Today in rock history 24th November

1941 – Pete Best, who missed out on fame with the Beatles because Ringo was funnier-looking than he was, is born in Madras, India. 1955 – Blondie drummer Clem Burke is born in New York. 1961 – Howlin’ Wolf arrives in London for his first European tour. 1962 – Poor old Pete Best – gets a birthday telegram from the band who threw him over for Ringo Starr, reading, “Congratulations, many happy returns, all the best, John, Paul, George, Ringo and Brian.” 1964 – Having changed their name from the High Numbers after their manager fears they’ll be mistaken for a bingo game, the Who play the first night of a new residency at the Marquee. They’re advertised as “The Who – Maximum R&B.” 1967 – John Lennon has his first solo session at Abbey Road. He compiles sound effects for the National Theatre production of Scene Three, Act One. The play is based on a story that appeared in his book In His Own Write. 1972 – ABC-TV premieres its new late-night show In Concert. Produced by Don Kirshner, the program features performances by Alice Cooper, Poco, and the Allman Brothers Band. 1974 – At New York’s Madison Square Garden, John Lennon rehearses with Elton John for the latter’s forthcoming concert. 1991 – Kiss drummer Eric Carr dies in New York of cancer at 41. 1991 – Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury dies of AIDS-related pneumonia at 46. 1992 – Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman comes to a divorce settlement with Mandy Smith. She will keep the couple’s house and its contents, as well as claiming legal fees. 1993 – Guitarist Albert Collins, better known to blues aficionados as the Iceman, dies in Las Vegas. 2003 – The original members of Motley Crue announce they’re reforming for their first tour together in five years. Nikki Sixx admits Tommy Lee and Vince Neil have yet to speak to each other. 2006 – Eagles of Death Metal are kicked off the Guns N’ Roses tour after playing just one date. 2007 – Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea lost his multi-million pound house in a wildfire that swept through Malibu, 53 other properties were destroyed by the blaze. 2008 – English drummer Michael Lee died from a seizure aged 39. Worked with Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, Little Angels, The Cult, Ian Gillan, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Quireboys and Thin Lizzy.