the Beatles appear in a previously taped performance of “You Can’t Do That” from the set of A Hard Day’s Night. 1965 – John Lennon publishes his second volume of prose, A Spaniard in the Works, in England. 1968 – Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithfull are arrested on charges of marijuana possession. The same day the Stones release “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” 1979 – Patrons looking to buy tickets to Genesis’ benefit show at L.A.’s Roxy are surprised to find the band itself manning the box office. Proceeds from the show go to local hospitals. 1982 – Jefferson Starship, the Grateful Dead, Boz Scaggs, and Country Joe McDonald play San Francisco’s Moscone Center to raise money for the Vietnam Veterans Project. 1982 – Drummer Topper Headon leaves the Clash 1988 – OU812 (Van Halen) is released this day 1991 – Byrds co-founder and Rock `n’ Roll Hall of Fame member Gene Clark dies of a heart attack at the age of 46. 1998 – In an official ceremony backstage prior to Van Halen’s show at the CoreStates Spectrum, Philadelphia mayor Ed Rendell proclaims May 24th Van Halen Day in Philadelphia. Each member of the band is given a personalized replica of the Liberty Bell. 1999 – An online audience watches David Bowie write and record the song “What’s Really Happening” in a Webcast. 2004 – Bruce Springsteen’s lawyers shut down an online auction of what purports to be the Boss’ birth certificate. 2005 – Rock act Motley Crue files suit against NBC, arguing the network violated the group’s free speech rights and hurt its concert and album sales. 2005 – Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne put the Beverly Hills house that featured in their reality hit The Osbournes up for sale. 2012 – Elton John cancels shows to “The Million Dollar Piano” Last weekend Elton was treated for respiratory infection that triggered the cancelations.

Today in rock history 23rd May

1934 – Robert Moog, inventor of the synthesiser, is born 1946 – Born on this day, Daniel Klein, bass, J Geils Band 1947 – Born on this day, Bill Hunt, Electric Light Orchestra 1963 – The Beatles, touring with Roy Orbison, performed at the Odeon Cinema, Nottingham, England. 1967 – Pink Floyd went into the studio and recorded ‘See Emily Play’, the group’s second single and written by original frontman Syd Barrett. 1967 -Philip James Selway, drums, Radiohead, is born 1970 – Paul McCartney’s debut solo album, ‘McCartney’, started a three-week run at No.1 on the US album chart. 1970 – The Beatles album ‘Let It Be’ started a three week run at No.1 on the UK chart, featuring ‘The Long And Winding Road’, ‘Across The Universe’ and ‘Let It Be.’ 1970 – The Grateful Dead gives its first performance outside the U.S., a four-hour set at the Hollywood Rock Festival in the U.K. 1973 – Jefferson Airplane were prevented from giving a free concert in Golden Gate Park when San Francisco authorities passed a resolution banning electronic instruments. The group later wrote ‘We Built this City’ about the ban. 1974 – George Harrison announced the launch of his own record label, ‘Dark Horse.’ 1975 – Led Zeppelin started a three night run at Earl’s Court, London, England. Tickets cost £1 ($1.70) – £2.50 ($4.25). 1978 – Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band kicked off their 117 show Darkness Tour at Shea’s Buffalo in Buffalo, New York. 1979 – Tom Petty files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The filing is partly the result of a dispute with Petty’s record label, which had been purchased by MCA. 1980 – Saxon and Tygers Of Pan Tang kicked off a 22-date UK tour at Bristol Coliston Hall. Tickets, £2.00-£3.00. 1987 – The Beastie Boys and Run DMC opened their UK tour in London. 1991 – Photographer Michael Lavine took what would be the publicity shots for Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’ album at Jay Aaron Studios in Los Angeles. 1992 – A statement issued by Freddie Mercury’s attorneys stated that Mercury had bequeathed the majority of his estate (£10 million/$17 million) to his long-time friend Mary Austin. 2000 – “Binaural,” Pearl Jam’s long-awaited sixth studio album hits U.S. store shelves. 2000 – Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins announces that the Seattle-based rock group will officially break up at year’s end. 2003 – Moody’s Investor Service warns $55 million worth David Bowie Bonds may be downgraded due to the record industry’s sales slump. 2006 – The king of Sweden presented the surviving members of Led Zeppelin with the Polar Music Prize in Stockholm recognising them as “great pioneers” of rock music. 2010 – The Rolling Stones re-release, “Exile On Main Street”, and hit the UK No. 1 Album chart for the first time in 16 years

Today in rock history 22nd May

1950 – Bernie Taupin is born 1954 – Bob Dylan (Robert Allen Zimmerman) has his bar mitzvah. 1958 – Jerry Lee Lewis arrives in London with his 14 year old bride. At Heathrow Airport he is cornered by the press and Jerry answers all their questions concerning his new found Bride and 3rd cousin, Myra Lewis. The arrival was meant to kick off his British tour, but the controversial news so shocked the public that Jerry was forced to cancel the tour! 1962 – Jesse Valenzuela, Gin Blossoms, is born 1965 – The Beatles hit No. 1 with “Ticket To Ride” on the US charts 1966 – Bruce Springsteen, at age 16, begins his songwriting career in the back of a ’61 Mercury en route to a recording studio. He and George Theiss, the lead singer in the Boss’ first band, the Castiles, co-write “That’s What You Get” and “Baby I.” 1971 – The Rolling Stones “Sticky Fingers” Hit No. 1 Today in the US . Artwork for the cover was create by Andy Warhol which consisted of a zipper that when unzipped revealed an image of Joallesandro’s Privates in some briefs and tight jeans. Fan frenzy proceeded believing that the image was really Mic Jagger’s… Oh the humanity. Mic You’re such a tease. Also on the album is the “Tounge and Lip” trademarked design by John Pasche which has become the Rolling Stones Icon. 2002 – Southern California alt-metal band Alien Ant Farm’s tour bus is involved in a highway crash in Spain, resulting in the Deaths of the hired bus driver and injuries to the band and crew. 2006 – Led Zeppelin and conductor/artistic director Valery Gergiev are awarded the 15th annual Polar Music Prize on by His Majesty King Carl Gustaf XVI of Sweden. The prestigious prize is presented during a nationally televised ceremony from Konserthuset, the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra’s concert hall, where the annual Nobel Prize ceremony is held. 2009 – White Stripes drummer Meg White marries Jackson Smith.They tied the knot at ex-husband and bandmate Jack White’s Nashville home 2011 – The end of the world was Heralded in today when Spinal Tap’s drummer, Butch Bangin’, spontaneously exploded today which started a chain reaction that began with all drummers

Today in rock history 21st May

1943 – Born on this day, Vincent Crane, keyboards, The Crazy world of Arthur Brown 1943 – Born on this day, John Dalton, The Kinks 1955 – Born on this day, Stan Lynch, drums, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers 1963 – The Beatles, recorded record two BBC radio programs at the Playhouse Theatre in London. 1971 – UK rock group Free announced that they were splitting up. 1973 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Frankenstein,” The Edgar Winter Group. 1979 – Elton John started a tour of Russia, the first Western star ever to do so. 1980 – Joe Strummer of the Clash is arrested at a Hamburg, West Germany, show after smashing his guitar over the head of an unruly audience member. 1980 – Five Jimi Hendrix Gold discs were stolen from The Electric Ladyland studios in California. 1983 – David Bowie went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Let’s Dance’, his second US No.1, also a No.1 in the UK. 2000 – Scott Weiland, lead singer of Stone Temple Pilots, and model Mary Forsberg, are wed in Los Angeles. 2001 – U2 lead singer Bono and his wife Ali welcome a new baby boy into their family. 2007 – Former singer with Creed, Scott Stapp was arrested at his Florida home and charged with assault. The 33-year-old was held without bail following the charges, which related to a domestic assault.

Today in rock history 20th May

1944 – Joe Cocker (John Cocker) is born in Sheffield 1947 – Born on this day Steve Currie, T Rex 1960 – The Silver Beetles consisting of John, Paul, George, Stu Stucliffe and Tommy Moore play their first tour 1966 – After waiting for John Entwistle and Keith Moon to show for a gig at the Ricky Tick Club in Windsor, England, Roger Daltrey and Pete grab the drummer and bassist from their opening act and proceed to play the night. Keith and John finally arrive in the middle of the set. Harsh words and a fight proceeded until it ended with Pete hit Keith with his guitar. 1968 – On returning from India, The Beatles tape 23 new songs on George Harrison’s 4 track 1969 – Led Zeppelin begins a 3 day recording session at A&R Studios 1970 – The last Beatles film, “Let It Be,” premieres in London. 1977 – The stage show “Beatlemania” opens at the Winter Garden Theater, New York. 1979 – Elton John plays Leningrad and becomes the first Western solo pop star to tour the Soviet Union. 1992 – Aerosmith donates $10,000 to support “Corporal Politics,” a controversial art exhibition at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Funding for the exhibit was denied the previous week by the National Endowment for the Arts because of its graphic images. 1995 – Don Henley married model Sharon Summerall. Guests included Billy Joel, Randy Newman, Sheryl Crow, Sting, Jackson Browne and Bruce Springsteen. 1997 – U2 caused traffic chaos in Kansas City, Missouri after they paid for traffic control to close down five lanes so they could shoot the video for ‘Last Night On Earth’. Apart form major traffic jams a passing Cadillac crashed into a plate glass window trying to avoid a cameraman. 1998 – Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward takes ill and is hospitalized in London. Ward was to join the band for its first European tour since 1978. 1998 – Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee is sentenced to six months in jail and three years’ probation for kicking his soon-to-be ex-wife, onetime “Baywatch” star Pamela Anderson, as she holds their infant son. The verdict also specifies that Lee complete 200 hours of community service and donate $5,000 to a battered women’s shelter. 2001 – R.E.M. started a two-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘Reveal’. 2006 – Heavy metal monsters Lordi became Finland’s first ever Eurovision Song Contest winners after their song Hard Rock Hallelujah won in Athens. 2007 – Linkin Park went to No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘Minutes To Midnight’ the bands fifth Top 20 UK album. Also a US No.1. 2013 – Ray Manzarek of The Doors died on this day

Timesweep 21st May

Another week, another award winning, unbeatable playlist Part 1 1. Squeeze - Take me I'm yours 2. Styx - Renegade 3. Rainbow - Take me I'm yours 4. The Who - Who are you 5. Toto - Hold the line 6. Genesis - Follow you follow me Part 2 1. The Cars - Just what I needed 2. Neil Young - Four strong winds 3. UFO - Only you can rock me 4. Bob Seger - We've got tonight 5. The Sweet - Love is like oxygen Part 3 1. The Kinks - Sunny afternoon 2. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Refugee 3. Whitesnake - Trouble 4. J Giels Band - Freeze frame Part 4 1. Bob Dylan - Like a rolling stone 2. The Band - Stagefright 3. Stevie Nicks - Stand back 4. Jefferson Starship - Find your way back Part 5 1. Prince - Purple rain 2. Queen - Innuendo Part 6 1. The Hollies - Long cool woman in a black dress 2. ZZ Top - Sharp dressed man 3. Elvis Presley - Blue suede shoes 4. Joe Cocker - You can leave your hat on Part 7 1. The Who - I'm a boy 2. The Clash - Rock the casbah 3. Bruce Springsteen - Human touch Part 8 1. Queen - I want it all 2. Van Halen - When it's love 3.Ozzy Osbourne - Flying high again 4. Free - All right now Part 9 1. Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - American girl 2. ACDC - It's a long way to the top 3. Thin Lizzy - The boys are back in town Part 10 1. Rainbow - Stargazer 2. Kiss - Detroit rock city 3. Queen - Good old fashioned lover boy Part 11 1. Peter Frampton - Show me the way 2. Rolling Stones - Fool to cry 3. Bob Dylan - Hurricane 4. Badfinger - Come and get it

Brit Rock 21st May

Another week, another award winning, unbeatable playlist 1. The Eagles - Take it easy 2. Joe Walsh - Life's been good 3. Fragile X - Colorado way of thinking 4. Rush - Closer to the heart 5. Ellipsis - Wasted potential me 6. Morrisey - First of the gang to die 7. Tyrannosaurus Nebulous - Straight jacket 8. Tyrannosaurus Nebulous - TLX 9. Ozzy Osbourne - Goodbye to romance 10. ACDC - Rock and roll ain't a noise pollution 11. Stranglers - Nice and sleazy 12. Pink Floyd - Run like hell 13. Atomic Rooster - Stand by me 14. Lenny Kravitz - Are you gonna go my way 15. David Bowie - Miracle goodnight 16. Manic Street Preachers - Scream to a sigh 17. U2 - Numb 18. Spin Doctors - Two princes 19. Radiohead - Creep 20. Meatloaf - Rock and roll dreams come true 21. Aerosmith - Cryin' 22. Pearl Jam - Daughter 23. Billy Joel - Lullaby (goodnight my angel) 24. Bachman Turner Overdrive - Let it ride 25. Slade - Get down get with it Hour three is connections. Every song connected to the next 1. Bob Dylan - Rainy day women 2. Travelling Wilburys - Handle with care 3. Grateful Dead - Touch of grey 4. Steve Miller Band - The joker 5. The Clash - Should I stay or should I go 6. White Stripes - 7 nation army 7. The Easybeats - Friday on my mind 8. Gary Moore - Over the hills and far away 9. Joan Jett - I hate myself for loving you 10. Lita Ford - Kiss me deadly 11. Ozzy Osbourne - Goodbye to romance 12. Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Blinded by the light 13. Giirlschool - Race with the devil

Today in rock history 19th May

1945 – Pete Townshend, lead guitarist/songwriter of the Who, is born in London. 1947 – Greg Herbert of Blood Sweat & Tears is born 1960 – Alan Freed is indicted for accepting payola 1965 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Ticket to Ride,” The Beatles. It is the first Beatles single to feature Paul McCartney on lead guitar. 1979 – Eric Clapton marries George Harrison’s ex-wife, Patti Boyd. Harrison, Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney are among the musicians who perform at the wedding reception. 1984 – On this day, Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon has been on the American charts for 10 years solid. 2000 – At Joe’s Pub in New York, former Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft debuts a host of tracks from his forthcoming solo album, “Alone With Everybody.” 2000 – Folk trio Peter, Paul & Mary celebrate their 40th year together with a U.S. tour that kicks off with a three night stand in Las Vegas. 2000 – The Allman Brothers announce that founding guitarist Dickey Betts will not be a part of the veteran Southern rockers’ summer tour. In a statement, the band says, “sadly, there are creative differences.” 2000 – Three ex-members of the Dead Kennedys are awarded approximately $220,000 in damages after a San Francisco jury finds that band leader Jello Biafra (real name Eric Reed Boucher) failed to pay them back royalties or to promote their catalogue. 2004 – The Strokes play a homecoming show at New York’s Central Park, covering Guided By Voices’ “A Salty Salute.” 2010 – Radio Station, “Absolute Classic Rock” names, “Stairway to heaven” the UK’s favorite classic rock song 2012 – Van Halen postpones over 30 concert dates in the US.

Today in rock history 18th May

1911 – Big Joe Turner is born in Kansas City, Mo. His shouting blues inspired rock singers like Elvis Presley and Little Richard. 1942 – Albert Hammond, who wrote the meteorologically misleading “It Never Rains in Southern California,” is born in London. He also wrote “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” for Starship with Diane Warren. 1949 – Keyboardist Rick Wakeman of Yes is born in London. 1949 – William Wallace, Guess Who, is born 1963 – Bob Dylan duets with Joan Baez on “With God on Our Side” at the Monterey Folk Festival. 1963 – The Beatles begin their third U.K. tour supporting Roy Orbison. By the end of the 21-date tour, the fast-rising band was the headliner. 1964 – David Frost interviews Paul McCartney on the BBC show A Degree of Frost. 1965 – Here’s a Grammy Awards ceremony to remember. After Peter Sellers presents the Beatles with the Best Performance by a Vocal Group trophy, John Lennon leads the band in an a cappella rendition of “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary.” 1966 – It’s Bruce Springsteen’s first day at a recording studio as the Castiles (of which the Boss is a member) cut their song “That’s What You Get.” 1968 – The Doors, the Animals, Jefferson Airplane, Big Brother & the Holding Company, Country Joe & the Fish, and Taj Mahal all play the Northern California Folk Rock Festival. 1969 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Get Back,” The Beatles. 1972 – According to today’s New York Times, the Beatles have agreed to split the fortune they accrued in their partnership. Paul McCartney says they’ve come to this arrangement to free up the $17 million that was frozen as they sued one another. 1979 – Journey host The Midnight Special, with special guests the Jacksons and Herbie Hancock. 1982 – Joe Strummer reappears after fleeing the Clash and moving to Paris for a month. He claims his disappearance was due to exhaustion and doubts about his career. 1993 – Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS are given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 2003 – Aussie rockers INXS play a gig at a Singapore restaurant to prove the country is safe despite the outbreak of the deadly SARS virus. 2005 – Dave Matthews Band top the album charts with Stand Up, while Weezer’s Make Believe debuts beneath the jam rockers at No. 2. 2011 – Roger Waters performs “The Wall Live” in London at the 02 Arena.! The show was sold out.

Today in rock history 17th May

1948 – Prog-rock drummer Bill Bruford is born in Sevenoaks, 1963 – The Monterey Folk Festival opens with Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Peter, Paul & Mary, and Pete Seeger 1965 – Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor is born today in Mercer, Pa. 1967 – The Bob Dylan documentary Don’t Look Back debuts at San Francisco’s Presidio Theatre. 1968 – Wonderwall, a psychedelic film with soundtrack by George Harrison, premieres at the Cannes Film Festival. 1969 – Chicago release their double debut album, Chicago Transit Authority. 1974 – ABC broadcasts the Elton John special Say Goodbye to Norma Jean and Other Things, during which the singer plays “Candle in the Wind” and “Rocket Man.”. 1975 – Elton John picks up a platinum disc for Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. The album is the first to sell a million copies on its first day of release. 1975 – Mick Jagger needs 20 stitches in his hand after putting it through the window of a restaurant in Montauk, N.Y. 1978 – Lou Reed begins a week-long stand at New York’s Bottom Line club. The concerts are taped for his live album Take No Prisoners. 1980 – Drummer Peter Criss left Kiss and was replaced by Eric Carr 1981 – Appearing at Bingley Hall, Stafford, England, Whitesnake 1987 – A fire sweeps through Tom Petty’s Encino, Calif., mansion, causing a million dollars in damage 1989 – Former Rolling Stone Bill Wyman’s first Sticky Fingers restaurant opened in London. 1989 – At the Cannes Film Festival, Roger Daltrey announces that he intends to pursue the study of Chinese medicine. 1990 – Nirvana played the last date of a North American tour at the Zoo in Boise, Idaho. This was Chad Channing’s final gig with the band, 1992 – A sore throat forces Phil Collins to abandon a Genesis gig in Tampa, Fla., after only two songs. 2003 – Stone Temple Pilot singer Scott Weiland is arrested after police stop him for driving without lights shortly before midnight in L.A. Cocaine and heroin is found in his car. 2008 – Amy Winehouse and Pete Doherty posted a two-minute clip of themselves playing with newborn mice on Youtube. The video showed Doherty and Winehouse in a bare room, making rambling comments, picking up the mice and talking to them.

Today in rock history 16th May

1946 – Born on this day, Robert Fripp, King Crimson, 1947 – Born on this day, Darrell Sweet, Nazareth 1964 – Born on this day, Boyd Tinsley, violinist, Dave Matthews Band, 1986 – Guitarist Robert Fripp married one time punk singer Toyah 1986 – Caitlin O’Riordan of the Pogues marries Elvis Costello in Dublin, Ireland. 1987 – David Crosby married his long time girlfriend Jan Danceon 1999 – Jean Davis, co-founder of the Glastonbury Festival dies of cancer. He is 60. 2010 - Ronnie James Dio passes away. 2011 – Celebrated rock band ‘TOTO’ will perform a rare concert at London’s HMV Hammersmith Apollo on Sunday 26th June, 2011.

Today in rock history 15th May

1948 – Brian Eno (Brian Peter George St. John le Baptiste de la Salle Eno) is born in Suffolk, 1951 – Dennis Fredericksen (Toto) is born this day 1953 – Mike Oldfield is born in Reading. 1965 – The Byrds release their first single, “Mr. Tambourine Man.” Written by Bob Dylan. 1967 – Paul McCartney visits the Bag O’ Nails club in London to see Georgie Fame perform. The same night he meets Linda Eastman for the first time. 1968 – At a press conference, Paul McCartney and John Lennon say they’ve ended their association with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. 1970 – In the new releases section of the local record store is the self-titled debut from the mighty Black Sabbath. 1970 – A Pink Floyd concert at London’s Crystal Palace is so loud it kills fish in a nearby lake. 1971 – Paul McCartney releases his album Ram. 1974 – Ahmet, son of Frank Zappa and bald MTV host, is born. 1974 – Bill Wyman releases the first solo album by a Rolling Stone, Monkey Grip. 1975 – Fleetwood Mac debut their new lineup in El Paso, Texas. It’s the first incarnation of the band that includes Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, and John and Christine McVie. 1976 – Rolling Stones: Black and Blue US LP is the no. 1 chart topper 1980 – Sex Pistols film The Great Rock and Roll Swindle released. 1981 – John Lydon with his band Public Image Ltd get booed offstage at New York’s Ritz Club. Lydon posed behind a screen while his band shadow synced to a tape. 1982 – Asia US LP by the band with the same name is the no. 1 chart topper 1994 – Singers Sting and Nancy Wilson receive honorary doctorates from the Berklee College of Music in Boston. 1995 – Stone Temple Pilot Scott Weiland is arrested in Pasadena, Calif., on charges of drug possession. 1997 – Rock winces as the Muzak company announces it will turn four Kiss songs into elevator-friendly instrumentals. 1997 – Courtney Love sold the Seattle mansion she shared with Kurt Cobain. 2000 – Free, one of the U.K.’s best-respected rock bands, is celebrated with the U.K. release of a five-CD box set. 2000 – Sweden’s King Carl XVI presents Isaac Stern and Bob Dylan each with the Polar Music Prize at Stockholm’s Berwaldhallen venue. 2001 – Megadeth release their tenth album The World Needs a Hero, their first on new label Sanctuary. 2003 – The Police’s former road manager, Kim Turner, dies of cancer. He was also the brother of Wishbone Ash founders Martin and Glenn Turner. 2004 – Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder plays a surprise five-song solo set at Seattle’s Showbox club, as part of a benefit concert that raised approximately $16,000 for the local chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. 2004 – The Beastie Boys play a secret show for fans at London’s ICA to promote their new album To the 5 Boroughs. 2005 – Nine Inch Nails hit No.1 on the US album chart with “With Teeth”

Today in rock history 14th May

Today in rock history Saturday 14th May 1943 – Bassist Jack Bruce of Cream is born today in Lanarkshire, Scotland. 1952 – David Byrne, lead singer of the Talking Heads, is born in Dumbarton, Scotland. 1955 – “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Haley & the Comets first enters the top 40. It would become the first No. 1 record of the rock era. 1956 – Buddy Holly’s optometrist has him try contact lenses, but Holly decides he didn’t like them, and sticks with his famous glasses. 1962 – Ian Astbury, the wolf child of the Cult, is born in the badlands of Heswall, England. 1963 – Poison guitarist C.C. DeVille is born in Brooklyn, N.Y. 1964 – London Records prepares giant promotion – ‘Watch Out USA Here They are! The Rolling Stones! They’re great! They’re outrageous! They’re rebels! They sell! They’re England’s hottest – but hottest group!’ 1966 – Mike Inez, Alice In Chains, Ozzy Osbourne, is born 1968 – Paul McCartney and John Lennon make a guest appearance on The Tonight Show to announce the creation of Apple Corps. 1976 – Keith Relf of the Yardbirds dies of electrocution at the age of 33. 1988 – Atlantic Records’ 40th anniversary celebration at New York’s Madison Square Garden sees the surviving members of Led Zeppelin reunited with John Bonham’s son Jason on drums. 1993 – Sold at a sale at Christies, London, four ‘Super Hero’, Costumes worn by the group Kiss, for £20,000. 1998 – Ticketmaster group reports it sold 522,926 tickets worth 19.5 million over its Internet site, Ticketmaster Online, during the first quarter of the year. 2003 – Former Faith No More frontman Mike Patton says his band Mr. Bungle “is over.” 2008 – Metallica kicked off a 26-date North American and European tour at the Wiltern Theatre, Los Angeles, California.

Today in rock history 13th May

1941 – Joe Brown was that rarity – an English rock ‘n’ roll guitarist whose early singles influenced a young Paul McCartney. He is born today in Lincolnshire. 1945 – “Magic” Dick Salwitz of the J. Geils Band is born in New London, Conn. 1946 – Bassist Danny Klein of the J. Geils Band is born in New York City. 1950 – Danny Kirwan, guitarist and vocalist in early incarnations of Fleetwood Mac, is born. 1966 – Darius Carlos Rucker, lead singer of Hootie & The Blowfish, is born in Charleston, S.C. 1966 – The Kinks record “Sunny Afternoon.” 1966 – The Rolling Stones release the future No. 1 “Paint It Black.” 1970 – The Beatles documentary Let It Be premieres in New York. 1971 – Jefferson Airplane call a halt to recording their latest album after Grace Slick crashes her Mercedes in San Francisco. 1983 – Iron Maiden unleash Piece of Mind. 1985 – Bruce Springsteen marries actress Julianne Phillips in Lake Oswego, Ore. They divorce in 1989. 1993 – The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bette Midler and Barry White lend their voices to the season finale of the Fox animated comedy series “The Simpsons.” 2004 – Courtney Love pleads not guilty to assault charges, then holds a press conference in the Manhattan Criminal Court ladies restroom. She is alleged to have hit a fan over the head with a mic stand during a New York club show. 2004 – KISS’ Gene Simmons comes under fire from the Australian Muslim community after branding the Islamic culture “vile” in a Melbourne radio interview. 2007 – Brian May was under 24-hour security watch after a deranged man announced he was setting off to murder him – then disappeared. Police were hunting for a schizophrenic who left a letter behind at his home blaming the Queen guitarist for his illness. In it the man – said May was an “impostor” and that HE was the real rock star. He signed the letter “Brian May.” 2011 – Rolling Stone Magazine voted “Like A Rolling Stone” by Bob Dylan as the best ever song.

Brit Rock 14th May

Brit Rock 14th May Another fine show can be sampled and enjoyed by going to www.dominicforbes.co.nr/ 1. Rolling Stones - Sympathy for the devil 2. Pink Floyd - Another brick in the wall part 2 3. Them - Baby please don't go 4. Paul McCartney - Live and let die 5. Strange Fruit - All over the world 6. ACDC - You shook me all night long 7. Letters To Cleo - Cruel to be kind 8. Van Halen - Humans being 9. Bob Seger - Against the wind 10. The Beatles - I should have known better 11. The Beatles - I'll be back 12. The Band - Stagefright 13. Nirvana - Come as you are 14. Slade - We'll bring the house down 15. Rainbow - I surrender 16. Dio - Rainbow in the dark 17. Heel - Nothing new 18. The Primitives - Crash 19. The Senton Bombs - Train Wreck 20. Tremonti - Dust 21. Radiohead - Creep 22. Sleeper - Sale of the century 23. The Cranberries - Zombie 24. The Who - Behind blue eyes 25. Led Zeppelin - Babe I'm gonna leave you It's an hour of accoustic rock for hour three 1. Rod Stewart - Every picture tells a story 2. Neil Young - Transformer man 3. Queen - Love of my life 4. Al Stewart - On the border 5. Jimmy Buffet - Margaretaville 6. Dr John - Such a night 7. Bon Jovi - You give love a bad name 8. The Beatles - Here comes the sun 9. Eric Clapton - Rolling and tumbling 10. 10,000 Maniacs - What's happening here 11. Joe Jackson - Happy ending 12. Stealers Wheel - Star 13. Simon & Garfunkel - The sound of silence 14. The Kinks - Waterloo sunset 15. Billy Joel - You're my home 16. Bob Dylan - Blowing in the wind 17. Randy Rhodes - Dee

Timesweep 14th May

Timesweep 14th May Another fine show can be sampled and enjoyed by going to www.dominicforbes.co.nr/ Part 1 1. The Eagles - One of these nights 2. David Bowie - Fame 3. Kiss - Rock and roll all night 4. Pink Floyd - Wish you were here 5. Rainbow - 16th century greensleeves 6. Bad Company - Feel like making love Part 2 1. Bob Dylan - Tangled up in blue 2. Aerosmith - Sweet emotion 3. The Who - Squeeze box 4. Led Zeppelin - Houses of the holy 5. Paul McCartney - Band on the run Part 3 1. The Rolling Stones - We love you 2. Supertramp - The logical song 3. Free - A little bit of love 4. Steve Miller Band - Swingtown Part 4 1. Kiss - Cold gin 2. George Thoroughgood - One bourbon one scotch one beer 3. John Lee Hooker - Whiskey and women Part 5 1. Led Zeppelin - What is and what should never be 2. Kiss - Heaven's on fire 3. Van Halen - Panama 4. Van Halen - Eruption Part 6 1. Status Quo - Something 'bout you baby I like 2. Styx - The best of times 3. Gillan - New Orleans 4. ACDC - For those about to rock Part 7 1. Foreigner - Juke box hero 2. Genesis - Abacab 3. Journey - Who's crying now Part 8 1. Rainbow - Can't happen here 2. The Who - You better you bet 3. Blue Oyster Cult - Joan Crawford Part 9 1.The Scorpions - The zoo 2. Ted Nugent - Cat scratch fever 3. Led Zeppelin - Black dog 4. Jefferson Airplane - White rabbit Part 10 1. Black Sabbath - War pigs 2. Heart - Barracuda 3. Rolling Stones - Wild horses Part 11 1. Steve Miller Band - Fly like an eagle 2. Lynyrd Skynyrd - Freebird

Today in rock history 12th May

1946 – Born on this day, Ian McLagan, keyboards, Small Faces. 1948 – Steve Winwood is born in Birmingham 1950 – Billy Squier is born 1954 – Barry Borden, drummer, Molly Hatchet, is born 1958 – Born on this day, Eric Singer, drummer, Kiss. 1963 – When CBS refuses to let him play “Talking John Birch Paranoid Blues,” Bob Dylan storms off The Ed Sullivan Show. 1967 – Pink Floyd play London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, one of their first concerts to experiment with quadraphonic sound. The band composes a song for the Games for May event, which later becomes “See Emily Play.” 1970 – The Grateful Dead release Workingman’s Dead. 1971 – Mick Jagger and Bianca Perez-Mora marry in St. Tropez, France. 1979 – In San Francisco, Jefferson Starship play another free concert, this time introducing new singer Mickey Thomas. 1983 – MeatLoaf files for bankruptcy. 1990 – Former Eagles Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Timothy B. Schmit play together at a Los Angeles rock ‘n’ roll convention. 2000 – Thieves steal the gates to Liverpool, England’s Strawberry Fields. The children’s home inspired the John Lennon song. A scrap dealer later turns in the gates to the police. 2006 – Sum-41’s guitarist Dave “Brownsound” Baksh announces he is leaving the band to pursue a metal direction with his band Brown Brigade. 2008 – Neil Young gets a spider named after him. Jason Bond, a biologist at East Carolina University, named a newly discovered arachnid, Myrmekiaphila neilyoungi. 2010 – Rocker Scott Weiland refuses to feel bitter about his dismissal from Velvet Revolver, insisting he wishes his former band mates “all the best.” Weiland was kicked out of the group in April 2008 following a series of arguments with founders Slash, Matt Sorum and Duff McKagan. 2011 – Lou Reed has just announced that he will release a live DVD of his historic performance at Lollapalooza in Chicago in 2009. 2011 – Kings of Leon frontman Caleb Followill married Victoria’s Secret model Lily Aldridge

Today in rock history 11th May

1935 – Kit Lambert, who helped introduced the Who’s Pete Townshend to the mod phenomenon as the band’s manager, is born. He also produced albums like The Who Sell Out and Tommy. 1941 – Eric Burdon of The Animals is born in Tyneside, 1947 – Allman Brothers Band drummer Butch Trucks is born in Jacksonville, Fla. 1963 -The English music press is picking up on the Rolling Stones. In today’s New Record Mirror appears an article headlined “The Rolling Stones – Genuine R&B.” 1964 – The Rolling Stones are refused lunch at a hotel in Bristol, England, because they are not wearing jackets and ties. 1967 – The Beatles cut “Baby You’re a Rich Man” at Olympia Studios. It’s the first time they’ve recorded outside of Abbey Road. 1967 – Jimi Hendrix hits UK chart with The Wind cries Mary. 1970 – The Who release Live at Leeds. The Beatles release their single “The Long and Winding Road.” Both compete in the shops with the Woodstock soundtrack. 1972 – In a TV interview with Dick Cavett, John Lennon says he thinks the FBI is tapping his phone as part of a plan to have him deported from the U.S. 1974 – Backstage at Elvis’ L.A. Forum concert, the King meets rising combo Led Zeppelin. Robert Plant and Presley sing “Love Me” together. 1975 – Gregg Allman, a future Mr. Cher, appears on her TV variety show. 1977 – Iggy Pop releases ‘The Idiot’ and it hits #30 in the UK and #32 in the US. The album is produced by David Bowie. 1981 – Reggae star Bob Marley dies of cancer in a Miami hospital at the age of 36. 1995 – Jimmie Vaughan, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Buddy Guy and Robert Cray reunite for a tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan in Austin, Texas, the late blues guitarist’s hometown 1996 – During a Smashing Pumpkins concert at a Dublin rock club, a girl is crushed to death in the mosh pit. 2003 – Rock musician Noel Redding, best known for his stint as the bassist of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, is found dead at his home in Ireland of unknown causes. He is 57. 2005 – Nine Inch Nails’ With Teeth debuts at No. 1, and a rare smile cracks Trent Reznor’s face.

Today in rock history 10th May

1944 – Dave Mason, who went from being a road manager for the Spencer Davis Group to guitarist with Traffic, is born. 1946 – Born on this day, Donovan. 1947 – Born on this day, Dave Mason, guitar, Traffic 1957 –Moron, I mean punk rocker Sid Vicious (John Simon Ritchie) is born in London. 1960 – The Silver Beetles audition for a spot supporting Billy Fury on This Day in Rock. The group consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Stuart Sutcliffe, and Tommy Moore. 1960 – Bono (Paul Hewson) of U2 is born in Dublin, Ireland. 1963 – The Rolling Stones recorded ‘Come On’ 1965 – Bassist Krist Novoselic of Nirvana is born. 1966 – A year after returning to her home state of Texas from San Francisco, Janis Joplin heads west again. She was summoned by Chet Helms, a friend who is now managing Big Brother & the Holding Company. 1967 – Mick Jagger and Keith Richards appear in court on charges of drug possession in Chichester, England. They plead not guilty and elect to go to trial. The same day, fellow Rolling Stone Brian Jones is arrested on charges of unlawful possession of drugs. 1968 – Jim Morrison of the Doors incites an audience riot during a Chicago concert, then escapes backstage as the crowd battles with police. 1969 – The Who debut the Tommy tour in Detroit Michigan 1969 – The Moody Blues started a two-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘On The Threshold Of A Dream’ 1970 – David Bowie won the Ivor Novello Award for “Space Oddity” 1974 – A party to celebrate the launch of Led Zeppelin’s Swan Song label at Los Angeles’ Bel Air Hotel ends with the guests tossing food and chinaware at one another. 1985 – The Go-Go’s announce their breakup. 1986 – Drummer Tommy Lee of Motley Crue marries actress Heather Locklear. 1994 – Linda McCartney unveils a line of frozen meatless dinners at a Chicago press conference.Yuk. 2000 – Courtney Love is among those participating in the Million Mom March on Washington, D.C. Love is campaigning on behalf of gun control. 2006 – Great White tour manager Daniel Biechele is sentence to four years in jail after pleading guilty to 100 counts of involuntary manslaughter 2006 – Panic! at the Disco announce that bassist Brent Wilson is leaving the band. Later the rising emo group will claim Wilson never played a note on their hit album A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out. 2011 – Accept guitarist Herman Frank punctures a lung 2011 – The Cars release ‘Move like this’ on CD

Today in rock history 9th May

1944 – Richie Furay of Buffalo Springfield and Poco is born in Yellow Springs, Ohio. 1945 – Born on this day, Steve Katz, guitar, vocals, Blood Sweat & Tears, 1949 – Billy Joel is born in Hicksville, Long Island, N.Y. 1950 – Born on this day, Tom Petersson, bass, vocals, Cheap Trick 1963 – Paul McCartney meets Jane Asher after Beatles’ Albert Hall gig. 1964 – Chuck Berry starts his first U.K. tour in London, supported by the Animals, Carl Perkins and the Nashville Teens. 1965 – During a UK tour Bob Dylan played the first of two sold out nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall. 1969 – Beatles guitarist George Harrison’s experimental album Electronic Sounds was released on Zapple records. 1970 – Guess Who: American Woman US 45 is no. 1 chart topper. 1973 – Mick Jagger makes official donation of $350,000 to aid victims of Nicaraguan earthquake, adding £150,000 of his own money to the receipts of Stones benefit concert at La Forum. 1974 – Bruce Springsteen’s performance at Boston’s Harvard Square Theatre prompts Jon Landau to say: ‘I have seen the future of rock and roll and his name is Bruce Springsteen.’ 1975 – Born on this day, Ryan ‘Nik’ Vikedal, drums, Nickelback. 1980 – Supertramp’s ‘The Logical Song’ won Best Song Musically and Lyrically at the 25th Ivor Novello Awards held in London. 1987 – Starship: Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now UK 45 is no. 1 chart topper! 1991 – Bill Wyman divorces his rather young bride, Mandy Smith. 1992 – Bruce Springsteen made his North American network television debut on Saturday Night Live. 1998 – Puff Daddy and Jimmy Page are musical guests on “Saturday Night Live.” The two perform their collaboration “Come To Me,” which borrows heavily from Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir.” 2004 – The No. 1 album is Guns N’ Roses’ Greatest Hits.

Today in rock history 8th May

1940 – Ricky Nelson (Eric Hilliard Nelson) is born in Teaneck, N.J. 1943 – Paul Samwell-Smith (The Yardbirds) is born this day 1953 – Billy Burnette (Fleetwood Mac) is born 1955 – Alex Van Halen (Van Halen) is born this day 1968 – T. Rex debut on UK chart with Deborah. 1969 – John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr signed a business management contract with Allen Klein and his company ABKCO, but Paul McCartney refused to sign, continuing to let the Eastmans represent his interests. 1970 – The Let It Be album is released 1971 – Rolling Stones: Sticky Fingers UK LP is no. 1 chart topper 1976 – BBC Radio 1 DJ Johnny Walker announced he was quitting the station after being told he must pretend to like The Bay City Rollers. 1976 – Rolling Stones’ Black and Blue hits UK LP chart. 1993 – Aerosmith’s “Get a Grip” enters The Chart Toppers 200 top pop album chart at No. 1., becoming the group’s highest-debuting album and highest-charting album ever. 1993 – Mark Knopfler received an honorary music doctorate from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, England. 1996 – A Los Angeles judge ruled against Tommy Lee and wife Pamela Anderson in their bid to keep Penthouse magazine from publishing still photos from an X-rated home movie that was stolen from their home. 1996 – Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen has spousal battery charges refiled against him in Los Angeles. He had failed to finish a substance abuse counseling program, one of the conditions of the 1995 charges being dropped. 2005 – Bruce Springsteen was at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Devils and Dust’ his 13th No.1 studio album. 2006 – A British judge rules that Apple Computers did not break an agreement with The Beatles – who own the Apple label – not to enter the music with their iPod and iTunes stores. 2006 – Eric Clapton kicked off a 12 date UK tour at the SECC in Glasgow, Scotland. 2006 – The Rolling Stones called off their forthcoming European tour after guitarist Keith Richards underwent emergency brain surgery. The 62 year-old guitarist suffered “mild concussion” when he fell out of a coconut tree on holiday in Fiji.

Today in rock history 7th May

1946 – Bill Kreutzmann, drummer for the Grateful Dead is born 1950 – Prairie Prince, drummer for The Tubes is born 1961 – Phil Campbell (Motorhead) is born 1964 – Chuck Berry’s No Particular Place to Go hits UK chart. 1967 – Jimi Hendrix played two shows at London’s Saville Theatre. Ringo Starr, Brian Jones and members of The Beach Boys and The Moody Blues were in the audience. 1967 – Bob Dylan gives his first interview since his 1966 motorcycle accident to the Daily News. 1970 – During a North American tour Pink Floyd appeared at Pauley Pavilion, at the University of California in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. 1972 – Reginald Dwight changed his name by Deed poll to Elton Hercules John. 1977 – The Eagles went to No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘Hotel California’, the groups fourth US No.1, a No.8 hit in the UK. 1978 – David Bowie played the first of three nights on his Low / Heroes world tour at Madison Square Garden in New York City. 1986 – John Mellencamp protests with farmers before the Farmers Home Administration office in Chillicothe, Mo. 1991 – At a Court in Macon, Georgia a local couple lose their case against Ozzy Osbourne. They claimed that their son was inspired to attempt suicide by Ozzy’s music. 1992 – A leather Jacket worn by John Lennon during 1960-1963, was sold at Christies, London, for £24,200. 1994 – Aerosmith played the first of seven nights at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, Japan, during their 245 date Get A Grip world tour. 1998 – Steve Perry leaves Journey a second time after the band decides to tour without the lead singer, who is suffering from back trouble. 2003 – London’s Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) formally cautions Pete Townshend for “accessing a Web site containing child abuse images” in 1999. 2003 – Fleetwood Mac kick off their tour in support of Say You Will in Columbus, Ohio. 2011 – AC/DC refuses to allow their songs for download

Today in rock history 6th May

1945 – Bob Seger is born in Dearborn, Mich. 1965 – In their Clearwater, Florida hotel room, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards work out opening riff of the song Satisfaction, following Richard’s purchase of a Gibson fuzz-box. 1967 – The Who’s Keith Moon gives an interview in which he advises, “To get your playing more forceful, hit the drums harder.” 1967 – Mark Williams Ryan, guitarist for & The Blowfish, is born in Silver Spring, Md. 1971 – Chris Shiflett is born on This Day in rock! He is the guitarist for the Foo Fighters. 1978 – Foreigner debut on UK chart with Feels Like the First Time. 1984 – Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson record “State of Shock.” 1993 – Jerry Lee Lewis’ home in Mississippi is raided by federal agents when it’s discovered the Killer has neglected to pay $1.6 million in taxes. 1997 – The first Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony is held in Cleveland. Among those inducted are Crosby, Stills & Nash, the Jackson 5, the Bee Gees, Buffalo Springfield, Joni Mitchell, the Young Rascals, and Parliament-Funkadelic (meaning George Clinton). 2000 – Hoosier native son John Mellencamp delivers the commencement address to the Indiana University senior class. John Mellencamp addresses Indiana University’s Class of 2000. “Take the pressure off yourself,” he says. “I’m not talking about being lazy. I’m talking about taking time for yourself and finding out who the hell you are. 2001 – Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich and his wife Skylar welcome a baby boy into their family. 2004 – David Bowie cancels a scheduled concert in Miami after a local stagehand falls to his death at the James L. Knight Center prior to the performance. 2004 – A sale at Christie’s in London became the most successful pop auction in the company’s history after Beatles memorabilia sold for a record £788,643. The auction included a leather collar worn by John Lennon which sold for £117,250. 2005 – Audioslave becomes the first U.S. rock act to perform a free outdoor concert in Cuba when the group performs at La Tribuna in Havana, which can accommodate as many as 1 million spectators. 2005 – US coffee shop chain Starbucks banned the sale of Bruce Springsteen’s latest album Devils and Dust over concerns about its adult content. The retailer – which stocked CDs at its branches in the US – said it would be promoting other albums instead. 2006 – W. Axl Rose announces on Eddie Trunk’s syndicated radio show that the long-awaited Guns N’ Roses album Chinese Democracy will be released this fall. 2006 – Pink Floyd reaches the staggering plane of 1,500 weeks on the Chart Toppers charts with its record setting 1973 album “Dark Side of the Moon.”

Today in rock history 5th May

1948 – Bill Ward (Black Sabbath) is born this day 1963 – On a recommendation by George Harrison, Dick Rowe Head of A&R at Decca records, (and the man who turned down The Beatles), went to see The Rolling Stones play at Crawdaddy Club, London. The band were signed to the label within a week. 1965 – Alan Price announces he is leaving the Animals at the peak of their popularity. He is replaced by Dave Rowberry. 1968 – Buffalo Springfield disbands. 1969 – Creedence Clearwater Revival releases their hit “Bad Moon Rising,” 1970 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “American Woman,” Guess Who. 1973 – David Bowie scored his first UK No.1 album when ‘Aladdin Sane’ started a five-week run at the top, featuring the single ‘Drive In Saturday’. 1973 – At Tampa Stadium in Florida, 56,800 Led Zeppelin fans see Led Zeppelin. The band grosses $309,000. At the time the show set a record for the largest paying crowd at an American rock concert. 1984 – Simple Minds singer Jim Kerr married Chrissie Hynde in a horse drawn carriage in Central Park, New York. 1986 – Ahmet Ertegun announces that Cleveland will be the site of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 1990 – A tribute concert to John Lennon organized by his widow Yoko Ono draws less than one-third of the expected 45,000 fans in Liverpool, England. 1990 – During a North American tour Nirvana appeared at the Einstein-A-Go-Go in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. 1995 – Former Guns N’ Roses drummer Steven Adler was arrested on a felony count of possession of heroin, as well as two misdemeanour drug charges. 1996 – Rage Against The Machine went to No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Evil Empire’. 1997 – Bruce Springsteen is awarded Sweden’s Polar Music Prize. It’s considered the musical equivalent of the Nobel Prize. 2002 – Two disc jockeys from Denver’s KRFX-FM, Rick Lewis and Michael Floorwax, stopped a live radio interview with Detroit rocker Ted Nugent after he used derogatory racial terms for Asians and Blacks. The station received dozens of complaints. 2005 – Bruce Springsteen tops the U.S. album charts with Devils & Dust, a largely acoustic offering not featuring his E Street Band.

Timesweep 7th May

The highly entertaining classic rock show for the masses airs around now. Find a station by going to www.dominicforbes.co.nr/ Part 1 1. The Sweet - Ballroom blitz 2. Led Zeppelin - Dancing days 3. Genesis - I can't dance 4. Bruce Springsteen - Dancing in the dark 5. Tom Petty - Mary Jane's last dance Part 2 1. Van Halen - Dance the night away 2. David Bowie - John I'm only dancing 3. Thin Lizzy - Dancing in the moonlight 4. Billy Idol - Dancing with myself 5. Poison - Your mama don't dance 6. Aerosmith - Your mama don't dance 7. Meatloaf - Two out of three ain't bad Part 3 1. Queen - Killer queen 2. Redbone - Witch queen of New Orleans 3. Dave Edmunds - Queen of hearts 4. Bob Dylan - Queen Jane approximately 5. The Who - Acid queen 6. Mountain - Mississipi queen Part 4 1. Grateful Dead - Casey Jones 2. Motorhead - Killed by death 3. Yardbirds - For your love 4. Fleetwood Mac - Save me Part 5 1. Van Halen - Hot for teacher 2. Buffalo Springfield - For what it's worth 3. Cheap Trick - |If you want my love Part 6 1. Rolling Stones - Paint it black 2. Bon Jovi - I'll be there for you 3. The Guess Who - American woman Part 7 1. Creedence Clearwater Revival - Have you ever seen the rain 2. Blind Melon - No rain 3. The Who - Love reign o'er me 4. Guns 'N' Roses - November rain Part 8 1. Bob Dylan - Hurricane 2. Genesis - Jesus he knows me Part 9 1. Slade - Run run away 2. Foreigner - That was yesterday 3. Chicago - Along comes a woman 4. Queen - Hammer to fall Part 10 1. Deep Purple - Perfect strangers 2. Bon Jovi - Runaway 3. Russ Ballard - Voices 4. Huey Lewis & The News - If this is it Part 11 1. ZZ Top - Legs 2. Sammy Hagar - I can't drive 55 3. Alan Parsons Project - Don't answer me 4. Billy Idol - Flesh for fantasy

Brit Rock 7th May

The highly entertaining mainstream rock show for the masses airs around now. Find a station by going to www.dominicforbes.co.nr/ 1. Roxy Music - A song for Europe 2. Nightwish - Over the hills and far away 3. Lordi - Hard rock hallelujah 4. Focus - Hocus pocus 5. Trust - Anti social 6. Scorpions - No one like you 7. Deep Purple - Knocking at your back door 8. Argent - Hold your head up 9. U2 - The fly 10. The Police - Synchronicity 2 11. Motley Crue - Nona 12. Quireboys - 7 'o clock 13. Rush - Time stands still 14. The Doors - Love me two times 15. Pink Floyd - Time 16. Joe Bonamassa - Blues of desperation 17. Joe Bonamassa - Different shades of blue 18. Reef - How I got over 19. Reef - Place your hands 20. Disturbed - Sound of silence 21. Disturbed - Land of confusion 22. Genesis - Land of confusion 23. Genesis - Duke's intro It's an hour of cover versions for hour three 1. Metallica - Whiskey in the jar 2. Thin Lizzy - Rosalie 3. Jimi Hendrix - All along the watchtower 4. Eric Clapton - Knocking on heaven's door 5. Joe Cocker - With a little help from my friends 6. Peter Frampton - While my guitar gently weeps 7. Black Crowes - Hard to handle 8. The Stranglers - Walk on by 9. Guns 'N' Roses - Live and let die 10. Johnny Cash - Hurt 11. Muse - Feeling good 12. Van Halen - You really got me 13. The Jam - David Watts

Today in rock history 4th May

1942 – Born on this day, Ronnie Bond, The Troggs. 1945, Born on this day, George Wadenius, Blood Sweat & Tears. 1949 – Born on this day, Zal Cleminson, guitar, Sensational Alex Harvey Band. 1951 – Born on this day, Mick Mars (real name Bob Deal), Motley Crue. 1951 – Born on this day, Bruce Day, Santana. 1967 – The Jimi Hendrix Experience appeared on UK TV’s Top Of The Pops’. 1970 – Four students at Kent University were killed and eleven wounded by National Guard troops at a campus demonstration protesting the escalation of the Vietnam War. The incident inspired Neil Young to compose ‘Ohio’ which became a hit for Crosby Stills Nash & Young. 1972 – Born on this day, Mike Dirnt, bass, Green Day 1973 – Led Zeppelin opened their 1973 North American tour, which was billed as the ‘biggest and most profitable rock & roll tour in the history of the United States’. The group would gross over $3 million from the dates, flying between gigs in ‘The Starship’ a Boeing 720 passenger jet, complete with bar, shower room, TV and video in a 30′ lounge and a white fur bedroom. 1977 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Hotel California,” The Eagles. 1989 – Stevie Ray Vaughan set out on what would be his last ever tour at the Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver, British Columbia. 1996 – Alanis Morissette started a six-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘Jagged Little Pill’. 1997 – Courtney Love placed an advert in The Seattle Times selling the house she had shared with Kurt Cobain. The five bedroom four bathroom house was on the market for $3m. The carriage house where Kurt Cobain died had been knocked down during refurbishment. 2003 – Modern rock act Third Eye Blind portrays veteran U.K. rock act the Kinks on an episode of the NBC series “American Dreams.” 2006 – Pearl Jam sticks around after taping a song for CBS’ “The Late Show With David Letterman to play a 10-song set inside New York’s Ed Sullivan Theatre exclusively for members of its fan club. 2012 – Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys dies.

Today in rock history 3rd May

1944 – Born on this day, Pete Staples, The Troggs. 1946 – Born on this day, Bob Henrit, drums, Argent. 1953 – Born on this day, Bruce Hall, REO Speedwagon. 1955 – Born on this day, Steve Jones, Sex Pistols guitarist. 1965, The Beatles spent the day filming for their forthcoming film ‘Help!’ on Salisbury Plain with the British Army’s Third Tank Division. 1968 – Jimi Hendrix laid down ‘Voodoo Chile’ for the ‘Electric Ladyland’ album. 1972 – Born on this day, Josey Scott, lead singer, Saliva. 1975 – Chicago started a two week run at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Chicago VIII’, the groups third US No.1. 1976 – David Bowie played the first of six sold out nights at Wembley, his first UK gig in three years. 1978 – The first date of a 12-date UK tour by The Climax Blues Band supported by Dire Straits. 2000 – Metallica delivers over 60,000 pages of information to Napster’s San Mateo, Calif., offices, listing more than 1.4 million copyright violations of 95 Metallica songs 2004 – US Supreme Court rejected an appeal by two musicians who claimed they were owed royalties from Ozzy Osbourne. Bassist Robert Daisley and drummer Lee Kerslake had fought a long-running battle since 1997 with the Osbourne family claiming they were entitled to money from the albums ‘Blizzard of Ozz’ and ‘Diary of a Madman.’ 2006 – “Baywatch” actress Donna D’Errico files for divorce from Motley Crue’s bassist Nikki Sixx, citing irreconcilable differences. 2011 – Steven Tyler from Aerosmith admitted that his addiction to drugs was so drastic that he hid cocaine in a drum on stage to take a fix during shows.

Today in rock history 2nd May

1945 – Goldy McJohn (Steppenwolf) is born this day 1946 – Born on this day, Bob Henrit, drums, Argent 1950 – Foreigner vocalist Lou Gramm is born in Rochester, N.Y. 1954 – Prescott Niles (The Knack) is born this day 1957 – Elvis Presley records Jailhouse Rock at MGM, Culver City, California. 1963 – The Beatles were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘From Me To You’, the group’s first No.1 and the first of eleven consecutive No.1’s. 1964 – The Rolling Stones self-titled debut album started a 12-week run at No.1 on the UK charts. The album spent a total of 51 weeks on the UK chart. 1965 – Although he swore he would never allow the band to appear on his show again, Ed Sullivan plays host to the Rolling Stones for a second time. 1969 – The Who gave a press preview of their new rock opera ‘Tommy’ at Ronnie Scott’s in London 1969 – The Beatles recorded a re-make of the new George Harrison song ‘Something’ at Abbey Road Studios. 1969 – Pink Floyd record another concert for their Ummagumma album, this time at the Chamber in Commerce in Manchester 1972 – Bruce Springsteen auditioned for CBS Records A&R man John Hammond in New York. Springsteen played a short set for him in his office; Hammond was so impressed that he arranged a real audition that night at the Gaslight Club in New York for other Columbia executives. Bruce passed the audition. 1972 – Les Harvey, guitarist with soul/rockers Stone the Crows, is electrocuted after touching a faulty microphone onstage in Swansea 1979 – The Who play their first gig since the death of Keith Moon at Rainbow Theatre, with Kenny Jones on drums. 1980 – South Africa bans Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall, Part II,” claiming the song is “prejudicial to the safety of the state.” 1991 – Appearing at The Marquee Club, London, Extreme. 1991 – Nirvana booked into Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California for 16 days,on a budget of $65,000 and with Butch Vig producing. 1992 – UK duo Nirvana filed a suit against the American band of the same name claiming that they had been using the name since 1968. 2000 – Metallica chat online with fans about their Napster woes. 2003 – Kings Of Leon played their first ever UK date when they appeared at The Empress Ballroom in Blackpool. 2004 – Total Guitar magazine’s readers voted Guns N’ Roses’ anthem ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’ as the greatest guitar riff ever ahead of Nirvana’s grunge anthem ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’. 2005 – Eric Clapton joined former Cream members drummer Ginger Baker and bass player Jack Bruce for the first of four nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall. 2006 – Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards was released from hospital in New Zealand after the 62 year-old suffered “mild concussion” when he fell out of a coconut tree 2008 – Chad Kroeger was banned from driving for a year after being convicted of drink-driving in the Canadian city of Vancouver. 2009 – Bob Dylan mingled unnoticed with other Beatles tourists during a minibus tour to John Lennon’s childhood home. 2013 - Jeff Hanneman from the band “Slayer” died today.

Today in rock history 1st May

1956 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Heartbreak Hotel,” Elvis Presley. The song is Presley’s first No. 1 single. 1957 – Steve Farris, Mr Mister, is born 1966 – The Beatles play their last show for a paying audience in Britain at the NME Poll Winners’ Party. 1966 – Born on this day, Johnny Colt, The Black Crowes. 1968 – Born on this day, D’arcy Wretsky-Brown, bass, Smashing Pumpkins, 1969 – Jimi Hendrix is busted for narcotics possession at Toronto Airport. He is released on $10,000 bail. 1969 – Neil Young releases Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere. 1969 – Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash videotape a special to appear on ABC. They play Dylan’s “I Threw It All Away,” “Living the Blues,” and “Girl From the North Country.” 1970 – In New York, Bob Dylan records with George Harrison. The two mess around on the Beatles’ “Yesterday,” Dylan’s “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues,” and “Da Doo Ron Ron.” 1973 – Bachman-Turner Overdrive release their self-titled debut album. 1975 – In one of their best-ever publicity stunts, the Rolling Stones announce their Tour of the Americas by playing “Brown Sugar” on the back of a flatbed truck driving down Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue. 1977 – The Clash begin their first tour of England at London’s Roxy. 1984 – Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac files for bankruptcy. 1993 – Supermodel Naomi Campbell announces her engagement to U2 bassist Adam Clayton. 1998 – Columbia Records presents Jeff Buckley’s posthumous set, “Sketches for `My Sweetheart, The Drunk,’” in its entirety during an online listening session. 1999 – An exhibition of Paul McCartney’s paintings, including a portrait of David Bowie, opens in Siegen, Germany. 2001 – “Touring Band 2000,” the first full-length DVD featuring Pearl Jam, is released. The three-hour disc features 28 live songs filmed in various cities during the band’s 2000 U.S. tour. 2005 – Nine Inch Nails close the Coachella Festival in California. Other performers during the day included New Order, The Bravery and Mos Def. 2005 – Bruce Springsteen’s Devils & Dust tops the U.K. album chart in its first week of release. 2005 – Matchbox 20 singer Rob Thomas went to No.1 on the US album chart with his first solo album ‘Something To Be.’ T 2009 – A Queen fan won a private two-hour guitar lesson with Brian May after bidding more than £7,500 at a charity auction in London. The auction was held in support of the Action for Brazil’s Children Trust, of which May is a patron.