March 29, 2024

This Day in History: 2024-12-07

DECEMBER 7th

Foreigner release their fifth studio album “Agent Provocateur.” Featuring the mega-hit ballad, “I Want To Know What Love Is,” the effort sells three-million copies in the U.S.  1984

Guitarist extraordinaire Nita Strauss (Alice Cooper Band and solo) is born in L.A.  1986

 On her father’s side, Strauss is related to Johann Sebastian Strauss, the Austrian Classical composer. 1986

Kid Rock’s “Born Free” is Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s official campaign song. “I said he could use it and I would say the same for any other candidate. I have to have a little faith that every candidate feels like he or she can help this country,” writes Rock on his official website. “PS: Any candidate who makes ‘So Hott’ their theme song has a good chance of getting my vote.” 2011

The Rolling Stones (pictured), Red Hot Chili Peppers and Def Leppard/Mötley Crüe are, according to Billboard, the top-grossing touring Rock artists during the previous 12-month period. The Stones took in a combined gross of $179 million. Red Hot Chili Peppers found their way to $176 million.  Def Leppard and Mötley Crüe’s “The Stadium Tour” grossed $173 million. 2022

MORE TODAY IN ROCK…

Bassist Bill Wyman auditions for the Rolling Stones. He is performing with the group a week later. 1962

The Apple Boutique, a retail store located in a building on the corner of Baker Street and Paddington Street in London, opens. The shop is one of the first business ventures by The Beatles ‘ fledgling Apple Corps. It closes less than a year later (7/31/68).  1967

Janis Joplin’s last “official” performance with Big Brother and the Holding Company is in Hawaii. 1968

Michael Jackson’s “Black Or White” tops the pop chart. Slash (Guns N’ Roses) plays the song’s turbulent (yet catchy) guitar intro. 1991

“Razorblade Suitcase’ is #1 on the Billboard 200.  Bush’s second studio album stays at #1 for two-weeks.  1996

Evanescence frontwoman Amy Lee files a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court against her band’s former manager, Dennis Rider of Rider Management, for breach of fiduciary duty, fraud and sexual assault. Earlier, Rider filed a suit against Lee for unpaid commissions. 2005

The Who’s Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend are saluted at the 31st annual Kennedy Center Honors gala in Washington, D.C. The Kennedy Center’s chairman, Stephen A. Schwarzman, praises Daltrey and Townshend for transforming “the sights and sounds of Rock & Roll.” 2008

Kid Rock lashes out at animal-rights organization PETA, declaring that he’ll always wear fur. “I’m willing the animal-rights protesters to chuck red paint on me,” says Rock. “To throw paint on someone is just wrong. They do it to little Hollywood actresses who can’t defend themselves.” PETA counters saying it’s time for Rock to “grow up and grow out of his cruel wardrobe.” They also contend that Rock’s divorce from well-known PETA supporter, Pamela Anderson, is the true cause of his behavior. “I want to go to war with PETA,” concludes Rock. “My biggest extravagance is fur coats – I’ve got every kind of animal in my wardrobe.” 2008

Sting (Police) and R&B singer Al Green are among honorees at the 37th Annual Kennedy Center Honors in Washington D.C. 2014

Disturbed is the most played act of the year on Active Rock radio, according to Mediabase, which monitors and analyzes airplay in the U.S. and Canada. The band’s success is bolstered by singles from its ‘15 comeback album, “Immortalized.”  2016

Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s Greg Lake dies following a battle with cancer at age 69. 2016

Greta Van Fleet set a Canadian Airplay chart record for the most weeks at #1 in a calendar-year. The combination of three #1’s – “When The Curtain Falls,” “Highway Tune” and “Safari Song” – Greta Van Fleet h0ld the top spot for a total of 27 weeks. 2018

Kid Rock contributes over $80,000 to settle all of the holiday layaway accounts at a Nashville Walmart.  “Kudos to Kid Rock for making such a gesture in our community,” states store manager Tom Meyer.  Rock got the idea from actor Tyler Perry, who made a similar donation at two Georgia Walmart locations.  2018

Aerosmith’s “Dream On” and Foo Fighters “Everlong” surpass a billion streams on Spotify.  2023

The 1953 Fender Precision bass played by ZZ Top’s Dusty Hill sells for $393,700 at Julien’s Auctions. It’s the second highest bass sold at auction behind Paul McCartney‘s Yamaha BB-1200 that went for $471,900 in ‘21.  2023