On This Day(In Music )

August 16th: On this Day


1938, American blues musician Robert Johnson died (probably poisoned by a jealous husband) at the age of 27 at a country crossroads near Greenwood, Mississippi. His recordings from 1936–1937 have influenced generations of musicians including Muddy Waters, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Johnny Winter, Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton.

1962, Little Stevie Wonder, (aged 12), released his first single, 'I Call It Pretty Music, (But The Old People Call It The Blues)', the single featured Marvin Gaye on drums.

1962, Brian Epstein told Pete Best that the other Beatles wanted him out of the group, and that he was being replaced. Epstein then asked Best to perform with The Beatles that night at the Riverpark Ballroom in Chester, Cheshire. Pete Best does not show up, drummer Johnny Hutchinson of The Big Three filled in the temporary vacancy.

1965, David Jones' official stage name became David Bowie.

1966, During a US tour The Beatles appeared at the John F. Kennedy Stadium, Philadelphia playing their set during huge electric storm.

1966, The Byrds played the fist of two nights at the Fillmore Auditorium, San Francisco, California.

1968, The Jackson Five made their formal debut with Diana Ross and The Supremes at the Great Western Forum, California.

1968, Working at Abbey Road studios, The Beatles recorded 14 takes of the new George Harrison song ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’, taking the song from its early acoustic version into an electric version.

1968, Bruce Springsteen’s new band Earth made their live debut at the Off Broad Street Coffee House in Red Bank, New Jersey, admission was 75c. The lineup of the group consisted of Springsteen (guitars & vocals), John Graham (bass), Michael Burke (drums) and ‘Flash Craig’ (organ). The group only had a 6-month existence.

1969, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young supported by Joni Mitchell appeared at the Auditorium Theater in Chicago, Illinois.

1969, During a North American tour Led Zeppelin appeared at the Convention Hall in Asbury Park with Joe Cocker as support. Zeppelin had been asked to perform at Woodstock but due to this gig commitment were unable to attend. And down the road Bruce Springsteen’s band Child played the first of two shows over two days at the Student Prince, Ashbury Park. Springsteen was also unable to attend Woodstock due to these gigs.

1970, This week's UK Top 5 singles: No.5, Free, 'All Right Now', No.4, Shirley Bassey, 'Something', No.3, Hotlegs, 'Neanderthal Man', No.2, The Kinks, 'Lola' and No.1, Elvis Presley, 'The Wonder Of You', (his 16th UK No.1).

1970, The final day of the three day UK Yorkshire Folk, Blues & Jazz Festival at Krumlin, Yorkshire took place featuring The Kinks, Mungo Jerry, Yes, Ginger Bakers Air Force and Edgar Winter. Weekend tickets, £3.

1975, Peter Gabriel announced he was leaving Genesis to go solo.

1975, The Stylistics were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Can't Give You Anything (But My Love)', the Philadelphian soul group's only UK No.1.

1976, Cliff Richard set out on a tour of Russia, starting with a night at the Hall Of The October Revolution in Leningrad.

1977, Elvis Presley was found dead lying on the floor in his bathroom by his girlfriend Ginger Alden, he had been seated on the toilet reading 'The Scientific Search For Jesus'. He died of heart failure at the age of 42. His first record for RCA, ‘Heartbreak Hotel’, was also his first US No.1. He starred in 31 films. Elvis holds the record for the most entries on the US Hot 100 chart with 154. Elvis became the first rock 'n' roll artist to be honoured by the US Postal Service with a stamp. In 1960, after completing his national service and flying back to America, he stepped on British soil for the first and only time in his life when the plane carrying him stopped for refuelling at Prestwick Airport, Scotland.

1977, Manchester punk band The Buzzcocks signed to EMI's United Artists label.

1980, During a North American tour Queen appeared at the Civic Centre, Charleston, South Carolina.

1981, U2 played at Slane Castle in Dublin, Ireland.

1986, Madonna started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Papa Don't Preach.' The singers fourth US No.1, & No.1 in the UK. Also on this day Madonna went to No.1 on the US album chart with 'True Blue'.

1988, Kiss played at the Marquee Club in London, England on their current 129-date Crazy Nights world tour.

1997, Pakistani singer Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan died aged 48. He had recorded with Bruce Springsteen Eddie Vedder and Peter Gabriel.

1997, On the 20th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death over 30,000 fans descended on Memphis Tennessee for a 10-minute mourning circuit circling his grave. A poll found that almost a third of the fans were keeping an eye out for him in the crowd.

1997, Will Smith started a four-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Men In Black' taken from the film of the same name. The song won Smith a Grammy in 1997 for Best Rap Solo Performance.

1997, Blur, Prodigy, Beck, Kula Shaker, Dodgy, Foo Fighters, Placebo, James, Ash, Dodgy and Gene all appeared at the two day V97 UK festival in Chelmsford and Leeds, weekend tickets, £50.

2000, Alan Caddy guitarist with The Tornadoes died. (1962 UK & US No.1 single 'Telstar'. The first major hit from a UK act on the American chart). Caddy also played on sessions and worked on arrangements for Spencer Davis Group, Kiki Dee, Pretty Things and Dusty Springfield.

2005, Madonna suffered three cracked ribs, a broken collarbone and a broken hand in a horse-riding accident on her country estate. The accident happened when she fell off a new horse in the grounds of her Ashcombe House on the border of Wiltshire and Dorset on her 47th birthday. The singer was treated at hospital in Salisbury, 90 miles (150 kilometres) south-west of London.

2005, P Diddy appeared on the US TV Today Show and announced that he was altering his stage name again, dropping the "P." and referring to himself simply as "Diddy." The name change to Diddy upset Richard "Diddy" Dearlove, a London based DJ who took out court proceedings against P Diddy over the use of the name. He won when an out of court settlement of £110,000 was agreed and as a result, Combs is no longer be able to use the name Diddy in the UK.

2007, A fan of the 1980s pop band Wham! was silenced after becoming the first noise nuisance to be prosecuted by Newcastle city council's night watch team. Brian Turner had tormented neighbours by playing their hit song ‘Last Christmas’ all night at full volume from 1am onwards. Magistrates fined Turner, of Sandyford, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, £200 and ordered him to pay £215 costs.



August 16th: Born on this day


1915, Born on this day, Al Hibbler, (1955 UK No.2 & US No.3 single 'Unchained Melody').

1945, Born on this day, Kevin Ayers, singer, songwriter, founder member of Soft Machine, (1970 UK No.18 album, 'Third').

1945, Born on this day, Gary Loizzo, American Breed, (1967 US No.5 & UK No. 24 single 'Bend Me, Shape Me').

1946, Born on this day, Gordon Fleet, The Easybeats, (1966 UK No.6 & 1967 US No. 16 single 'Friday On My Mind').

1948, Born on this day, Barry Hay, Golden Earring, (1974 UK No.7 & US 13 single 'Radar Love').

1949, Born on this day, Scott Asheton, drums, Iggy Pop And The Stooges, (1973 album 'Raw Power').

1953, Born on this day, James Taylor, Kool & The Gang, (1981 US No.1 & UK No.7 single, Celebration. 1984 UK No.2 single 'Joanna', and over 15 other top 40 hits).

1957, Born on this day, Tim Farriss, guitar, INXS, (1988 UK No.2 & US No.1 single 'Need You Tonight'). 1987 album 'Kick' has sold over 10m copies in the US alone and features four Top 10 singles; 'Need You Tonight,' 'Devil Inside', 'New Sensation,' and 'Never Tear Us Apart.'

1958, Born on this day, Madonna, (Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone), singer, actress, (first hit 1984 UK No.6 single 'Holiday', 1984 US No.1 'Like A Virgin', first UK No.1 1985 'Into The Groove', plus 6 other UK No.1's & over 10 US No.1 singles and over 30 other top 40 hits).

1964, Born on this day, Matt Lukin, bass, Mudhoney, (1991 UK No.60 single 'Let It Slide').

1967, Born on this day, MC. Remedee, Cookie Crew, (1988 UK No.5 single 'Rock Da House').

1968, Born on this day, LL Cool J, (1995 US No.3 single 'Hey Lover', 1997 UK No.1 single 'Ain't Nobody' and 2000 US No.1 album 'G.O.A.T.).

1972, Born on this day, Emily Erwin, singer, Dixie Chicks, (1999 UK No.26 single, 'There's Your Trouble', 2000 single 'Cowboy Take Me Away').

1980, Born on this day, Venessa Carlton, (2002 UK No.6 single 'A Thousand Miles').

1980, Born on this day, Bob Hardy, bass, Franz Ferdinand, (winners of the 2004 Mercury Music Prize for their self-titled debut album).



August 16th: I knew the bride

1983, Paul Simon married actress Carrie Fisher.

1985, Madonna married actor Sean Penn in Malibu. Madonna filed for divorce the following year.

August 18th: On this Day


1958, The Kalin Twins were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'When'. The brothers became the first twins to score a No.1 record.

1962, Ringo Starr made his debut with The Beatles at the horticultural society Dance, Birkenhead, England, having had a two-hour rehearsal in preparation. This was the first appearance of The Beatles as the world would come to know them: John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

1964, Over 9,000 frenzied fans met The Beatles as they arrived in San Francisco, to begin an American tour. The Beatles were driven into a protective fence enclosure so that photographers could take pictures. As the 9,000 fans pressed against the fencing, it gave way, with The Beatles managing to get out split-seconds before it came crashing down.

1965, During a US tour The Beatles appeared at Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia to a sold out crowd of 35,000. Tickets cost $5.50

1966, Paul Jones left Manfred Mann just as ‘Pretty Flamingo’ was climbing the US charts. He was replaced by singer Mike D’Abo, who would take over lead vocals on the bands next hit, ‘The Mighty Quinn,’ a song written by Bob Dylan.

1969, Mick Jagger was accidentally shot in the hand during filming of 'Ned Kelly' in Australia.

1969, During a North American tour Led Zeppelin played two shows at the Rock Pile in Toronto supported by Edward Bear.

1973, Diana Ross scored her second US No.1 single with 'Touch Me In The Morning'.

1973, Jethro Tull scored their second US No.1 album with 'A Passion Play'.

1976, 'Variety' reported that Marvin Gaye faced two consecutive five day prison terms in Los Angeles county jail for contempt of court after failing to pay alimony and child support

1977, The Police made their live debut as a three-piece band when they played at Rebecca's Birmingham, England.

1979, Nick Lowe married Johnny Cash's stepdaughter Carlene Carter in Los Angeles. The couple are now divorced.

1979, AC/DC, Nils Lofgren, The Stranglers and The Who all appeared at Wembley Stadium, London, England.

1979, Chic went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Good Times', the group's second US No.1, a No.5 hit in the UK.

1982, The City of Liverpool named four Streets after the fab four: John Lennon Drive, Paul McCartney Way, George Harrison Close and Ringo Starr Drive.

1983, The Police plus Joan Jett & the Blackhearts and R.E.M. (their biggest gig to date) all appeared at Shea Stadium, New York City.

1984, George Michael was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with his first solo single 'Careless Whisper.' It made George the first person to reach No.1 as a solo artist and a member of a band in the same year. It gave Epic records UK their first UK million seller and the song was No.1 in nearly 25 countries, selling over six million copies worldwide.

1990, Jazzie B from Soul II Soul was injured when he was involved in a seven-car pile-up while travelling from Detroit to Chicago.

1991, Rick Griffith, died after being forced off the road by a van he was attempting to pass on his Harley Heritage Softail motorbike. He designed album sleeves for Jimi Hendrix and Jefferson Airplane and designed countless Rock posters.

1991, Sweet Jesus appeared at the Boardwalk, Manchester. Support act was The Rain (later to become Oasis), minus Noel Gallagher who had yet to join his brothers band.

1992, Kurt Cobain became a father when his wife Courtney Love gave birth to a daughter.

1999, Johnny Byrne guitarist with 60's Liverpool band Rory Storm and the Hurricanes died aged 60.

2001, Texas, The Charlatans, Coldplay, Faithless, Nelly Furtado and Embrace all appeared at the V2001 festival Chelmsford, England.

2002, Sugababes scored their second UK No.1 single with 'Round Round'.

2003, Tony Jackson bass player with The Searchers died of cirrhosis of the liver. The Searchers had the 1964 UK No.1 & US No.13 single 'Needles And Pins'.

2005, Kanye West called for an end to homophobia in the hip-hop community during an MTV interview saying “hip-hop was always about speaking your mind and about breaking down barriers, but everyone in hip-hop discriminates against gay people. Not just hip-hop, but America just discriminates, I wanna just, to come on TV and just tell my rappers, just tell my friends, 'Yo, stop it'."

2006, Justin Hawkins the lead singer of The Darkness checked himself into the Priory rehabilitation clinic suffering from exhaustion after three years of non-stop work.

2006, US film-maker Adam Muskiewicz set up elviswanted.com as part of a documentary exploring the myth that the singer was still alive and offered a $3m (£1.59m) reward for anybody who found Elvis Presley alive. The film was due for release in August 2007, to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Presley's death.

2006, Babyshambles front man Pete Doherty appeared at Thames Magistrates court in London to face seven charges of drug possession.

2008, Soul singer Pervis Jackson died of cancer. Was a member of The Spinners (Also known as The Motown Spinners and The Detroit Spinners). Had the 1980 UK No.1 & US No.2 single 'Working My Way Back To You'.


August 18th: Born on this day


1930, Born on this day, Johnny Preston, US singer, (1960 US & UK No.1 single 'Running Bear'.

1942, Born on this day, Sarah Dash, Labelle, (1975 US No.1 & UK No.17, single 'Lady Marmalade').

1944, Born on this day, Carl Wayne, singer, The Move, (1969 UK No.1 single 'Blackberry way'). Wayne died of cancer on 31st Aug 2004.

1945, Born on this day, Nona Hendryx, Labelle, (1975 US No.1 & UK No.17, single 'Lady Marmalade').

1945, Born on this day, Barbara Harris, singer, The Toys, 1965 US No. 2 & UK No.5 single 'A Lover's Concerto').

1949, Born on this day, Nigel Griggs bass, Split Enz, (1980 UK No.12 single 'I Got You').

1950, Born on this day, Dennis Elliott, drums, Foreigner, (1985 UK & US No.1 single 'I Want To Know What Love Is').

1951, Born on this day, John Rees, Men At Work, (1983 UK & US No.1 single 'Down Under').

1952, Born on this day, Patrick Swayze, actor, singer, (1988 US No.3 & UK No.17 single with Wendy Fraser, 'She's Like The Wind').

1957, Born on this day, Ron Strykert, Men At Work, (1983 UK and US No.1 single 'Down Under').

1967, Born on this day, Dan Peters, drums, Mudhoney, (1991 UK No.60 single 'Let It Slide').

1967, Born on this day, Tracy Tracy, The Primitives, (1988 UK No.5 single 'Crash').

1969, Born on this day, Erik Schrody, Irish-American rapper and singer-songwriter, House Of Pain, (1993 UK No.3 single 'Jump Around'). Member of Everlast, (1999 UK No. 34 single 'What It's Like').

1971, Born on this day, Richard James, Aphex Twin (1993 UK No.32 single 'On').

1983, Born on this day, Mika, (Mica Penniman), UK singer, (2007 UK No.1 single 'Grace Kelly' and 2007 UK No.1 album 'Life in Cartoon Motion').


August 18th: I knew the bride

1984, Nick Rhodes from Duran Duran married American model Julie Anne at Marylebone registry office London, England.

August 20th: On this Day


1963, The Rolling Stones appeared at The Star & Garter Hotel Windsor, England.

1965, The Rolling Stones’ manager Andrew Loog Oldham and his partner Tony Calder launched Immediate records. Their first release was The McCoy’s ‘Hang On Sloopy’, Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and Nico (later to join Velvet Underground), all attended the launch party. The label became the home of The Small Faces, Nice, Amen Corner and Chris Farlowe and a young producer - guitarist Jimmy Page.

1966, The Beatles, touring America for the last time, were forced to cancel and reschedule their performance in Cincinnati's open-air stadium, Crosley Field. Heavy rain (and no cover provided) made electrocution a virtual certainty if The Beatles had attempted to perform.

1968, The University of Tennessee reported that a guinea pig subjected to days of rock music played at 120 decibels had suffered acute hearing damage.

1969, After finishing ‘I Want You, (She’s So Heavy), The Beatles worked on the running order for the Abbey Road album. A preliminary master tape was compiled, the medley was originally slated for side one of the album, and the placement of ‘Octopus's Garden’ and ‘Oh! Darling’ were reversed from the final version. The album was to end with the slashed guitar chord that finishes ‘I Want You (She's So Heavy)’. This was the last time all four Beatles were together in Abbey Road studios.

1971, On the second night of a North American tour, Led Zeppelin appeared at the Seattle Centre Coliseum, Seattle, Washington.

1973, Bruce Springsteen played the first of a seven night run at Oliver’s in Boston, Massachusetts playing two 60-minute sets each night.

1977, The Brotherhood Of Man had the No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Angelo', their second UK chart topper.

1977, The Emotions started a five week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Best Of My Love', it made No.4 in the UK.

1980, During a North American tour, Queen appeared at the Civic Centre, Hartford, Connecticut.

1983, The compilation album '18 Greatest Hits' by Michael Jackson and The Jackson Five started a three week run at No.1 on the UK chart.

1983, Madness, Joan Jett, The Police and R.E.M. all appeared at JFK Stadium in Philadelphia.

1986, Rick Allen drummer with Def Leppard made his first live appearance with the band after losing an arm in a car accident, when they appeared at the Monsters Of Rock Festival, Castle Donington, England.

1988, Steve Winwood went to No.1 on the US album chart with 'Roll With It'.

1988, Iron Maiden, Kiss, David Lee Roth, Megadeth, Guns N' Roses and Helloween all appeared at this year's 'Monsters Of Rock' Festival, Castle Donington, England. Two rock fans died while 'slam dancing' as Guns N' Roses played.

1990, Aerosmith appeared at the Marquee Club London. Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page joined the band on stage for a blues jam.

1991, Nirvana and Sonic Youth kicked off a joint European tour at Sir Henry’s Pub, Cork, Ireland.

1992, A US Doctor filed a $35m lawsuit against the Southwest Bell phone company. He alleged that his wife died because he could not reach 911 due to all lines being jammed by demand of Garth Brooks concert tickets.

1997, BBC TV aired the documentary 'Oasis; Right Here Right Now', with the group talking about their troublesome last year plus performances of three new songs from the Manchester band.

2000, Craig David started a two week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with his debut release 'Born To Do It'.

2000, Janet Jackson went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Doesn't Really Matter'. Nelly started a five week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Country Grammar'.

2000, Spiller went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Groovejet'. The Italian DJ and producer mixed the track based on an old 1970's hit 'Love Is You' by Carol Williams, with new vocals by Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

2003, Madame Tussauds in London opened an interactive Pop Idol display with a speaking waxwork of judge Simon Cowell. The waxwork made comments such as: 'That was extraordinary. Unfortunately extraordinarily bad.' 'Do you really think that you could become a Pop Idol' Well then you're deaf.' 'Thank you. Goodbye and That was the worst performance I've ever seen.'

2004, A man from Stoke-on-Trent, England, named Bryan Adams as the ‘other man’ in his divorce papers after years spent trying to cope with his wife’s obsession with the singer. Rob Tinsley said he had to live with a 6ft cut-out of Adams which stood at the foot of the bed and posters on the bedroom walls.

2006, The Rolling Stones played the first of two nights at Twickenham Stadium on their ‘A Bigger Bang’ world tour. Feeder and The Charlatans also appeared.

2006, Christina Aguilera went to No.1 on the UK album chart with 'Back To Basics' the singers third UK release. Also a No.1 album in 13 other countries.

2007, The funeral of Manchester music mogul and broadcaster, Tony Wilson was held at St Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Manchester. Peter Hook and Stephen Morris - two members of first Factory signing Joy Division, and later incarnation, New Order attended along with Happy Mondays front man, Shaun Ryder.

2008, The daughter of late country star Johnny Cash called the use of her father's name to endorse a US presidential candidate ‘appalling’. Country star John Rich implied Mr Cash would have backed Republican hopeful John McCain while appearing at a rally in Florida, according to media reports. Writing on her website, Roseanne Cash called the remarks ‘presumptuous’. ‘Even I would not presume to say publicly what I 'know' he thought or felt,’ she added.


August 20th: Born on this day


1924, Born on this day, Jim Reeves, US country singer. The first country singer to crossover into the pop market. (1960 US No.2 single 'He'll Have To Go', 1966 UK No.1 single 'Distant Drums'). Reeves was killed in a plane crash on 31st July 1964 when the single engine aircraft flying from Arkansas to Nashville crashed in thick fog.

1931, Born on this day, Paul Robi, The Platters, (UK & US No.1 single 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes'). Died of cancer on 1st February 1989.

1934, Born on this day 'Sneaky' Pete Kleinow, US country-rock steel guitar player. Died 6th Jan 2007 aged 72. He was one of the original members of the Flying Burrito Brothers with the Byrds' Chris Hillman and Gram Parsons. Also worked with John Lennon and Joni Mitchell.

1940, Born on this day, John Lantree, The Honeycombs, (1964 UK No.1 single 'Have I The Right').

1941, Born on this day, Dave Brock, Hawkwind, (1972 UK No.3 single 'Silver Machine').

1946, Born on this day, Ralf Hutter, Kraftwerk, (1982 UK No.1 single 'Computer Love / The Model').

1947, Born on this day, James Pankow, Trombone, Chicago, (1976 UK & US No.1 single 'If You Leave Me Now').

1948, Born on this day, Robert Plant, singer with Led Zeppelin who had the 1969 US No.4 single Whole Lotta Love. The bands fourth album released in 1971 featuring the rock classic Stairway To Heaven has sold over 37 million copies. Plant had the 1983 solo hit single Big Log. Also a member of The Honeydrippers, (with Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck & Nile Rodgers), who had the 1984 US No.3 single Sea Of Love. Had the Grammy award winning 2007 album Raising Sand with bluegrass star Alison Krauss.

1949, Born on this day, Phil Lynott Irish singer, songwriter, bass player, Thin Lizzy. (1973 UK No.6 single 'Whisky In The Jar'). Lynott died on 4th Jan 1986 of heart failure and pneumonia after being in a coma for eight days following a drug overdose. A life-size bronze statue of Phil Lynott was unveiled on Harry Street in Dublin in 2005.

1952, Born on this day, Doug Fieger, The Knack, (1979 US No.1 & UK No.6 single 'My Sharona'). Died of cancer on 14th Feb 2010.

1966, Born on this day, Dimebag Darrell, guitarist, Pantera, (1994 UK No.19 single 'I'm Broken'). Darrell was killed on 8th December 2004 after a man stormed the stage during a Damageplan show at the Alrosa Villa Club in Columbus, Ohio and began firing shots at the band and crowd.

1971, Born on this day, Fred Durst, vocals, Limp Bizkit, (2001 UK No.1 single 'Rollin' & 2000 US & UK No.1 album 'Chocolate Starfish and the Hotdog Flavoured Water').

1979, Born on this day, Jamie Cullum, UK Jazz, singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, (2003 UK No.5 album 'Twentysomething').

1992, Born on this day, Demi Lovatois, American actress and singer-songwriter. (Mitchie Torres in the Disney Channel Movie Camp Rock). 2009 US No.1 album ‘Here We Go Again’.

August 22nd: On this Day


1956, Elvis Presley began working on his first movie, Love Me Tender. In the drama that was set during and just after the Civil War, Elvis played Clint Reno, the youngest of four brothers. The original title for the movie was The Reno Brothers, but was changed to take advantage of the ‘Love Me Tender’ song recorded for the film.

1962, The first TV appearance of The Beatles was recorded by Manchester based Granada TV, who filmed a lunchtime session at The Cavern Club Liverpool, (it was shown on 17th October 1962).

1963, Billy J Kramer And The Dakotas were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Bad To Me.' A song John Lennon wrote for them while on holiday in Spain with Brian Epstein.

1964, The Supremes started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Where Did Our Love Go' the girl group's first No.1, it made No.3 in the UK.

1964, During a North American tour The Beatles appeared at the Empire Stadium, Vancouver, to over 20,000 fans. The Beatles set at the time was just 29 minutes long. tickets cost £5.25.

1965, The Beatles, on tour in North America, performed two shows at Memorial Coliseum, Portland, Oregon. Between performances, The Beatles were visited in their dressing-room by Carl Wilson and Mike Love of the Beach Boys.

1966, New York City teenagers Carol Hopkins and Susan Richmond climbed out onto the ledge on the second floor of a city hotel and threatened to jump unless they could get to meet The Beatles. Police talked then down.

1967, The Jimi Hendrix Experience appeared on the BBC TV Simon Dee show.

1968, Ringo Starr quit The Beatles during the White Album sessions when the constant bickering and tension became too much for him. The news of Ringo's departure was kept secret, and he rejoined the sessions on September 3. After Ringo walked out, the remaining Beatles recorded ‘Back In the USSR’, with Paul on drums and John playing bass.

1969, During a North American tour Led Zeppelin played the first of two nights at Pirates World in Dania, Florida. Also on the bill were The Royal Ascots, Brimstone and The Echo.

1969, The Beatles met at John Lennon’s Tittenhurst Park home in England for their final ever photo session. Three shots from this session (by Ethan Russell) formed the front and back covers of the Capitol compilation album Hey Jude. Yoko Ono and a pregnant Linda McCartney (she was to give birth to daughter Mary six days later) appeared in some photographs with The Beatles.

1970, Bread went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Make It With You', the group's only No.1 hit, it made No.5 in the UK.

1970, Creedence Clearwater Revival started a nine-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with their fifth studio album 'Cosmo's Factory'. The name of the album comes from the warehouse in Berkeley where the band rehearsed. Bandleader John Fogerty was so insistent on practicing (nearly every day) that drummer Doug "Cosmo" Clifford began referring to the place as "the factory".

1970, The Moody Blues started a three-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with 'A Question Of Balance'.

1970, Derek and the Dominoes appeared at the Van Dike in Plymouth, England.

1971, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Peter, Paul & Mary all appeared at the Odeon Theatre, Edinburgh, Scotland.

1978, Sex Pistol Sid Vicious made his last live stage appearance when he appeared with Rat Scabies from The Damned, former Sex Pistol Glen Matlock and Nancy Spungen at London's Electric Ballroom. In the audience: Elvis Costello, Blondie, Joan Jett , The Slits and Captain Sensible.

1979, Led Zeppelin released In Through the Out Door, their last album of original material, ‘Fool in the Rain’ was released as a single in the US.

1980, During a North American tour Queen appeared at The Spectrum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1987, Madonna went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Who's That Girl', her sixth US No.1 and also a No.1 in the UK.

1990, Orchestra leader David Rose died aged 80. He had the 1962 US No.1 single 'The Stripper'. He also wrote music for the television series Little House on the Prairie and Bonanza.

1992, Sting and Trudie Styler held their wedding reception, (the couple married on 20th August 1992), after The Troggs had played a set, all three members of The Police got on stage and played a couple of numbers.

1997, U2 played the first of two sold out nights at Wembley Stadium, London, England on their Pop Mart tour.

1999, Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell scored her first UK No.1 solo single with 'Mi Chico Latino' the second single from her debut solo album Schizophonic.

1999, Travis scored their first UK No.1 album with 'The Man Who' after spending 12 weeks on the chart.

2002, Corrs drummer, Caroline Corr married long-time boyfriend Frank Woods in a candlelit church on Mallorca.

2003, Kjell Henning Bjoernestad a Norwegian Elvis Presley impersonator set a world record by singing the rock 'n' roll legend's hits non-stop for over 26 hours. The previous record was set by British Elvis fan Gary Jay who sang for 25 hours 33 minutes and 30 seconds.

2003, Blur, Beck, The White Stripes, Doves, The Streets, The Libertines, The Darkness, Junior Senior, The Sleepy Jackson and The Thrills all appeared at this years UK Carling Reading weekend festival.

2004, Maroon 5 went to No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘Songs About Jane.’

2004, Natasha Bedingfield started a two week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'These Words.' The sister of singer and producer Daniel Bedingfield.

2005, 50 Cent was suing a US car dealer for allegedly using his name in an advert without permission. Describing himself in the legal action as a "hugely successful" artist "known for his good looks, 'gangsta' image and hard knocks success story". The rapper was seeking more than £1m (£555,150) from Gary Barbera Enterprises for a Dodge Magnum advert with the line "Just Like 50 Says" alongside a photo of him.

2007, Former Savage Garden singer Darren Hayes was arrested on suspicion of racially abusing a member of staff at a Thai restaurant in Soho, London. Hayes was released on bail pending further inquiries.

2009, Sugarland went to No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Live on the Inside’, the American country music duo’s first No.1.

2009, Soul singer Johnny Carter, who was a member of doo-wop groups The Dells and The Flamingos, died aged 75. Carter who was famed for his falsetto vocals, was one of the few artists to be inducted into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with two acts.


August 22nd: Born on this day


1920, Born on this day, John Lee Hooker, Blues singer, guitarist, (1951 US million selling album 'I'm In The Mood', 1964 UK No.23 single 'Dimples', 1989 album 'The Healer'). Hooker died on 21st June 2001.

1938, Born on this day, Dale Hawkins, rockabilly singer, guitarist, (1957 US No. 27 single 'Susie Q').

1939, Born on this day, Fred Milano, Dion and the Belmonts, (1961 US No.1 & UK No.11 single 'Runaround Sue').

1945, Born on this day, Ron Dante, singer, songwriter, The Archies, (1969 US & UK No.1 single 'Sugar Sugar') and The Cufflinks, (1969 UK No.4 single 'Tracy').

1946, Born on this day, Mutha Withem, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap, (1968 UK No.1 & UK No.2 single 'Young Girl').

1947, Born on this day, Donna Godchaux, Grateful Dead, (1970 UK No.69 and US No.127 album 'Workingman's Dead').

1956, Born on this day, Chris Biondo, guitarist, producer with Eva Cassidy. (Only artist to score three posthumous UK No.1 albums, 2001 'Songbird', 2002 'Imagine', 2003 'American Tune'. 2001 UK No. 42 single 'Over The Rainbow').

1958, Born on this day, Ian Mitchell, Bay City Rollers, (1975 UK No.1 single 'Bye Bye Baby', plus 11 other UK top 20 singles', 1976 US No.1 single, 'Saturday Night').

1958, Born on this day, Vernon Reid, Living Colour, (1991 UK No.12 single 'Love Rears It's Ugly Head').

1961, Born on this day, Debbie Peterson, drums, The Bangles, (1986 UK No.2 single with Prince song, 'Manic Monday'. 1986 US No.1 single 'Walk Like An Egyptian').

1961, Born on this day, Roland Orzabal, singer, songwriter, guitarist, Tears For Fears, (1985 US No.1 & UK No.2 single 'Everybody Wants To Rule The World', plus over 12 other UK top 40 singles).

1963, Born on this day, James Debarge, Debarge, (1985 UK No.4 single 'Rhythm Of The Night').

1963, Born on this day, Tori Amos, singer, songwriter, (1994 UK No.4 single 'Cornflake Girl', 1992 album 'Little Earthquakes').

1967, Born on this day, Layne Staley, Alice In Chains, (1993 UK No.19 single 'Would'). Staley was found dead in his home on 19th April 2002.

1969, Born on this day, Steve Cradock, Guitars, Ocean Colour Scene, (1996 UK No.4 single 'The Day We Caught The Train', plus over 12 other Top 40 singles, 1997 UK No.1 album ‘Marchin’ Already’). Also a member of Paul Weller's Band.

1972, Born on this day, Paul Doucette, Matchbox 20, (1998 UK No.38 single 'Push', 2000 US No.1 single 'Bent').

1973, Born on this day, Howie D, Backstreet Boys, (1997 US No.2 single 'Quit playing Games With My Heart', 1999 UK No.1 single 'I Want It That Way').

August 24th: On this Day


1963, Stevie Wonder became the first artist ever to score a US No.1 album and single in the same week. Wonder was at No.1 on the album chart with 'Little Stevie Wonder / The 12 Year Old Genius' and had the No.1 single 'Fingertips part 2'. This was also the first ever live recording to make No.1.

1966, The Doors started recording their first album at Sunset Sound Recording Studios, West Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, California.

1967, 17-year old singer and guitarist Bruce Springsteen joined a group called Earth.

1968, The Incredible String Band, Traffic, Bonzo Dog Band, Family, Fairport Convention, Blossom Toes, Pretty things, Deviants, Blonde On Blonde and Free all appeared over two nights at The Roundhouse in London.

1969, During a North American tour Led Zeppelin appeared at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Jacksonville, Florida.

1974, Paul Anka with Odia Coates started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with '(You're Having My Baby', Anka's 24th US top 40 hit. It made No.6 in the UK.

1975, Queen started recording 'Bohemian Rhapsody' at Rockfield studio’s in Monmouth, Wales, (the song was recorded over three weeks). Freddie Mercury had mentally prepared the song beforehand and directed the band throughout the sessions. May, Mercury, and Taylor sang their vocal parts continually for ten to twelve hours a day, resulting in 180 separate overdubs.

1977, Singer, songwriter Waylon Jennings was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine. Jennings had recently been named an honorary police chief.

1979, Celebrating 30 years in show business, B.B. King played at the Roxy Club, Sunset Strip, Los Angeles.

1980, Iron Maiden Whitesnake, Def Leppard, UFO, Gillan, Pat Travers Band and Rory Gallagher all appeared at the 20th National Rock Festival Reading Rock 80, England. Advance tickets £12.50.

1980, During a North American tour Queen appeared at the Civic Centre, Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania.

1981, Mark Chapman was given a 20 year jail sentence for the murder of John Lennon.

1983, The fifth wife of Jerry Lee Lewis, Shawn Michelle Stevens was found dead at their Mississippi home of a methadone overdose. They had been married less than three months. Jerry Lee would marry again in 1984 to 22 year-old Kerrie McCarver, but divorce in 2004.

1985, Huey Lewis and the News started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'The Power Of Love'. As featured in the movie 'Back To The Future'.

1987, Donny Osmond released his first single in 10 years 'I'm In It For Love', (Donny now shaves and has taken to wearing black leather).

1989, The Who perform "Tommy" at the Universal Amphitheatre with special guests Steve Winwood, Elton John, Phil Collins, Patti LaBelle and Billy Idol.

1990, This years three day UK Reading Festival kicked off, featuring, Faith No More, The Cramps, Inspiral Carpets, Pixies, The Fall, Jesus Jones, Ride, Dinosaur Jnr, The Wedding Present, Billy Bragg and others, a three day ticket £35.

1990, Judas Priest successfully defended themselves against a lawsuit, after two fans attempted suicide while listening to the Stained Class album. Both fans eventually died, one immediately from a shotgun blast, and the other on a second attempt three years later by a methadone overdose. The prosecution claimed that there were subliminal messages in the group’s music that caused the two seventeen year olds to carry out the suicide pact in 1985.

1991, Lenny Kravitz was at No.2 in the US singles chart with 'It Ain't Over Till It's Over', held off the No.1 position by Bryan Adams '(Everything I Do), I Do It for You'.

1991, Metallica scored their first UK No.1 album with their self- titled LP.

1994, The Eagles appeared at the Giants Stadium, New York City.

1995, Pulp singer Jarvis Cocker presented this weeks UK TV Music show 'Top Of The Pops', guest's included Oasis, Blur, Bjork and The Charlatans.

1996, Oasis singer Liam Gallagher failed to turn up for the recording of the bands MTV unplugged session at London's Royal Festival Hall in front of 400 fans. He later sat in the audience and watched the show with his brother Noel taking over on vocals.

1998, Producer Gene Page died after a long illness. Worked with Barbra Streisand, Barry White, The Righteous Brothers, Dobie Gray, Bob and Earl. Produced Whitney Houston's 'Greatest Love of All' and Roberta Flack's 'Tonight I Celebrate My Love.'

2001, Travis, Eminem, Eels, Green Day, Marilyn Manson, Supergrass, PJ Harvey, Manic Street Preachers, Weezer, Iggy Pop, Queens Of The Stone Age, The Cult, Frank Black, The Strokes, Supergrass, Ash, Stephen Malkmus and Mercury Rev all appeared at this years Carling Weekend Reading / Leeds festival, a three day ticket cost £80.

2004, Al Dvorin the announcer who popularised the phrase "Elvis has left the building" died in a car crash, on his way home from an Elvis convention in California. Dvorin aged 81, was in a car driven by Elvis photographer Ed Bonja. Dvorin was never paid for recordings of his words, and was bitter towards the multimillion pound Elvis Presley Enterprises. In the early 1970s, Colonel Parker asked Dvorin to inform fans at a gig that Presley would not be appearing for an encore. He took the stage and announced: "Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building. Thank you and goodnight."

2005, Justin Timberlake accepted libel damages for a fabricated story that he had an affair behind girlfriend Cameron Diaz's back. A News of the World article in July 2004 alleged Mr Timberlake had sexual relations with model Lucy Clarkson. The singer's solicitor Simon Smith told London's High Court Ms Clarkson had admitted lying to the newspaper. Under the headline "Exclusive: Bad News for Cameron as model reveals lover's secret fling", Ms Clarkson went into detail about several dates they had before spending the night together in a hotel. Timberlake donated the "substantial" damages paid by the newspaper and Ms Clarkson to charity.

2010, George Michael pleaded guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court in London to driving under the influence of drugs. The singer had been arrested in July when he was returning home from the London Gay Pride parade and crashed his car into the front of a Snappy Snaps store in Hampstead, North London.


August 24th: Born on this day


1905, Born on this day, Arthur 'Big Boy' Crudup blues artist. Wrote Elvis' hit 'That's All Right (Mama).' Died of a stroke on 28th March 1974 aged 69.

1938, Born on this day, David Frieberg, guitar, Jefferson Airplane, (1967 US No.18 single 'White Rabbit').

1941, Born on this day, Ernest Wright, Little Anthony and the Imperials, (1958 US No.4 single 'Tears On My Pillow'), song gave Kylie Minogue a UK No.1 in 1990.

1943, Born on this day, John Cipollina, guitar, US acid rock band, Quicksilver Messenger Service, (1970 US album 'Fresh Air'). He died on 29th May 1989.

1944, Born on this day, Jim Capaldi, drummer, singer, songwriter, Traffic, (1967 UK No.2 single 'Hole In My Shoe') & solo, (1975 UK No.4 single 'Love Hurts'). Died 28th Jan 2005 of stomach cancer aged 60.

1945, Born on this day, Ken Hensley, Uriah Heep, (1975 UK No.7 album 'Return To Fantasy').

1945, Born on this day, Molly Duncan, Average White Band, (1975 US No.1 & UK No.6 single 'Pick Up The Pieces').

1947, Born on this day, Jim Fox, drummer and organist of the James Gang. 1970 album 'The James Gang Rides Again.'

1948, Born on this day, Jean-Michel Jarre, French instrumentalist, (1977 UK No.4 single 'Oxygene part IV').

1951, Born on this day, Michael Derosier, Heart, (1987 US No.1 & UK No.3 single 'Alone').

1955, Born on this day, Jeffrey Daniels, Shalamar, (1980 US No. 8 single 'The Second Time Around', 1982 UK No.5 single 'A Night To Remember').

1956, Born on this day, Matt Aitken, part of the Stock, Aitken and Waterman production team, produced over 10 UK No.1 singles.

1961, Born on this day, Colin Angus, The Shamen, (1992 UK No.1 single 'Ebeneezer Goode').

1961, Born on this day, Mark Bedford bass, Madness, (1982 UK No.1 single 'House Of Fun & over 20 other UK Top 40 hits).

1963, Born on this day, John Bush, Anthrax, (1991 UK No.16 single 'Got The Time').

1968, Born on this day, Andreas Kisser, Sepultura, (1996 UK No.19 single 'Roots Bloody Roots').

August 27th: On this Day


1964, The Honeycombs were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Have I The Right', the group's only UK No.1.

1964, During a North American tour The Beatles, performed a show at Cincinnati Gardens, Cincinnati, Ohio, in front of 14,000 fans.

1965, On the last day of a five-day break from their North American tour, The Beatles, attended a recording session for The Byrds. Later that afternoon, The Beatles met Elvis Presley at his mansion in Beverly Hills. It was an awkward meeting, leaving The Beatles with the impression that Presley's personality was decidedly "unmagnetic". John Lennon remarked soon after, “Where’s Elvis? It was like meeting Engelbert Humperdinck.”

1966, The Beach Boys 'God Only Knows' peaked at No.2 on the UK singles chart.

1967, British music entrepreneur and the manager of The Beatles Brian Epstein was found dead, locked in a bedroom at his London home. A coroner's inquest concluded that Epstein died from an overdose of the sleeping pill Carbitrol. He also managed several other artists including Gerry & The Pacemakers, Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas, Cilla Black and The Remo Four. The first contract between The Beatles and Epstein was auctioned in London in 2008, and was sold for £240,000.

1969, During a North American tour Led Zeppelin played two shows at the Casino Ballroom in Hampton Beach, New Haven.

1977, The Floaters were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Float On'. The only UK hit for the Soul/funk act from Detroit, making them One-hit Wonders.

1977, Singer songwriter Jimmy Buffett married his second wife, Jane sl*gsvol, they later separated for 9 years, but have since reunited.

1982, During a North American tour Queen appeared in Myriad, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

1983, Barry Manilow appeared at Blenheim Palace the British stately home.

1988, 'Monkey' gave George Michael his eighth US No.1 single of the 1980s, a record only beaten by Michael Jackson.

1988, Tracy Chapman went to No.1 on the US album chart with her self-titled album.

1990, Stevie Ray Vaughan was killed when the helicopter he was flying in, hit a man-made ski slope while trying to navigate through dense fog. Vaughn had played a show at Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, Wisconsin with Robert Cray & His Memphis Horns, and Eric Clapton. Vaughan was informed by a member of Clapton's crew that three seats were open on a helicopter returning to Chicago with Clapton's crew, it turned out there was only one seat left; Vaughan requested it from his brother, who obliged. Three members of Eric Clapton's entourage were also killed. In

2003, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Stevie Ray Vaughan #7 in its list of the 100 Greatest Guitarist's of all time.

1992, John Lennon's handwritten lyrics to The Beatles song ‘A Day In The Life’ sold at an auction for $87,000, (£47,220).

1993, This years UK 3 day Reading Festival kicked off with headline acts New Order, The The, The Lemonheads, Rage Against The Machine, Dinosaur JR, plus on the Melody Maker stage, Blur, Radiohead, The Boo Radleys and Shampoo.

1994, Boyz II Men started a 14 week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'I'll Make Love To You', a No.5 hit in the UK. The record- breaking 14 week stay came to an end when they knocked themselves from the top with 'On Bended Knee'.

1999, The Charlatans, Blur, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Offspring, Catatonia, Reef, The Chemical Brothers, The Divine Comedy, Pavement, Silverchair, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion all appeared at The Carling Reading three day festival, England, tickets, £78.

2000, Percussionist Richard Jaeger died. Worked with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, The Pointer Sisters.

2001, Five were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Let's Dance', the group's final UK No.1.

2003, P Diddy was being sued for $5m (£3.20m) by a woman who claimed she was assaulted by a bouncer outside his New York restaurant. Stephanie Grieso, said she was arguing outside Justin's in August 2002 when a bouncer grabbed her by the neck and pushed her down on the pavement, causing leg injuries.

2003, Singer songwriter Janis Ian, married her lesbian partner, Patricia Snyder in Toronto. It was the second marriage for both.

2004, Winners at this years Kerrang! awards included The Darkness for best British band and best live band, best band on the planet award went to Metallica. Green Day were inducted into the Kerrang! Hall of Fame, Lostprophets won the best single for ‘Last Train Home’ and best album went to Muse for ‘Absolution’.

2004, Green Day, The Darkness, The White Stripes, Morrissey, The Libertines, Franz Ferdinand, The Hives, 50 Cent, (50 Cent was booed off stage after being greeted by a rain of bottles thrown at him and his G-Unit crew as they came onstage). The Streets, The Vines, Soulwax, Dogs Die In Hot Cars, The Offspring, Ash, Placebo and Lostprophets all appeared at this years UK Carling Weekend in Reading and Leeds, England.

2006, The Rolling Stones played at the Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield, England on their ‘A Bigger Bang’ world tour.

2006, Beyonce featuring Jay-Z was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Deja Vu.'

2007, Kevin Federline's lawyers asked Britney Spears to pay some of her former husband's legal expenses in their divorce case. His legal team said Federline had "no net income" after various expenses, and that Ms Spears was "clearly the monied party" in the dispute. According to legal documents filed in Los Angeles, the pop star's average monthly income was $737,868 (£365,966). The couple had married in October 2004 and filed for divorce in November 2006.



August 27th: Born on this day


1937, Born on this day, Phil Shulman, Simon Dupree And The Big Sound, (1967 UK No.9 single 'Kites'). Gentle Giant.

1942, Born on this day, B.J. Thomas, singer, (1970 US No.1 & UK No.38 single 'Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head').

1942, Born on this day, Daryl Dragon, The Captain and Tennille, (1980 US No.1 & UK No.7 single 'Do That To Me One More Time').

1945, Born on this day, Malcolm Allured, Showaddywaddy, (1976 UK No.1 single 'Under The Moon Of Love', plus over 20 other UK Top 40 singles).

1947, Born on this day, percussionist David Leon ‘Billy’ Knight, (1973 US No.1 single 'Midnight Train To Georgia', 1975 UK No.4 single 'The Way We Were' plus 20 other UK Top 40 singles). Died on 6th December 2002.

1951, Born on this day, Kevin Kavanaugh, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, (1978 album 'Hearts Of Stone').

1953, Born on this day, Alex Lifeson, guitarist, Rush, (1980 UK No.13 single 'Spirit Of Radio' 1982 US No. 21 single 'New World Man'). Lifeson was made an Officer of the Order of Canada on May 9, 1996. The trio was the first rock band to be so honored, as a group.

1956, Born on this day, Glen Matlock, bass, The Rich Kids, (1978 UK No.24 single 'Rich Kids'), and early member of The Sex Pistols and the reformed Sex Pistols.


1970, Born on this day, Tony Kanal, bass, No Doubt, (1997 UK No.1 single 'Don't Speak', 1997 No.1 US album 'Tragic Kingdom').

1977, Born on this day, Mase, US male rapper (Mason Betha), 1998 UK No. 2 single with Brandy, 'Top Of The World' also worked with Puff Daddy, Blackstreet, Notorious B.I.G.

1979, Born on this day, Sarah Neufeld, violinist, Arcade Fire, (2005 album ‘Funeral’).

1986, Born on this day, US R&B singer Mario, (born Mario Dewar Barrett), US R&B singer, (2004 US No.1 and 2005 UK No.2 single 'Let Me Love You').

August 29th: On this Day


1958, Alan Freed's Big Beat Show opened at the Fox Theatre in Brooklyn. Those performing included Frankie Avalon, Jimmy Clanton, Chuck Berry, Bobby Freeman, Bill Haley and his Comets and The Elegants.

1959, The Quarry Men (John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ken Brown) performed at the Casbah Coffee Club, Hayman's Green, West Derby, Liverpool. This is the opening night of a new teen club in a large Victorian house that is owned by Mrs. Mona Best and the first of seven straight Saturdays that The Quarry Men play here. The band shared one microphone connected to the house P.A.

1964, Rob Orbison's ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ was released in the US. It went on to reach No.1 four weeks later.

1966, The Beatles played their last concert before a paying audience, at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California to a sold-out crowd of 25,000. John and Paul, knowing what the fans do not (that this will be the last concert ever) bring cameras on stage and take pictures between songs. During this tour, The Beatles have not played a single song from their latest album, ‘Revolver’. They finished the show with a version of Little Richards 'Long Tall Sally'.

1969, During a North American tour Led Zeppelin played the first of two nights at the Singer Bowl Music Festival in Flushing Meadow Park.

1970, Edwin Starr started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'War', his only No.1a No.3 in the UK.

1970, Led Zeppelin, The Youngbloods, Iron Butterfly and The Ides of March all appeared at the Man Pop Festival, Winnipeg, in Canada.

1976, Jimmy Reed died in San Francisco following an epileptic seizure just before his 51st birthday. Reed was a major influence on The Rolling Stones, he had the 1957 hit ‘Honest I Do’ in 1957 and ‘Baby What You Want Me To Do’ in 1960.

1976, The Sex Pistols supported by The Clash and The Buzzcocks appeared at The Screen On The Green, London, England.

1977, Three people were arrested in Memphis after trying to steal Elvis' body. As a result, his remains would be later moved to Graceland.

1978, The first night of a four date UK tour by the Patti Smith group at The City Hall Newcastle, with special guests The Pop Group tickets £1.50- £3.

1980, During a North American tour Queen appeared at the Forum, Montreal, Canada.

1981, Aneka was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Japanese Boy', the Scottish folk singer Mary Sandeman's only Top 40 hit sold over 5 million copies around the world.

1981, Electric Light Orchestra scored their second UK No.1 album with 'Time'.

1981, The two day Rock on the Tyne festival began in Gateshead, England, featuring Ian Dury, Elvis Costello, U2, Rory Gallagher, Doll By Doll, Wang Chung, Becket, Dr Feelgood, The Gingers Nutters (featuring Ginger Baker), Trimmer and Jenkins and Lindisfarne.

1984, U2 kicked off their Unforgettable Fire World Tour at Christchurch Town Hall in New Zealand, the first of 19 shows in Australia and New Zealand.

1987, Lee Marvin, actor and singer died, (UK 1970 UK No.1 single 'Wand'rin Star' from the film 'Paint Your Wagon').

1987, Def Leppard scored their first UK No.1 album with 'Hysteria', which also became No.1 on the US chart in July the following year after spending forty-nine weeks working its way to the top.

1987, Los Lobos started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'La Bamba', also a No.1 hit in the UK. Taken from the film about the life of Ritchie Valens.

1987, Rick Astley's debut hit 'Never Gonna Give You Up', started a five-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart. It became the biggest selling single of 1987 and the song won Best British Single at the 1988 Brit Awards.

1988, During the European leg of his Bad tour Michael Jackson appeared at Roundhay Park in Leeds, England.

1990, Elton John checked into a rehab center in Chicago to receive treatment for bulimia, alcoholism and drugs.

1991, At 7pm, DJ Kurt St. Thomas from radio station WFNX in Boston gave Nirvana’s album ‘Nevermind’ its world premiere by playing the album from start to finish.

1992, The Smiths went to No.1 on the UK album charts with the 'Best... 1' compilation album.

1992, U2 became only the second act ever (Billy Joel was the first) to play at The Yankee Stadium in New York City, during their sold out Zoo TV tour.

1994, Oasis released their debut album 'Definitely Maybe', it went on to spend 177 weeks on the UK chart.

1996, Liam Gallagher was reunited with the rest of Oasis in Chicago after a week of speculation on their future of the group, after he had walked out on the band a few days earlier.

1998, Rockabilly pioneer Charlie Feathers died aged 66. He had hits with 'Peepin' Eyes,' 'Defrost Your Heart,' 'Tongue-Tied Jill,' and 'Bottle to the Baby' on Sun Records, Meteor and King Records in the 1950s.

1999, Lou Bega went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Mambo No 5', originally recorded and composed by Perez Prado in 1949.

2000, Slipknot caused chaos at this years Kerrang! Awards, after smashing glasses, setting fire to their table, throwing a monitor off the stage and destroying a microphone. The band picked up 3 awards including best single and best live act.

2003, Winners at this years MTV Video Music awards held in New York included, Missy Elliot, Video of the year for 'Work It', Viewers Choice award, 'Lifestyles Of The Rich And Famous' Good Charlotte, Rap Video went to 50 Cent for 'In Da Club', Pop Video, Justin Timberlake, 'Cry Me A River.' Madonna stunned a packed Radio City Hall audience by passionately kissing Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera during a racy version of 'Like A Virgin.'

2004, Prodigy went to No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘Always Outnumbered Never Outgunned’, the group's third UK No.1.

2005, 77-year-old Fats Domino was rescued from the flooding in New Orleans caused by Hurricane Katrina. He had earlier told his agent that he planned to remain in his home despite the order to evacuate.

2006, The Beatles' ‘Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band’ was voted the best #1 album of all time by the British public. The album released in 1967, topped the poll to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the UK album chart. The Beatles had a total of four albums in the top 10, with ‘Revolver’ at six, ‘Abbey Road’ at eight and The Beatles ‘White Album’ at 10.

2007, The Police kicked off the European leg of their world Reunion tour at the Globe Arena, Stockholm, Sweden.

2008, US rapper DMX pleaded guilty to trying to buy cocaine and cannabis in Miami. The 37-year-old singer, real name Earl Simmons, entered the plea in a Florida court and was sentenced to time served. Simmons was still in custody awaiting extradition to the state of Arizona on outstanding drug and animal cruelty charges.

2008, Organisers of a French music concert threatened legal action after Amy Winehouse pulled out of her performance. Winehouse failed to travel to the three-day Rock En Seine festival in Paris where the line-up included the Raconteurs, The Streets and Kate Nash. The 24-year-old singer was said to have been taken ill at her London home. Organisers said they were given just two hours notice that Winehouse, who was headlining the concert, would not be appearing.

2009, Arctic Monkeys started a two week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with ‘Humbug’ the bands third album.

2009, George Strait was at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Twang’, the country singer, songwriter’s 26th studio album.

2009, The Los Angeles coroner confirmed Michael Jackson's death was homicide, primarily caused by the powerful anaesthetic Propofol. The singer suffered a cardiac arrest at his Los Angeles home in June, aged 50. The report said Propofol and the sedative Lorazepam were the "primary drugs responsible for Jackson's death", but four further drugs were also found.


August 29th: Born on this day


1924, Born on this day, Dinah Washington, US singer, (1959 US No.8 single 'What A Diff'rence A Day Makes', 1961 UK No.35 single 'September In The Rain'). She died on 14th December 1963.

1943, Born on this day, Dick Halligan Keyboards, flute, vocals, Blood Sweat & Tears, (1969 US No.12 & UK No.35 single 'You've Made Me So Very Happy').

1945, Born on this day, Chris Copping, Procol Harum, (1967 UK No.1 & US No.5 single 'A Whiter Shade Of Pale').

1953, Born on this day, Rick Downey, Blue Oyster Cult, (1978 UK No.16 single 'Don't Fear The Reaper').

1958, Born on this day, Elizabeth Fraser, vocals, Cocteau Twins, (1984 UK No.29 single 'Pearly-Dewdrops' Drops).

1958, Born on this day, Michael Jackson, singer, songwriter, The Jackson Five (1970 US No.1 & UK No.2 single 'I Want You Back') The Jacksons, (1977 UK No.1 single 'Show You The Way To Go'), solo (1983 UK & US No.1 single 'Billie Jean', 11 other US No.1's & 40 UK top 40 singles). Jackson died on 25th June 2009 at the age of 50, after suffering heart failure at his home in Beverly Hills. Prior to his death, Jackson had been scheduled to perform 50 sold-out concerts to over one million people, at London's O2 arena, from July 13, 2009 to March 6, 2010.

1959, Born on this day, Eddi Reader singer, songwriter, Fairground Attraction, (1988 UK No.1 single 'Perfect'), solo (1994 UK No.33 single 'Patience of Angels').

1963, Born on this day, Jerry Fehily, Hothouse Flowers, (1988 UK No.11 single 'Don't Go').

1967, Born on this day, Chris Gorman, drums, Belly, (1993 UK No.32 single 'Feed The Tree').

1971, Born on this day, Alex Griffin, Neds Atomic Dustbin, (1991 UK No.16 single 'Happy').

1975, Born on this day, Kyle Cook, guitarist, Matchbox 20, (1998 UK No.38 single 'Push', 2000 US No.1 single 'Bent').

August 31st: On this Day


1956, The top 10 songs in the UK singles chart were all by American artists including Elvis Presley, The Platters, Doris Day, Frankie Lymon and The Teenagers and Gogi Grant.

1957, Elvis Presley appeared at the Empire Stadium in Vancouver, Canada. This was only the third time ever Presley had performed outside of the U.S. and for Elvis it would be the last. 26,000 fans attended the show with tickets costing $1.50, $2.50 and $3.50.

1963, The girl trio Angels started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with ‘My Boyfriend’s Back’. The writers of the song Bob Feldman, Jerry Goldstein and Richard Gottehrer were a trio of Brooklyn songwriter/producers who went on to write the hits ‘Sorrow’ and have the
1965 US No.11 single as The Strangeloves with ‘I Want Candy’.

1963, The Ronettes first entered the US singles chart with ‘Be My Baby’ the girl group’s only top 10 hit. Lead singer, Veronica Bennett who became Ronnie Spector, took producer and ex-husband Phil Spector to court in the late 1990s for unpaid royalties.

1965, Sonny & Cher arrived in the UK for their first promotional visit.

1965, During a North American tour The Beatles played two shows at the Cow Palace in San Francisco, California to a total of 28,700 fans.

1968, The Move, The Pretty Things, The Crazy World Of Aurthur Brown, Orange Bicycle, Jefferson Airplane, Fairport Convention and Tyrannosaurus Rex all appeared at the first Isle Of Wight Festival held over two days. Tickets, 25 shillings, ($3.00).

1969, During a North American tour Led Zeppelin appeared at the Texas International Pop Festival in Lewisville. Also on the bill: BB King, The Incredible String Band, Sam & Dave and Janis Joplin.

1971, The Rolling Stones plus the father of Brian Jones, filed a high court writ against ex managers Oldham and Easton. Claiming they made a secret deal with Decca Records in 1963 to deprive the group of royalties.

1974, Rolling Stone Keith Richards was quoted as saying; 'I gave up drugs when the doctor told me I had six months to live.'

1974, Traffic made their last live performance at the annual UK Reading Festival. Other acts appearing included; Alex Harvey, 10cc, Focus, Steve Harley and Procol Harum. £5.50 for a weekend ticket.

1975, Rod Stewart and the Faces, Loggins & Messina, Fleetwood Mac and Lynyrd Skynyrd all appeared at Balboa Stadium, San Diego, California.

1976, George Harrison was found guilty of 'subconscious plagiarism' of the Ronnie Mack song 'He's So Fine' when writing 'My Sweet Lord'. Earnings from the song were awarded to Mack's estate; The Chiffons then recorded their own version of 'My Sweet Lord'.

1980, Karen Carpenter married real estate developer Thomas Burris in Beverly Hills, California.

1980, During a North American tour Queen appeared at the Convention Centre, Rochester, New York.

1984, 'Purple Rain' the movie-starring Prince opened at cinemas across the UK with special late night previews.

1985, 'Brothers In Arms' by Dire Straits started a nine-week run at No.1 on the US album charts. The album also topped the charts in 25 other countries and went on to sell over 20 million worldwide.

1985, UB40 with guest vocals from Chrissie Hynde had the UK No.1 single with their version of the Sonny Bono song 'I Got You Babe' a hit for Sonny & Cher in 1965.

1986, After living together for 10 years Bob Geldof married TV presenter Paula Yates in Las Vegas with Duran Duran singer Simon Le Bon as the best man. Yates died of a drug overdose on 17th September 2000.

1987, The largest pre-order of albums in the history of CBS Records occurred as 2.25 million copies of Michael Jackson's ‘Bad’ album were shipped to record stores in the US. The LP followed the Jackson album, ‘Thriller’, the biggest Jackson-seller of all time (over 35 million copies sold). ‘Bad’ went on to sell over 13 million copies.

1989, The Rolling Stones kicked off the Budweiser sponsored 61-date North American 'Steel Wheels' tour at the Veteran's Stadium, Philadelphia.

1990, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt and Stevie Wonder sang ‘Amazing Grace’ at a memorial service held for guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan who had been killed in a helicopter crash 4 days earlier.

1991, Guns N' Roses, Skid Row and Nine Inch Nails all appeared at London's Wembley Stadium.

1991, Jason Donovan and the original London cast from the show, 'Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat went to No.1 on the UK album chart.

1991, Metallica started a four-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with, 'Metallica'. The album featured ‘Enter Sandman’ ‘Sad But True’, ‘The Unforgiven’ and ‘Nothing Else Matters’ went on to sell over 10 million copies in the US alone.

1997, Oasis went to No.1 on the UK album chart with their third album 'Be Here Now.' The album had sold over a million copies on the first day of release.

2000, The Strokes appeared at The Mercury Lounge in New York City.

2002, NASA announced that Lance Bass, singer with *NSYNC, was to become the first celebrity astronaut. His $23.8 million (£14 million), place on a Russian Soyuz module would make him the youngest person at 23 years of age to go into orbit. Bass ended up not taking part in the flight after failing to pay for his $20 million ticket on the craft.

2003, The Darkness started a four week run at No.1 on the UK chart with ‘Permission To Land’ the UK bands debut album.

2003, Nelly, P. Diddy and Murphy Lee were at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Skae Your Tailfeather.' Neptunes were at No.1 on the US album chart with ‘The Neptunes Present Clones.’

2003, Elton John went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Are You Ready For Love.' The song was recorded in 1977 and released in 1979, when it reached No.42. It was used by Sky TV for their Premiership football ads,

2004, Carl Wayne the singer with The Move died from cancer. They had the 1969 UK No.1 single 'Blackberry Way.' Wayne also worked with The Hollies.

2004, UK medical magazine Thorax issued a warning to music fans saying that listening to loud music in the car can give you a collapsed lung. One 19 year-old had been treated in Bristol after his left lung collapsed as his 1,000-watt bass box boomed out in his Fiat Panda.

2006, The Times ran a story on the demands of rock stars when on tour. Ozzy Osbourne insists on an eye, ear, nose and throat doctor at each venue. The Beach Boys require a licensed masseur, Meat Loaf a mask and one small tank of oxygen. David Bowie requests that the dressing room temperature is between 14c and 18c and Paul McCartney must have a large arrangement of white Casablanca lilies in his dressing room. Mick Jagger must have an onstage autocue with the lyrics to all the songs, it would also tell him the name of the city in which they were performing.

2007, Hilly Kristal, founder of the New York punk club CBGB died from complications arising from lung cancer at the age of 75. Kristal was credited with discovering Patti Smith and The Ramones and his club became a breeding ground for punk rock. The New York City venue, whose full title CBGB OMFUG stood for 'country, bluegrass, blues and other music for uplifting gourmandisers', was originally launched to showcase country music.

2008, The Verve started a two week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with their final album ‘Forth’.


August 31st: Born on this day


1939, Born on this day, Jerry Allison, drums, The Crickets, (1957 US No.1 single 'That'll Be The Day', No.1 single 'It Doesn't Matter Anymore' plus over 15 other UK top 40 singles).

1940, Born on this day, Wilton Felder, The Crusaders, (1979 UK No.5 & US No.36 single 'Street Life').

1944, Roger Dean, English artist. Designed album covers for Yes, Atomic Rooster, Uriah Heep, Gentle Giant, Greenslade, Steve Howe, Asia.

1945, Born on this day, Van Morrison, singer, songwriter, Them, (1965 UK No.2 single 'Here Comes The Night'), solo, (1970 album 'Moondance', plus over 15 other UK Top 40 albums).

1948, Born on this day, Rudolf Schenker, The Scorpions, (1991 UK No.2 single 'Wind Of Change').

1955, Born on this day, Anthony Thistlethwaite, The Waterboys, (1991 UK No.3 single 'Whole Of The Moon', first released in 1985).

1957, Born on this day, Gina Schock, drums, The Go-Go's, (1982 US No.2 single, 'We Got The Beat', 1982 UK No.47 single 'Our Lips Are Sealed').

1957, Born on this day, Glenn Tilbrook, guitar, vocals, Squeeze, (1979 UK No.2 single 'Up The Junction'). Now solo.

1959, Born on this day, Tony DeFranco, The DeFranco Family, (1973 US No.3 single 'Heartbeat-It's A Lovebeat', biggest selling US single of 73. Based on The Osmonds, featured 10 year-old Tony DeFranco).

1967, Born on this day, Gerard Love, bass, Teenage Fanclub, (1992 UK No.31 single 'What You Do To Me').

1970, Born on this day, Debbie Gibson, US singer, (1988 US No.1 & UK No.9 single 'Foolish Beat').

1977, Born on this day, Craig Nicholls, singer, songwriter, guitarist, The Vines, (2002 UK No. 3 album ‘Highly Evolved’).

1977, Born on this day, Del Marquis, (Derek Gruen), guitar, Scissor Sisters, (2004 UK No.1 self-titled album, 2004 UK No. 12 single ‘Laura’).

September 3rd: On this Day


1955, Band leader Mitch Miller had the US No.1 with a song that was written in 1853, ‘The Yellow Rose Of Texas.’

1955, Bill Haley & his Comets turned down a $2,000 offer for a 15-date tour of Australia because of their fear of flying.

1962, After playing a lunchtime show at The Cavern in Liverpool, The Beatles played the first of three Monday night gigs at The Queen’s Hall, Widnes, Cheshire. Also on the bill, Billy Kramer and the Coasters, Rory Storm and the Hurricanes and Sonny Kaye and the Reds. Tickets cost 3/6.

1964, During a US tour The Beatles played two shows at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. They were paid $85,000 for the shows, tickets cost $4.00.

1965, A Rolling Stones gig in Dublin, Ireland ended in a riot after 30 fans jumped onto the stage. Jagger was knocked to the floor as the rest of the band fled the stage.

1966, Donovan went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Sunshine Superman', a No.2 hit in the UK. The track featured then Yardbird and future Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page. The song was written for Donovan's future wife Linda Lawrence.

1967, During a 10-date tour of Sweden, The Jimi Hendrix Experience appeared at the Liseburg in Gothenburg.

1968, After a two week absence, Ringo Starr rejoined The Beatles. Upon Ringo's return to the studio, he found his drum kit covered with flowers to welcome him back.

1970, Alan Wilson guitarist and songwriter with Canned Heat was found dead at fellow band-members Bob Hite's garden in Topanga Canyon, Los Angeles aged 27. With Canned Heat, Wilson performed at two prominent concerts of the 1960s era, the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 and Woodstock in 1969. Canned Heat appeared in the film Woodstock, and the band's 'Going Up the Country,' which Wilson sang, has been referred to as the festival's unofficial theme song. Wilson also wrote 'On the Road Again,' arguably Canned Heat's second-most familiar song.

1970, It was reported that the Bob Dylan bootleg album 'Great White Wonder' had sold over 350,000 copies world-wide.

1970, Arthur Brown was arrested at the Palermo Pop '70 Festival in Italy, after he set fire to his helmet (during the performance of his hit 'Fire'), and stripped naked during his stage performance.

1977, The month after his death, Elvis Presley had 27 albums and 9 singles in the Top 100 charts in the UK. 'Moody Blue' was the No.1 album while 'Way Down' was No.1 on the singles chart, (putting him equal with the Beatles, each amassing 17 No.1 hits).

1982, The three day US Festival in San Bernardino, California took place featuring, Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac, The Police, The Cars, Talking Heads, The Kinks, Ramones, B52's, The English Beat, Gang Of Four, The Grateful Dead, Pat Benatar, Jackson Browne. Apple Computers founder Steven Wozniak bankrolled the festival.

1983, The Eurythmics went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)'.

1983, UB40 had their first UK No.1 single with 'Red Red Wine'. Taken from their album Labour of Love the song was a cover of the 1968 Neil Diamond hit song. The re-released single was a US No.1 in 1988.

1990, R.E.M. started recording sessions for their Out Of Time album at Bearsville Studios, Woodstock, New York.

1991, Ike Turner was released from prison having served 18 months of a four-year prison term, (Ike had been arrested ten other times). In an interview with 'Variety' he claimed to have spent over $11 million on cocaine.

1991, During a European tour, Nirvana recorded ‘Dumb’, ‘Drain You’ and ‘Endless Nameless’ at Maida Vale studios in London for the BBC Radio 1 John Peel show.


1991, During her 101 date I'm Your Baby Tonight World Tour, Whitney Houston played the first of 10 dates at Wembley Arena, London.

1999, The largest music bootleg bust in US history was made. It was estimated that this one operation alone was responsible for $100 million in lost revenues. Recording equipment valued at $250,000 was confiscated, as were almost 1 million CDs and tapes.

2000, British Boy band A1 went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with their version of the 1985 A-Ha hit 'Take On Me'.

2000, Madonna started a four week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Music.'

2000, Robbie Williams started a three-week run at No.1 on the UK album chart with 'Sing When You're Winning'.

2002, The Rolling Stones 40th anniversary Licks tour kicked off at the Fleet Centre Boston. Tickets for the best seats cost $224. The world tour would see the band playing to over 2.5m fans over 100 shows.

2003, Libertines singer Pete Doherty was sentenced to six months in jail after being found guilty to burglary and drug possession charges. His sentence was reduced to two months on appeal.

2004, Songwriter and producer Billy Davis died in New York after a long illness. He co-wrote Jackie Wilson's, ‘Reet Petite’ and the jingle ‘I'd Like To Buy The World A Coke.’ Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Marvin Gaye, The Supremes and Gladys Knight all recorded his songs.

2004, Sir Cliff Richard stunned the music industry by ending his contract with EMI records and signing with Eminem’s label Universal Music. Cliff had sold over 250 million records with EMI during his 46 year career.

2005, Blues musician Fats Domino was rescued from New Orleans shortly after Hurricane Katrina hit the city. The 77-year-old singer had been reported missing since the storm in New Orleans which had flooding the city leaving thousands feared dead.

2005, Gorillaz were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Dare', lead vocals on the track are taken by Shaun Ryder, formerly with the Happy Mondays.

2006, Kasabian went to No.1 on the UK album chart with 'Empire' the UK bands second album.

2006, Hundreds of Paris Hilton albums were tampered with in record stores in Bristol, Brighton, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow and London in the latest stunt by "guerrilla artist" Banksy. Banksy had replaced Hilton's CD with his own remixes and gave them titles such as ‘Why am I Famous?’, ‘What Have I Done?’ and ‘What Am I For?’. He had also changed pictures of her on the CD sleeve to show the US socialite topless and with a dog's head.

2006, Justin Timberlake featuring Timbaland was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'SexyBack' his first UK No.1 hit. The track won Timberlake and Timbaland the 2007 Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. It was the longest-running No.1 single of 2006 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, staying seven weeks at the top.

2007, During a US tour with Linkin Park, My Chemical Romance singer Gerard Way married Mindless Self Indulgence bassist Lyn Z after a gig in Colorado.

2008, R&B singer Ne-Yo was awarded $700,320 (£395,580) after he was dropped from a US tour with R. Kelly. The singer claimed he was fired as Kelly's opening act last November because fans and critics preferred him - an allegation his co-star denied.

2008, Heavy metal band Slipknot scored their first US number one album - but only after a recount put them ahead of rapper The Game's latest release. Slipknot topped the US chart with their fourth studio album All Hope Is Gone which, according to analysts Nielsen SoundScan, sold 239,516 copies - 1,134 more than the Games album.

2009, Madonna's Sticky and Sweet world became the highest grossing tour ever for a solo artist tour making $408m (£250m). The 51 year old singer had performed in 32 countries.

2010, Mike Edwards a founding member of ELO was killed in a freak accident when a giant bale of hay tumbled down a hill and crashed into his van. The 62 year-old cellist died after the 600 kg (1,323 lb) bale rolled down a steep field in Devon, southern England, smashed through a hedge and careered on to the road. Edwards played cello with ELO, the seven-piece band led by Jeff Lynne, from their first live gig in 1972 until he left in January 1975. He quit the band in 1975 to become a Buddhist, changing his name to Deva Pramada and making his living by teaching the cello.


September 3rd: Born on this day


1934, Born on this day, blues guitarist Freddie King. Eric Clapton covered his 'Have You Ever Loved A Woman' on the 'Layla' album. Died on 27th December 1976 of heart trouble and Ulcers aged 42.

1942, Born on this day, Al Jardine, guitar, vocals, The Beach Boys, (1966 UK & US No.1 single 'Good Vibrations', plus over 25 other UK Top 40 singles).

1944, Born on this day, Gary Leeds, The Walker Brothers, (1966 UK No.1 & US No.13 single 'The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore').

1945, Born on this day, George Biondo, Steppenwolf, (1969 UK No.30 single 'Born To Be Wild').

1947, Born on this day, Eric Bell, Thin Lizzy, (1973 UK No.6 single 'Whisky In The Jar').

1948, Born on this day, Donald Brewer, drummer, Grand Funk Railroad, (1974 US No.1 single 'The Locomotion'). Most successful US Heavy Metal band of the 70's selling over 20m albums. Also worked with Bob Seger.

1952, Born on this day, Leroy Smith, Sweet Sensation, (1974 UK No.1 single with 'Sad Sweet Dreamer').

1957, Born on this day, Suzanne Freitag, Propaganda, (1985 UK No.21 single 'Duel').

1962, Born on this day, Lester Noel, Beats International, (1990 UK No.1 single 'Dub Be Good To Me' featuring vocalist former actress in TV's 'Grange Hill', Lindy Layton, produced by Norman Cook).

1973, Born on this day, Jennifer Paige, US singer, (1998 UK No.4 single, 'Crush'.

1973, Born on this day, David Mead, US singer, songwriter. (2001 UK airplay hit ‘Girl On The Roof’).

1979, Born on this day, Tomislav 'Tomo' Milichevich Sarajevo, lead guitarist, 30 Seconds to Mars.

1980, Born on this day, Jay 'Cone' McCaslin, bass, Sum 41, (2001 UK No 13 single 'In Too Deep').

1984, Born on this day, Robert Curry, US singer with Day26, also known as a contestant on the TV show Making the Band 4.

September 5th: On this Day


1954, Kitty Kallen was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Little Things That Mean A Lot'. The American singer's only hit making her the first ever UK one hit wonder.

1956, Elvis Presley surprised his mother with a gift of a pink Cadillac. The car remained in the Presley family and eventually went on display at Graceland.

1963, The Rolling Stones kicked off their fourth UK tour at The Astoria London. A 32-date package tour with Mike Berry and the Innocents The Mojos and Simon Scott and the Leroy's.

1964, The Animals started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'House Of The Rising Sun'. When first released the record company printed the time of the song on the record as three minutes feeling that the real time of four minutes was too long for radio airplay.

1965, Sonny & Cher made their first live UK appearance when they appeared at the 100 Club in London.

1965, The Rolling Stones recorded their eighth single ‘Get Off Of My Cloud’ at RCA studios in Hollywood. The song peaked at No.1 in the US and the UK.

1966, John Lennon started work in Germany on his role as Private Gripweed in the film 'How I Won The War'.

1967, Working at Abbey Road studios, London, The Beatles began recording John Lennon’s new song ‘I Am the Walrus’, recording 16 takes of the basic backing track.

1968, On their first ever visit to the UK The Doors appeared on Top of The Pops performing ‘Hello I Love You’ live on the TV show.

1969, The Stooges made their New York debut at The Pavilion supporting MC5.

1971, During a North American tour Led Zeppelin appeared at Chicago International Amphitheatre.

1976, The Kursal Flyers supported by The Clash both appeared at The Roundhouse London.

1976, Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington was seriously injured in a car crash in Florida.

1978, Joe Negroni from Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers died of a brain haemorrhage. (1956 UK No.1 & US No.6 single 'Why Do Fools Fall In Love').

1981, Bananarama released their first ever single 'Ai A Mwana', it failed to make the UK top 75 charts.

1981, Soft Cell were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with their version of 'Tainted Love.' The song had been a hit for Gloria Jones in 1964. (Jones who became Marc Bolan's girlfriend was the driver of the car, that crashed and killed Bolan on 16 September 1977. Jones nearly died in the accident).

1981, Stevie Nicks went to No.1 on the US album with Bella Donna, featuring the tracks ‘Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around’ (the Tom Petty duet), ‘Leather and Lace’ (with Don Henley), ‘Edge of Seventeen’ and ‘After the Glitter Fades.’

1987, Ian Astbury of The Cult was arrested after a show in Vancouver ended in a riot. Staff at the concert claimed they were assaulted by Astbury, who spent the night in the local police cells.

1990, Ian Dury And The Blockheads drummer Charley Charles died of cancer. Scored the 1978 UK No.1 single ‘Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick’.

1992, Suede played a gig for fan club members at The White Horse in Hampstead London.

1994, Oasis appeared at The Hacienda in Manchester to celebrate the launch of their debut album 'Definitely Maybe'.

1998, Aerosmith scored their first US No.1 single with the Diane Warren written song 'I Don't Want To Miss A Thing'.

1998, Manic Street Preachers scored their first UK No.1 single with 'If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next'. The group's 19th hit and the first Welsh act to have a No.1 single since Shakin' Stevens in 1985. The song is in the Guinness World Records as the longest title for a No.1 single without brackets.

1999, After spending 58 weeks on the UK album chart, Shania Twain went to No.1 with 'Come On Over'. It gave the Canadian singer the biggest selling UK album of the year.

2002, Heather Mills, Sir Paul McCartney's second wife accepted £50,000 libel damages over an article in the Sunday Mirror. The paper had suggested that Mills acted dishonestly over cash collected for an earthquake appeal.

2004, The Libertines went to No.1 on the UK album chart with their self-titled second album.

2004, US R&B singer Ciara started a six week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Goodies.'

2004, Nelly went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'My Place / Flap Your Wings.' The rapper's second UK No.1.

2006, Arctic Monkeys won this year's UK Mercury Prize for their album ‘Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not.’ The Sheffield-based bands album became the fastest-selling debut in chart history after shifting more than 360,000 copies in its first week of release in Feb 2006.

2008, A study of more than 36,000 people from around the world concluded that musical tastes and personality type were closely related. The research, which was carried out by Professor Adrian North of Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh in the UK suggested classical music fans were shy, while heavy metal fans were gentle and at ease with themselves. Fans of Indie music had low self-esteem and were not hard working, fans of Rap music had high self-esteem and were outgoing. Country & Western fans were hardworking and outgoing, Reggae fans were creative but not hardworking, and fans of chart pop had high self-esteem, were not creative, but where hardworking and outgoing.

2008, Reba McEntire went to No.1 on the US album chart with ‘Keep on Loving You’ the country singer, songwriter’s twenty fifth-studio album.


September 5th: Born on this day


1936, Born on this day, Willie Woods, Junior Walker and the All Stars, (1969 US No.4 single 'What Does It Take To Win Your Love'). Woods died of lung cancer on 27th May 1997.

1939, Born on this day, John Stewart, singer, songwriter with The Kingston Trio. As a solo artist he had a 1979 US No.5 single with ‘Gold’. He also wrote The Monkees hit ‘Daydream Believer’. Stewart died aged 68 after he suffered a massive stroke or brain aneurysm in San Diego on 19th Jan 2008.

1945, Born on this day, Al Stewart, UK singer, songwriter, (1977 UK No.31 & US No.8 single 'Year Of The Cat').

1946, Born on this day, Buddy Miles drummer with The Ink Spots, Wilson Pickett, Electric Flag and the Jimi Hendrix. Featured on the 1970 album Band Of Gypsies. Miles died on 28th Feb 2008 died aged 60 at his home in Austin, Texas after struggling with a long-term illness.

1946, Born on this day, Dean Ford, Marmalade, (1969 UK No.1 single 'Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da').

1946, Born on this day, Freddie Mercury singer, Queen, (1975 UK No.1 single 'Bohemian Rhapsody also UK No.1 in 1991, plus over 40 other UK Top 40 singles. 1980 US No.1 single 'Crazy Little Thing Called Love'). Solo, (1987 UK No. 4 single 'The Great Pretender'). Mercury died of bronchio-pneumonia on November 24th 1991 aged 45, just one day after he publicly announced he was HIV positive.

1946, Born on this day, Loudon Wainwright III, US singer, songwriter, (1973 US No.17 single 'Dead Skunk'). Once appeared in TV 's M.A.S.H. He is the father of Martha and Rufus Wainwright,

1949, Born on this day, Dave Clempson guitar, Humble Pie (1969 UK No.4 single 'Natural Born Bugie').

1954, Born on this day, Sal Solo, Classix Nouveaux, (1982 UK No.11 single 'Is It A Dream').

1966, Born on this day, Terry Ellis, vocals, En Vogue (1992 US No.2 & UK No.4 single 'My Lovin').

1968, Born on this day, Brad Wilk, drums, Rage Against The Machine, (1996 US No.1 album 'Evil Empire', 1993 UK No. 16 single 'Bullet In The Head'). Audioslave (2005 US No.1 album 'Out of Exile').

1980, Born on this day, Kevin Simm, vocals, Liberty X (2002 UK No.1 single 'Just A Little').