Are you ready to learn some stuff? It’s May 31st and here’s what happened Today in Rock History!
Starting it off birthdays, and what a way to start as it’s John Bonham of Led Zeppelin’s birthday today! Let’s celebrate with Moby Dick!
Speaking of Zeppelin it was on this day in 2014 that trustees for the band Spirit sued Zeppelin. The band claimed that Zeppelin stole the intro of Stairway to Heaven from the Spirit song Taurus. The case would last until 2020 with Zeppelin coming out victorious.
Other birthdays for today include Andy Hurley of Fall Out Boy, Mike Edwards of ELO and Scotti Hill of Skid Row
With releases we got My Morning Jacket’s Circuital in 2011 and the Beastie Boys’ Ill Communication in 1994!
We also saw the release of the Elton John biopic Rocketman in 2019!
In 1993, Creation Records executive, Alan McGee, missed a train in Glasgow, Scotland. To kill some time, he went to a local venue called King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut. While at the Hut, he watched a set by a young band from Machester. A few months later and McGee declaring he “found the greatest rock ‘n’ roll band since The Beatles,” Oasis was signed to Creation Records. “Greatest band since the Beatles” eh? I don’t know. At least the Beatles didn’t give us Wonderwall…
In 1976, The Who got the Guinness World Record for the loudest performance by a rock band at 120 decibels. Their record breaking show took place at Charlton Athletic Football ground in London. Concerned about fans losing their hearing, Guinness would later stop certifying the record.
In 1982, R.E.M. signed with indie label I.R.S. Records
And finally in 1961, Jimi Hendrix enlisted in the Army. He signed up for three years but was honorably discharged after one. Some say it was because he hurt his ankle in a parachute jump, others say it was because he wouldn’t stop playing his guitar.
This has been Today in Rock History! Keep on Rocking, keep on Rolling! Check back tomorrow for your next rock history lesson!
