This Day in History: 2023-04-19

APRIL 19th

“L.A. Woman,” is in stores. The Doors sixth studio album is their last with lead singer Jim Morrison (on the right on the album cover), who dies in Paris just two-and-a-half months later. 1971

Though “Love Her Madly” was a Top 30 hit, the album is best remembered for the title track and the darkly haunting “Riders On The Storm.”

Blondie’s “Call Me” (from the American Gigolo soundtrack) is the #1 song in the U.S. Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick In The Wall” is #2. 1980

Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven” is voted the U.K.’s favorite Rock anthem in a poll conducted by the digital station Absolute Classic Rock.  The song is on Led Zeppelin’s fourth album (“Led Zeppelin IV” or “Untitled). 2018

At #2 is The Who‘s “Won’t Get Fooled Again.”

MORE TODAY IN ROCK…

The late Taylor Hawkins makes his debut as the Foo Fighters’ drummer at the Alligator Lounge in Santa Monica, CA. 1997

No excuses. Alice In Chains’ frontman Layne Staley is found dead. Drug overdose is listed as the probable cause. Coroner says he may have been dead for up to two weeks before his body was discovered. 2002

Universally Speaking. Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea denounces President George W. Bush in an online message. “Bush should definitely be impeached,” writes Flea. “He is a liar and his lies have (brought) misery to millions of people.” As a result, the Peppers fall from the short-list of White House entertainment options. 2006

A Florida judge throws out an invasion-of-privacy suit brought against Scott Stapp and video distributor World Wide Red Light District by a woman who appeared in a ’99 sex tape with the ex-Creed singer and Kid Rock. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Gerald Hubbart rules that the woman cannot sue while remaining anonymous. She is given 20 days to re-file under her own name. 2006

The soundtrack to “Iron Man 2” is released. It features AC/DC tracks including “Highway To Hell” and “Let There Be Rock.” There’s also a special edition with a 50-minute DVD featuring AC/DC footage and movie clips. 2010

Jon Bon Jovi opens Covenant House, a homeless shelter in Philadelphia. The development has 10 two-bedroom units which houses 20 formerly homeless people aged 18 to 21. 2011

Ted Nugent meets with the Secret Service over comments he made about President Barack Obama during the National Rifle Association convention the previous week. Nugent told the gun rights group he would be “dead or in jail” if Obama is re-elected. The Secret Service decides to let the matter drop determining that Nugent doesn’t pose a threat to Obama. 2012

Levon Helm, drummer and singer for The Band, dies after a long battle with cancer in Woodstock, NY. Helm was the only American in the otherwise Canadian group that backed Bob Dylan before becoming The Band. Helm was 71. 2012

Party at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.  Ted Nugent and Kid Rock visit President Trump in the Oval Office They are joined by Sarah Palin, the former Alaskan governor and GOP vice presidential nominee. Palin jokes that she invited Rock and Nugent because ‘Jesus was booked.”  2017

Bono is awarded the inaugural George W. Bush Medal for Distinguished Leadership. The U2 singer is honored for his work in combating the HIV/AIDS crisis and poverty in Africa.  2018

Adam Gontier reunites with Three Days Grace onstage in Huntsville, AL to perform “Riot” and “Never Too Late” from their hit ‘06 album “One-X.”  He takes the stage during Three Days Grace’s tour opening for Shinedown.  Gontier left Three Days Grace in ’13.  2023