Are you ready to learn some stuff? It’s November 5th and here’s what happened Today in Rock History!
Starting the day off with Birthdays! First off it’s Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead’s birthday!
Other birthdays include Art Garfunkel of Simon & Garfunkel, Gram Parsons of The Byrds, Jeff Watson of Night Ranger, and Bryan Adams!
In 1999, Van Halen announced the departure of lead singer Gary Cherone from the band. Cherone had joined the band in 1996 and performed on the band’s Van Halen III album. Van Halen would soon be rejoined with Sammy Hagar
We got a LOOOONG list of Releases today, starting with The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle from Bruce Springsteen in 1973
Other releases include Europe ’72 from the Grateful Dead in 1972, Reckless from Bryan Adams in 1984 and Hello, I Must Be Going! by Phil Collins in ’82
As well as the Lull EP by the Smashing Pumpkins in 1991, Wheels Are Turnin’ from REO Speedwagon in 1984 and Madman Across the Water by Elton John in 1971!
We lost Lee Crystal of Joan Jett & The Blackhearts in 2013.
We also lost Link Wray in 2005. Wray, a Shawnee Native American, has been credited for creating the fuzz guitar after punching a hole through his speaker, giving him the distorted sound. Wray’s instrumental Rumble was banned from many radio stations (the only instrumental to do so), claiming it glorified juvenile delinquency.
And finally in 2022, that year’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony took place. Inductees that year included Pat Benatar, Duran Duran, Eminem, Dolly Parton and Judas Priest. The fact that during this ceremony’s closing performance of Parton’s Jolene we got to see Rob Halford of Priest duet with Parton is just baffling and amazing at the same time. It still gives this metalhead goosebumps.
This has been Today in Rock History! Check back tomorrow for your next rock history lesson!
