Today in rock history 18th February

1933 – Born on this day, Yoko Ono, artist, singer, poet and wife of John Lennon. 1947 – Dennis DeYoung of Styx is born in Chicago. 1953 – Born on this day, Robbie Bachman, Bachman Turner Overdrive, 1950 – Born on this day, Brian James, The Damned. 1964 – While in Miami for a concert, the Beatles meet up with Cassius Clay, who is training in the city for an upcoming bout with Sonny Liston. 1965 – The Kinks were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with ‘Tired Of Waiting For You’, the groups second UK No.1. 1966 – The Rolling Stones kicked off an 11-date tour of Australia and New Zealand at the Commemorative Auditorium, Sydney, supported by The Searchers. 1968 – Guitarist Dave Gilmour joins Pink Floyd, as the rest of the band prepare to oust their permanently addled leader, Syd Barrett. 1969 – The Jimi Hendrix Experience appeared at the Royal Albert Hall, London. 1970 – John Lennon holds a birthday party for Yoko Ono at the Apple Records offices in London. Yoko is 37. 1977 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Blinded by the Light,” Manfred Mann’s Earth Band. The song is written by Bruce Springsteen and first appears on the New Jersey rocker’s album Greetings from Asbury Park. 1978 – Winners at this years Grammy Awards included Fleetwood Mac, Album of the year for ‘Rumours’, The Eagles, Record of the year for ‘Hotel California’ and Best pop vocal performance, The Bee Gees for ‘How Deep Is Your Love.’ 1980 – Bill Wyman announces that he’s leaving the Rolling Stones. After an intervention by the rest of the band, the bassist is convinced to stay. He quits in 1992. 1987 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “Livin’ on a Prayer,” Bon Jovi. 2000 – An American court ordered the release of FBI files relating to John Lennon’s interests and activities including his support for the Irish Republican cause and the Workers Revolutionary Party. The British Government told the US that it wanted the files to remain secret. MI5 also had files on Lennon, which they had passed on the FBI during the 70’s. 2003 – Styx release Cyclorama. Among the guest stars are Beach Boy Brian Wilson, actor Billy Bob Thornton and mock rockers Tenacious D. 2004 – On his official Web site, Billy Corgan blames the 2000 split of the Smashing Pumpkins on guitarist James Iha. 2010 – According to Glaad.org, Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford will make a “special appearance” at the Los Angeles presentation of the 21st annual Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Media Awards on April 17 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.