Today in Headbanger History

June 17, 1991 – Van Halen release their 9th album, For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge, also known as F.U.C.K.  Sammy Hagar titles the album, allegedly wanting to push the issue of censorship.  The album goes on to sell over 3 million copies in the U.S. June 17, 1997 – Fans riot at an Ozzfest concert in Columbus, Ohio, after Ozzy Osbourne cancels his performance due to throat issues.  The […]

June 16, 1967 – The three day Monterey Pop Festival begins and is regarded historically as the start of the “Summer of Love.”  The festival becomes the pre-cursor to Woodstock.  All artists (with the exception of Ravi Shankar) perform for free, with ticket sales donated to charity.  On the first night, the line up is:  The Association, The Paupers, Lou Rawls, […]

June 15, 1967 – Peter Green leaves the John Mayall Blues Breakers and goes on to form Fleetwood Mac with bandmate John McVie and Mick Fleetwood. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO: June 15, 1957 – Brad Gillis, guitar, vocals (Night Ranger) [WATCH VIDEO BELOW] June 15, 1946 – Noddy Holder (born Neville John Holder), vocals (Slade) June 15, 1951 – Steve Walsh, vocals (Kansas) June 15, 1963 – Scott Rockenfield, drums (Queensrÿche) June 15, 1941 – Harry Nilsson, vocals (d. 1994) June 15, 1943 – Muff Winwood (born Mervyn Winwood), bass, […]

June 14, 1986 – One fan dies at an Ozzy Osbourne/Metallica show at the Long Beach Arena after falling from a balcony.  Long Beach Police say the man “fell over backwards because he was probably overdosing, hit his head, broke his neck and died.”  Three others also jumped from the balcony and sustained life-threatening injuries. June 14, 1970 – Derek and the Dominos play […]

June 13, 2003 – David Gilmour of Pink Floyd and Sting receive a CBE award (Commander of the British Empire) at the Queen’s Birthday Honours.  Sting states, “I’m surprised and flattered to receive this honour…If my mum and dad were still here they would be made up.” Gilmour was cited for his charity work. He had recently donated nearly $6 million to the […]

June 12, 1982 – Remember “No Nukes“?  The rally began at the United Nations and ended on the Great Lawn in New York’s Central Park with performers Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, and Gary “U.S.” Bonds.  It became the largest political rally in the U.S. with an estimated 750,000 attendees. June 12, 2012 – Pearl Jam’s former chief financial officer Rickey […]

June 11, 1983 – Alex Van Halen marries Valerie Kendall with Alex’s brother Eddie as the best man. The couple divorce less than a year later. June 11, 2002 – Paul McCartney marries Heather Mills in Ireland. In attendance are Elton John, David Gilmour, Chrissie Hynde and Ringo Starr. After a nasty court battle, they divorce in 2008. June 11, 1971 – Dennis Wilson, drummer for […]

June 10, 2010 – Slash is tackled by a fan in Milan while playing the classic solo in the middle of “Sweet Child O’ Mine”.  He handles it perfectly and even continues the song after changing guitars.  He says, “What’d I say? Rowdy crowd for sure. But amazing! The guy who nailed me didn’t take me down but […]