This Day in History: 2024-12-12

DECEMBER 12th

Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” tops VH1’s “100 Greatest Songs of the ’90s.” 2007

A broadcast countdown of the decade’s greatest songs begins a week later.

“Break” by Three Days Grace replaces Breaking Benjamin’s “I Will Not Bow” at the top of the Rock Songs chart.  2010

Coldplay’s seventh album, “A Head Full Of Dreams,” debuts at #2 on the Billboard 200 behind Adele’s “25.” 2015

Ozzy Osbourne’s “One Of Those Days” (featuring Eric Clapton) is #1 on the Rock radio charts (Mediabase).  The song is from Ozzy’s “Patient Number 9” album. 2022

MORE TODAY IN ROCK…

Forrest Richard “Dickey” Betts is born in West Palm Beach, FL. The guitarist is a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band. 1943

Rob Tyner (Robert W. Derminer), vocalist for MC5, is born. 1944

Guitarist Bruce Kulick (KISS) has a birthday.  1953

The film “Don’t Knock The Rock” opens in U.S. theaters. The film, basically an excuse to show performances by Little Richard, Bill Haley and others, ‘stars’ Jayne Mansfield. The teen audience goes crazy. 1956

Singer Cy Curin (the Fixx) has a birthday. 1957

It may have been love but it was a bad career move. Jerry Lee Lewis marries his second cousin, Myra Gale Brown, in Hernando, MS. She’s the daughter of J.W. Brown, Jerry Lee’s bass player and cousin. Myra is 13 years old, though she claims to be 20 on the marriage license. When her age and family ties are discovered it leads to a major scandal that wrecks Jerry Lee’s career for several years. Also, Jerry Lee is still married to his second wife, Jane Mitchum. Though separated, the divorce doesn’t become final until May, ’58. That fact was mercifully overlooked at the time. 1957

A Portland, Oregon DJ is fired for violating the station’s ban of Elvis Presley’s version of “White Christmas.” Presley’s straight-ahead rendition of the Christmas classic is considered in poor taste by some (older) folks. 1957

Filming for the Rolling Stones’ Rock & Roll Circus concludes. The planned TV special doesn’t air. Rumors circulate that the group feels overshadowed by The Who, who are guests on the show. It is finally released in ‘96. 1968

The Doors play their last live show with Jim Morrison at the Warehouse in New Orleans.  The show ends when an intoxicated Morrison rams the mic stand into the stage.   1970

Guitarist Mick Taylor quits the Rolling Stones. Brought onboard as Brian Jones’ replacement (following the founding member’s departure and subsequent death), Taylor concludes a 5-and-a-half year run with the band. As that is happening, the Stones begin work on their “Black and Blue” album using a couple of guitarists, including future band member Ron Wood. 1974

“Dude (Looks Like A Lady),” Aerosmith’s first chart single in seven years, climbs to #14. 1987

Mick Jagger (Rolling Stones) becomes a Sir after being knighted by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace. Stones guitarist Keith Richards tells Jagger that the knighthood is ‘ludicrous’ and ‘not what the Stones is about.”  2003

Ike Turner dies at his home in San Diego at age 76. A notorious wife beater and drug abuser (serving jail time), Turner is credited with recording the first Rock N’ Roll song, “Rocket 88” (released in ’51). Later, he marries Tina (born Anna Mae Bullock) and the pair front the Ike & Tina Revue from ’58 through the mid-70’s when the couple’s troubles lead a split and subsequent divorce. 2007

“This has got to be the largest collection of old English musicians ever assembled in Madison Square Garden,” says Mick Jagger of the 12-12-12 Concert For Hurricane Sandy Relief. In addition to Jagger’s Rolling Stones, there are performances by fellow Brits Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) and The Who. Americans onstage include Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi and Billy Joel. Nirvana’s Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic perform together for the first time since Nirvana’s final concert eighteen-years earlier. The pair, plus guitarist Pat Smear, back McCartney on his song “”Cut Me Some Slack.” 2012

Joey Jordison announces his departure from Slipknot. The group later claims the drummer decided to leave, even though he was actually fired. “We all wish Joey the best in whatever his future holds,” reads a Slipknot statement. 2013

Paramore’s Hayley Williams is the recipient of the first-ever Billboard Trailblazer Award at the ninth annual Billboard Women in Music Awards. The Trailblazer Award “honors a standout female artist who breaks from convention to make a unique mark in music and pave the way for other talent.” 2014

Tool drummer Danny Carey is arrested for assault of an employee working security at the Kansas City airport. Officers slap cuffs around Carey’s wrists, with one of them telling the drummer to “quit resisting now.” Carey allegedly shoved two fingers in the worker’s chest and repeatedly yelled, “You’re a fucking f****t!”  2021

After missing the Knotfest Chile concert in Santiago the day before Pantera bassist Rex Brown confirms that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss Pantera’s upcoming performances.  He is replaced by Derek Engemann who also works with Pantera singer Philip Anselmo on other projects.  2022