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 Charles Rudes), keyboards (Dream Theater)
November 4, 1965 – Jeff Scott Soto, guitar, vocals (Yngwie Malmsteen)
HEADBANGERS HEAVEN:
November 4, 1994 – Fred “Sonic” Smith (born Frederick Dewey Smith), dies of heart failure in Detroit. He was 45. Smith was the guitarist and co-founder of the MC5, innovators of the punk movement in the U.S. Smith married fellow artist and songwriter Patti Smith in 1980 and had two children with her. The band Sonic Youth took its name from Smith’s nickname. [WATCH VIDEO BELOW]
November 4, 2016 – Eddie Harsch (born Edward Hawrysch), ex-keyboardist of The Black Crowes, dies in Toronto. He was 59. Harsch had been the band’s keyboardist from 1991-2006.