Today in Headbanger History

July 18, 1981 – The Texxas Jam is held at the Astrodome in Houston. The lineup includes headliner REO Speedwagon, Heart, Foghat, Blue Oyster Cult and The Rockets. July 18, 1978 – Def Leppard make their live debut at Westfield School, Sheffield, England in front of about 150 students. They are paid 5 pounds (about $6) by a teacher.  They also have a […]

July 17, 1982 – Judas Priest release Screaming For Vengeance, their eighth studio album.  It goes on to sell over 5 million copies worldwide. July 17, 1994 – Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of Kiss raid a Kiss convention in Michigan to reclaim their Kiss costumes that were stolen more than a decade ago. July 17, 1979 – Gary Moore leaves Thin Lizzy for […]

July 16, 1966 – The world’s first “supergroup” is forged when Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker form Cream.  Though they last only two years, Cream sells 15 million records. July 16, 1900 – The logo of the Victor Recording Company and later RCA Victor, is registered with the U.S. Patent Office. The logo features Nipper the dog looking into […]

July 15, 1998 – Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer narrowly escapes serious injury when his Ferrari convertible catches on fire at a gas station.  He is admitted to the hospital with second-degree burns on his arms and hands.  The Ferrari is destroyed.   HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO: July 15, 1956 – Joe Satriani, guitar (Satriani, Chickenfoot, G3) July 15, 1966 – Jason Bonham, drums (Bonham, Sammy Hagar and The Circle) […]

July 14, 2011 – Triumph has a street named after them in their hometown of Mississauga, Ontario.  All three members attend the ceremony, and in true rock and roll style, they cut the ribbon with a chainsaw. July 14, 1987 – The Steve Miller Band receives a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame in front of the Capitol Records Tower.   […]

July 13, 1984 – The Live Aid concerts take place in London’s Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia’s JFK Stadium.  The concerts are spearheaded by Bob Geldof to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. Performers included U2, Led Zeppelin, Judas Priest, Santana, Bob Dylan, Mick Jagger, Tom Petty, Dire Straits, Queen, David Bowie, The Who, Elton John, Black […]

July 12, 2007 – Rod Stewart is awarded the CBE Order of the British Empire by Prince Charles in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. July 12, 1963 – The Rolling Stones play their first ever gig outside London when they appeared at The Alcove Club in Yorkshire supporting The Hollies.   HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO: July 12, 1950 – Eric Carr […]

July 11, 1982 – Pete Willis is fired from Def Leppard and replaced by Phil Collen, due to excessive alcohol consumption on the job.  “Things were going too fast for me.” says Willis. “I was still enjoying it, but I was using drink as a crutch. It wasn’t nice to go that way, but it was something that […]