“Houses Of The Holy,” the fifth studio album by Led Zeppelin, is out. “Dancing Days” and “The Ocean” are among the set’s highlights. 1973
After bassist Chris Novoselic (pictured right) and drummer David Grohl (left) threaten to disband Nirvana if their leader Kurt Cobain center) doesn’t get drug treatment (Cobain nearly died from an OD in Rome only weeks earlier) the guitarist enters the SoCal Exodus Recovery Center. But he walks out three days later. 1994
Rob Zombie’s “Educated Horses,” with “Foxy, Foxy” is out. “It’s amazing how different things can be when you work with people who are excited and energetic,” says Zombie of the album. 2006
MORE TODAY IN ROCK…
Jethro Tull’s keyboardist John Evans is born in Blackpool, Lancashire. 1948
Eddie Cochran records his classic teen angst tune “Summertime Blues.” 1958
Alan Freed’s Big Beat Show opens at the Paramount Theater in Brooklyn. Freed decides that Chuck Berry should close the show rather than Jerry Lee Lewis. An enraged Jerry Lee sets his piano on fire during “Great Balls Of Fire” (how fitting). 1958
Radio Caroline goes on the air. The pirate radio station (actually a ship broadcasting off the English coast) gives music fans an alternative to the BBC. The first song aired is the Rolling Stones’ “Not Fade Away” (written and originally recorded by Buddy Holly). 1963
London’s Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum announces The Beatles will be the first Rock group cast in wax. 1964
One of the best compilation records ever released, the Rolling Stones’ “Big Hits (High Tides And Green Grass)” is released. The album sells over two-million copies. 1966
EMF vocalist James Atkins has a birthday. 1967
Crosby, Stills & Nash release “Woodstock.” The song celebrating the ’69 festival contains some factual errors, especially when it comes to the head count. Not surprising, since it was written by Joni Mitchell who passed on performing at the outdoor mudfest to appear on The Dick Cavett Show. 1970
Elvis Presley records “Burnin’ Love” in Hollywood. The song peaks at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 becoming The King’s last major hit. 1972
Genesis launches their first North American tour since the departure of Peter Gabriel. Phil Collins takes over as vocalist. 1976
The progressive (for the time) “Rap” song, “Rapture,” by Blondie, tops the Hot 100. 1982
INXS headline the Concert For Life in Sydney’s Centennial Park. The AIDS and heart research benefit raises over $1.5 million. 1992
Bark At The Moon. Ozzy Osbourne invites the first two rows of the audience on stage at the Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre. Pandemonium ensues with two people sent to the hospital and over a $100,000 worth of damage. 1992
In the air tonight. Genesis vocalist/drummer Phil Collins announces he’s leaving the group to pursue a solo career. 1996
Jimmy Page receives an undisclosed sum after he sues Ministry magazine for claiming he contributed (by way of satanic rituals) to the death of Led Zep drummer John Bonham in ‘80. The magazine apologies and Page donates the money to Action for Brazil’s Children Trust. 2000
U2 launch the North American leg of their Vertigo Tour in support of their “How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb” album. The trek, which begins in San Diego, grosses $138.9 million from 1.4 million tickets sold in North America. Worldwide revenue is $260 million from 110 sold-out concerts. 2005
Anthrax celebrates the release (the day before) of their very own craft beer, Wardance with a New York City ‘beer crawl’. 2017
“After 20 years of music and friendship, I was informed that I’m no longer a member of Underøath,” rhythm guitarist James Smith writes on social media. Days later the band posts a statement reading “there were differences that we hoped we’d be able to work through that unfortunately, we realized weren’t able to be.” Smith joined Underøath in ’03. 2023
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld is onstage to honor Billy Joel during the Piano Man’s 100th concert in his Madison Square Garden residency. “There’s three things that make Billy a genius of music: The voice, the music, the writing of the most beautiful songs,” Seinfeld tells the sold-out crowd. 2024
Ben Gibbard (Death Cab For Cutie) sings the National Anthem at the Seattle Mariners home opener. “If they can make it through April without shitting the bed… then maybe (they’ll) squeak in the playoffs,” predicts Gibbard, a hometown Mariners fan. 2024
