This Day in History: 2023-03-26

MARCH 26^th

Van Halen’s multi-platinum album, “Women And Children First,” arrives. The band’s third full-length studio effort is the first to contain compositions written solely by the band. 1980

Soundgarden’s “Superunknown” is #1 on the Billboard 200.  With “Fell On Black Days,” “Spoonman” and “Black Hole Sun” it’s surprising the album only spent one week at the top.  1994

“Tiny Music… Songs From The Vatican Gift Shop,” the third studio album by Stone Temple Pilots, is released.   The album debuts at #4 on the Billboard 200 and features the singles “Big Bang Baby,” “Lady Picture Show” and “Trippin’ On A Hole In A Paper Heart” – all #1’s on Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.  1996

“Collapse Into Now,” R.E.M.’s fifteenth studio album, debuts at #1 on the Billboard Alternative Album chart. 2011

MORE TODAY IN ROCK…

Trying to prove to his girlfriend that he’s as cool as Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson records his first songs. 1957

James Iha (Smashing Pumpkins) enters the world. The Japanese-American guitarist is from Chicago. 1968

Mott The Hoople are on the verge of breaking up. But David Bowie, a major fan, offers songs to keep them together and recording. They choose “All The Young Dudes” which becomes their biggest hit. 1972

The film version of The Who’s “Tommy” opens in London. 1975

 Thin Lizzy’s “Jailbreak” album with “The Boys Are Back In Town” is released. 1976

The Police are the first Western Rock group to play Bombay (now Mumbai), India. 1980

“Is There Something I Should Know,” from Duran Duran, debuts at #1 on the U.K. chart. Previously, only Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard and The Beatles had ever managed that feat. 1983

No need for financial planning. Guns N’ Roses sign with Geffen Records for an estimated $250,000.  Guitarist Slash immediately takes his cut and spends “almost all of it on heroin.” His bandmates spend their cash almost as wisely.  1986

Alice In Chains top the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart with “No Excuses.”  1994

Van Halen confirms that Sammy Hagar will return as their lead singer for an upcoming North American tour. 2004

3 Doors Down, who hail from Escatawpa, MS, play a homecoming charity concert in nearby Mobile, AL. A portion of the show’s proceeds benefit local charities. The group donates eight guitars and a dozen decorated drumheads for an auction benefiting Ronald McDonald House and Habitat for Humanity, among other charities. 2004

62-year-old Jan Berry, of Jan & Dean fame (“Dead Man’s Curve,” “Surf City” and “Little Old Lady From Pasadena”), dies following a massive seizure. 2004

Sevendust announce the return of original guitarist Clint Lowery. He replaces Sonny Mayo, who joined when Lowery left in ’04 for Dark New Day. “I’m beyond excited about sharing the stage with (Sevendust) again,” claims Lowery. “I wish all the (Dark New Day) guys the best and love them more than words can say.” 2008

A promotion is launched promising a free can of Dr Pepper to nearly everybody in America if Guns N’ Roses release their long-delayed “Chinese Democracy” album in ’08. “We completely understand and empathize with (frontman) Axl’s (Rose) quest for perfection,” says Pepper marketing director Jaxie Alt. 2008

On ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! Ozzy Osbourne claims he’s started writing his autobiography. “I can’t remember anything,” says Ozzy. “It’s going to be the thinnest book in the world.” Too bad David Crosby named his debut solo album “If I Could Only Remember My Name.” That would have been a perfect title for Ozzy’s book. 2009

Jet announces they have disbanded following a two-year hiatus. The four-piece formed in ’01 and were best known for their debut set, “Get Born,” featuring the hit “Are You Gonna Be My Girl.” “It was the fans that made our amazing story possible and we wish to thank them all,” reads a message on the band’s website. 2012

The Who perform at the Teenage Cancer Trust benefit at London’s Royal Albert Hall. They perform at the venue after receiving an apology for being banned more than 40 years earlier (12/9/72). The Hall worried about the damage Rock acts and their fans would inflict. “We’ve had a long think and, on reflection, you’re welcome back any time,” writes the Hall’s management. It’s the fundraisers’ 15th year. 2015

Guitarist James Iha rejoins his former Smashing Pumpkins bandmates on stage for the first time in sixteen-years at the Ace Hotel in LA. Iha, who is celebrating his 48th birthday (see above), walks onstage with guitar in hand and performs with Pumpkins’ leader Bill Corgan. 2016

Stone Temple Pilots reunite with Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington for a one-off performance at From Bach To Rock to benefit Palos Verdes Peninsula public schools. Bennington briefly fronted STP. 2016