Are you ready to learn some stuff? It’s April 4th and here’s what happened Today in Rock History!
Starting off with birthdays today, we have Adam Dutkiewivz of Killswitch Engage, Pick Withers of Dire Straits, Berry Oakley of The Allman Brothers Band, Mike Starr of Alice in Chains, Josh Todd of Buckcherry, and Phil Jimenez of Wheatus!
ZZ Top released Rio Grande Mud in 1972.
In 2024, Swedish entertainment company Pophouse acquired the entire music catalog and likenesses of KISS for $300 million. The company planned to create a live music avatar show of the band similar to what they had done with founder Bjorn Ulvaeus’ band ABBA!
In 2007, a couple from Sweden got in trouble with authorities for trying to name their baby Metallica. The parents went to court with the country’s National Tax Authority about naming their daughter after the metal band. Tax officials said the name was “inappropriate.” Apparently, under Swedish law, both first and last names must be approved by authorities before they can be used.
And speaking of Metallica, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009 alongside acts like Jeff Beck and Run-D.M.C.
In 2003, the Rolling Stones made their debut in India, performing at the Bangalore Palace during a monsoon. And speaking of India, on this day in 1996, Jerry Garcia’s ashes are scattered in the Ganges River by his widow Deborah and Grateful Dead bandmate Bob Weir
And finally in 2015, Marilyn Manson was attacked at a Denny’s in Alberta, Canada. A fellow patron claimed Manson made comments about the attacker’s girlfriend and prompted the fight. Mason denied the claim.
This has been Today in Rock History! Keep on Rocking, keep on Rolling! Check back tomorrow for your next rock history lesson!
