Today in rock history 25th March

1938 – Hoyt Axton, who wrote Steppenwolf’s “The Pusher” and Three Dog Night’s “Joy to the World,” is born in Duncan, Okla. 1947 – Elton John is born this day 1964 – The Beatles make their first appearance on Britain’s Top of the Pops, singing “Can’t Buy Me Love.” 1965 – Bob Dylan debuts on UK chart with Times They Are a’Changing. 1966 - Jeff Healey born today. 1967 – The Who perform their first US shows in New York (at Murray The K’s Easter rock-and-roll extravaganza). 1967 – Cream arrive in the U.S. to begin their first American tour. Featuring Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton. 1976 – Jackson Browne’s wife Phyllis Major commits suicide. He is working on his Pretender LP. 1979 – The mighty Van Halen release Van Halen II. 1990 – Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee is arrested for allegedly exposing himself during a concert in Augusta, Georgia. 1995 – Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder is rescued after being swept 250 feet offshore in New Zealand. 2002 – Soundgarden singer Chris Cornell walks out of rehearsals for new project with members of Rage Against the Machine. Fortunately, he later returns 2002 – U2 singer Bono testifies on Peter Buck’s behalf at the R.E.M. guitarist’s air rage trial in London. 2003 – Both R.E.M. and Lenny Kravitz post anti-war songs online for download. 2003 – Tom Petty cancels what would have been his first European tour in ten years after consulting with promoters. No word if war fears were involved. 2003 – Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler’s actress daughter Liv marries her longtime boyfriend, Royston Langdon of New York rockers Spacehog, in the Caribbean. 2005 – Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne’s Buckinghamshire mansion catches fire. The pair are treated for smoke inhalation after rescuing their pets from the blaze. 2008 – Richie Sambora was arrested in California on suspicion of drink driving.