Today in Headbanger History

November 11, 1990 – A 21 year-old AC/DC fan dies after suffering fatal head injuries when a New Jersey State trooper tries to break up a fight in a parking lot after an AC/DC show at Brendan Byrne Arena in New Jersey.  The trooper hit the fan causing him to fall backwards and strike his head.  The trooper […]

November 10, 2002 – On the Simpsons episode “How I Spent My Strummer Vacation,” Homer spends a week at a Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp run by big name recording artists including Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Tom Petty, Elvis Costello, Lenny Kravitz, and Brian Setzer.  The first rule of the camp: There are no rules! Second rule: No outside […]

November 9, 1967 – The first issue of Rolling Stone Magazine is published in San Francisco in newspaper format.  It sells for 35¢, which is about $2.48 today.  The cover features a photo of John Lennon and the lead article is on the Monterey Pop Festival. The first issue also conveniently includes a free roach clip. The name of the magazine […]

November 8, 1971 – Led Zeppelin release Led Zeppelin IV, which has gone on to sell over 37 million copies worldwide. The 19th century rustic oil painting on the front of the album was purchased by Robert Plant from an antique shop in Reading, England.  The four symbols on the album represent each band member.  Top left, Jimmy […]

November 7, 2003 – David Gilmour of Pink Floyd is honored with the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) award. Gilmour is cited for his charity work. November 7, 1966 – John Lennon meets Yoko Ono for the first time when he visits her art exhibition in London.She presents him with a card that simply says, “Breathe,” and he responds by panting. He later says, […]

November 6, 1970 – Aerosmith perform together for the first time at Nipmuc Regional High School in Mendon, Massachusetts. The new band got the gig because Joe Perry’s mother knew someone at the school.  Tickets for the show were $1. November 6, 1968 – Head, a film by The Monkees, opens in New York City.  The movie was co-written by Jack Nicholson and […]

November 5, 1999 – Gary Cherone is fired from Van Halen after recording just one album, 1998’s Van Halen III. November 5, 2014 – Jack Bruce‘s funeral is held in London, attended by Eric Clapton, Cream drummer Ginger Baker, band lyricist Pete Brown, Roxy Music’s Phil Manzanera, Living Colour guitarist Vernon Reid and Procol Harum’s Gary Brooker.  The superstars […]

November 4, 1977 – The Last Waltz, director Martin Scorsese’s acclaimed documentary of The Band’s star-studded last concert, premieres in New York City, featuring Neil Young, Eric Clapton,Joni Mtchell, Van Morrison, Neil Diamond, The Staple Singers, Dr. John, and more.   HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO: November 4, 1956 – James Honeyman-Scott, guitar (Pretenders) (d. 1982) November 4, 1954 – Chris Difford, guitar, vocals (Squeeze) November 4, 1956 – Jordan Rudess (born Jordan […]