This Day in History: 2023-06-02

JUNE 2nd

Linkin Park’s third studio album, “Minutes To Midnight,” debuts at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 623,000 copies during its first week. “We’re shocked and humbled by this extraordinary show of support,” says guitarist Brad Delson. 2007

“Misery Business,” the lead single from Paramore‘s ‘07 “Riot!” album (pictured), is certified six-times platinum by the RIAA. 2022

MORE TODAY IN ROCK…

One of Rock’s all-time great drummers, the late Charlie Watts, is born. He turns down several offers to join the Rolling Stones before finally relenting. 1941

The Bangles bassist Michael Steele starts her life in Pasadena, CA. Born Susan Thomas she begins her professional career as Micki Steele before replacing Annette Zilinskas in ’83. 1955

Ex-Black Flag/ex-Misfits singer Dez Cadena is born in Newark, NJ.  1961

The Rolling Stones make their U.S. television debut on The Les Crane Show. Later, they play their first U.S. concert. It’s in Lynn, MA, of all places. They are part of a package tour with numerous forgettable pop acts. 1964

Paul McCartney’s second solo studio album “Red Rose Speedway” tops the Billboard 200.  In addition, his best post-Beatles ballad, “My Love,” tops the U.S. pop survey. Though the song is credited to McCartney & Wings, McCartney writes, produces, plays bass and piano, and sings lead. Not much left for anybody else. 1973

“Darkness On The Edge Of Town” is the fourth album by Bruce Springsteen. The album marks the end of a three-year forced hiatus due to legal battles with former manager Mike Appel. 1978

Fabrizio Moretti, the Brazilian-American drummer for The Strokes, has a birthday.  1980

The Smashing Pumpkins “Adore” is available. The album goes platinum (1-million sales) five weeks later. 1998

Tool’s third album “Lateralus” tops the Billboard 200.  2001

“Hanging By The Moment” (Lifehouse) reaches #4 on the pop chart. 2001

White Stripes frontman Jack White marries model-singer Karen Elson in Manaus, Brazil. The Stripes drummer (and Jack’s ex-wife) is the maid of honor. Elson appeared in the White Stripes’ video “Blue Orchid.” The marriage doesn’t last. 2005

Guitarist Chris D’abaldo announces his departure from Saliva “due to creative differences.” “I wish all the remaining bandmembers the best of luck and fortune,” D’abaldo writes in an online post. 2005

The Grateful Dead’s last keyboard player, Vince Welnick, dies in Forestville, CA. Suicide is listed as the cause. Welnick is the fourth Dead keyboardist to die prematurely. The other three were Rod ‘Pigpen’ McKernan (’73), Keith Godchaux (’80) and Brent Mydland (’90). Welnick was 55. 2006

Stone Temple Pilots singer Scott Weiland and drummer Eric Kretz are sued by Atlantic Records for allegedly threatening to prematurely end their recording contract with the label. “The band never threatened anything more than remaining away from the studio until equitable terms could be arranged,” says STP in a statement. So they weren’t trying to end the deal just holding out. 2008

Rock N’ Roll pioneer, Bo Diddley (Ellas Bates McDaniel), dies of heart failure at his home in Archer, FL at age 79. He was elected to the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame in ’87. “An entire rhythm is owed to just one guy and that’s pretty rare,” says Guns N’ Roses’ Slash. 2008

Rush warns Kentucky Senate candidate Rand Paul to stop using “Spirit Of Radio” at rallies and on web ads, since he neglected to ask permission. “This is not a political issue; this is a copyright issue,” states a Rush attorney. 2010

Paul McCartney receives the U.S. Library of Congress’ Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, the highest honor given for pop music, at a concert hosted by President Barack Obama in the East Room of the White House. “After the last eight years, it’s great to have a president who knows what a library is,” says McCartney getting in a dig at former President George W. Bush. Of course, that comment sets off some Republicans. Former Bush press secretary Dana Perino, calls the remark “ungracious and undignified.” 2010

Halestorm’s sophomore album “The Strange Case Of…” is certified platinum (one million sales) by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).  The album was released ten years earlier. 2022

Paramore’s Haley Williams continues her onstage opposition to presidential candidate, Florida Governor Ron De Santis in Washington, D.C. The vocalist brings Florida Representative Maxwell Frost onstage.  Democrat Frost, the youngest member of Congress and the first Gen Z congressman elected, strongly opposes DeSantis’ conservative policies which he calls “fascism.”  2023

Cage The Elephant frontman Matt Shultz reaches a plea deal in his gun possession case.  He takes a no-jail plea deal admitting to having two loaded guns in his possession at a Manhattan hotel the previous January.  2023