This Day in History: 2023-08-02

AUGUST 2nd

The Beatles begin one of the longest residencies in Rock n’ Roll history, as headliners at Liverpool’s Cavern Club. They give over 275 performances before the big-time beckons. 1961

Written by drummer Don Henley and guitarist Glenn Frey, The Eagles “One Of These Nights,” the title track from the band’s fourth studio album, is the #1 song in the U.S. 1975

Weezer’s 11-week run with “Pork And Beans” at the top of Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart ends. Foo Fighters’ “Let It Die” takes over at #1. 2008

A tribute to the late and legendary Motörhead bassist/vocalist Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister takes place during the annual Wacken Open Air festival and culminates with the enshrinement of Kilmister’s ashes at Lemmy’s Bar in the village of Wacken, Germany. Motörhead played the Wacken fest numerous times. 2023

MORE TODAY IN ROCK…

The Band’s organist and sax player Garth Hudson enters the world. 1943

Traffic drummer/vocalist Nicola James ‘Jim’ Capaldi is born in Evesham, Worcestershire, England to Italian immigrant parents. 1944

Rainbow vocalist Joe Lynn Turner is born in Hackensack, NJ.  1951

Butch Vig (Bryan David Vig) is born. The producer Nirvana/Smashing Pumpkins) and drummer (Garbage) hails from Viroqua, WI.  1955

Vocalist Neal Morse (Neal Morse Band/Flying Colors) has a birthday.  The son of a choral director, Morse is from Van Nuys, CA.  1960

Bob Dylan shows up at his ten-year high school reunion. A drunk tries to pick a fight so Dylan leaves early. 1969

Soulfly guitarist Marc Rizzo is born in Carlstadt, NJ. 1977

Billy Joel plays a concert in Leningrad. The audience carries Joel out of the theatre on their shoulders. 1987

Marilyn Manson’s former keyboard player Stephen Gregory Bier Jr. (aka Madonna Wayne Gacy) files a lawsuit charging Manson with breach of contract. Bier alleges that the singer spent band funds on a series of bizarre personal purchases, including Nazi memorabilia. “The fact that (Bier is) claiming that I’ve treated him unfairly, financially, is really ridiculous,” says Manson. 2007

Lollapalooza in Chicago could use some crowd control. Rage Against The Machine’s set has to be halted three times as singer Zack de la Rocha pleads with fans to settle down. 2008

The Who’s Pete Townshend and several other British musicians publish a letter in The London Times supporting the Russian female Punk collective Pussy Riot, who are on trial in Moscow for protesting against the government of President Vladimir Putin. “Dissent is a right in any democracy and it is entirely disproportionate that they face seven years in jail for what we consider a preposterous charge,” reads the letter.  2012

Black Flag co-founder Greg Ginn launches legal action against his ex-bandmates saying they have no right to tour under the name Flag. Ginn tours as Black Flag. The lawsuit also targets former Black Flag frontman Henry Rollins though he has nothing to do with either lineup. 2013

Prior to a concert in Charlotte, Slipknot partners with Equality NC, an organization working to secure equal rights and justice for LGBTQ North Carolinians following the passage of the so-called “bathroom bill.”  “We believe that regardless of who you are, or what you believe in… everyone should be given access to equal opportunities they need to succeed,” writes the band in a statement on social media. 2016

Queensryche guitarist Michael Wilton endorses Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Sort of.  “You know, I’m kind of disappointed in both of ’em (Trump and Hillary Clinton), but if I had to choose the leader of the world, I think I’d probably want Trump.” 2016

Drummer Pete Parada states that he has been fired by The Offspring for refusing to get a COVID-19 vaccine.  Parada’s doctor advised him not to get a shot due to pre-existing conditions.  He had been with The Offspring for over a decade-and-a-half.  2021

Quiet Riot announce the return of bassist Rudy Sarzo following an 18-year absence. “Rudy was one of the original founding members of the legendary ‘Metal Health’ lineup,” writes the band in a statement. The album sold over ten million copies.  2021

“Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare II” and “Call Of Duty Warzone” unveil Oz, a playable character based on Five Finger Death Punch guitarist Zoltan Bathory who calls the honor “pretty cool.” To complete the shooting of the necessary photos and videos required Bathory’s participation in a number of 15-16 hour days.  2023