Are you ready to learn some stuff? It’s August 1st and here’s what happened Today in Rock History!
It’s a really big day for rock history, as in 1981, we saw the birth of MTV, and a few years later in 1987, MTV Europe launched!
And the major birthday hits keep coming! Starting off, its the legendary Jerry Garcia of Grateful Dead’s birthday!
Other birthdays include Rob Buck of 10,000 Maniacs, Tim Bachman of BTO, Boz Burrell of King Crimson and Bad Company, Dan Donegan of Disturbed, and Joe Elliott of Def Leppard!
And speaking of Def Leppard, the band made their live debut in the US opening for AC/DC in 1980!
Soundgarden’s Fopp EP released in 1988.
In 1987, Guns N Roses go to Park Plaza in Hollywood to film this video, their first:
In 1971, the Concert for Bangladesh took place at Madison Square Garden. Organized by Beatle George Harrison, the show was a two night, star-studded affair featuring artists like Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and Harrison’s Beatle bandmate, Ringo Starr. The benefit concert became the first of its kind, leading the way for other benefit shows like Live Aid.
And speaking of George, in 1980 he formed a movie production company called Handmade Films. The company would help produce films like Time Bandits, The Long Good Friday, and probably it’s biggest hit Monty Python’s Life of Brian.
And finally in 2015, Rush play what would be their final concert with drummer Neil Peart. Although not announced to be the end, the band hinted that it might be. At the end of the show in a very uncharacteristic move, Neil Peart came out to the front to take a bow with his bandmates. Peart would pass away from brain cancer in 2020. Neil’s bandmate’s Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson made sporadic appearances since his death before reforming in 2025 with new drummer Anika Nilles!
This has been Today in Rock History! Keep on Rocking, keep on Rolling! Check back tomorrow for your next rock history lesson!
