Today in Headbanger History

January 14, 1965 –  David Bowie releases his first single in the U.S., “Can’t Help Thinking About Me.”  This was the first single released after he changed his name from David (also Davie) Jones to David Bowie. January 14, 1967 – The first “Human Be-In” takes place at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park with more than 25,000 people in attendance.  It is the prelude to […]

January 13, 2003 – Pete Townshend of The Who is arrested on suspicion of downloading child porn. Police officers impound seven computers, but after a four-month investigation, he is cleared of all charges.  He claimed he was doing research while writing his autobiography and says he was sexually abused as a child himself.   HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO: January 13, 1959 – James Lomenzo, […]

January 12, 1969 – Led Zeppelin release their self-titled debut album. The album was completely funded by Jimmy Page (who was also the producer) and took only 36 hours to record and mix.  Page also picked out the image of the burning Hindenburg (the “lead zeppelin”) on the cover.Rolling Stone wrote that “The cover of Led Zeppelin … shows the Hindenburg airship, in all its phallic glory, going […]

January 11, 1985 – The first Rock in Rio festival kicks off in Rio de Janeiro. The 10-day festival features Queen, AC/DC, Yes, Iron Maiden, Ozzy Osbourne, The Scorpions and Whitesnake.  About 1.4 million people attend the shows. January 11, 2004 – Ted Nugent needs 40 stitches in his leg after a chainsaw accident occurs while filming his reality TV show, Surviving Nugent: The Ted Commandments, in […]

January 10, 1964 – The Beatles release their first U.S. album Introducing… The Beatles on Vee-Jay records.  The release came only 10 days before Capitol’s Meet the Beatles! hit the shelves.   HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO: January 10, 1955 – Michael Schenker, guitar (Scorpions, UFO, Michael Schenker Group, McAuley Schenker Group, Michael Schenker’s Temple of Rock) January 10, 1953 – Pat Benatar (born Patricia Mae Andrzejewski), […]

January 9, 1984 – Van Halen release their sixth studio album 1984.  With the songs “Jump,” “Panama,” “Hot For Teacher” and “I’ll Wait,” the album goes on to sell over 10 million copies. January 9, 2005 – Mötley Crüe’s Vince Neil marries his girlfriend Lia Gerardini in Las Vegas. It’s Neil’s fourth marriage, and buddy MC Hammer performs the ceremony. The […]

January 8, 1994 – Nirvana perform their final concert in the U.S. at the Seattle Center Arena. They tour for about two more months in Europe prior to Kurt Cobain’s suicide. January 8, 1979 – The Canadian Government name Rush the country’s official Ambassadors of Music. The honor comes with a plaque that reads, “We wish to recognize the international aspect […]

January 7, 2004 – Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes and wife Kate Hudson announce the birth of their first child Ryder Russell Robinson. January 7, 1997 – Two bronze busts worth $70,000 are stolen from George Harrison’s estate in Henley-on-Thames, England.  Thieves cut the figures of two monks from their stone plinths.   HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO: January 7, 1937 – Paul […]