August 14th, 2013, sadly we lose Allen Lanier, keyboardist and rhythm guitarist from Blue Oyster Cult.
Today in 2012, John Geils sues the other members of the J Geils Band. John’s in semi-retirement, he doesn’t want to tour, but the rest of the guys do, and they want to tour as the J Geils Band just without J. And that’s exactly what they end up doing.
Sadly, today in 2010, we lose Little Feat drummer Richie Hayward.
Today in 2002, Guns N’ Roses set out on their Chinese Democracy tour. The only odd thing about this, it’s still about another six years before they release “Chinese Democracy.”
Today in 1987, Guns N’ Roses set out on their first North American tour. They do it as the opening act for The cult.
Today in 1985, after having a conversation with Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson realizes how beneficial publishing rights are. So he goes out and buys the rights to 250 Lennon McCartney songs. It’s a fantastic financial investment, but it ends the relationship between the two men.
Today in 1974, Neil Peart makes his debut as the drummer for Rush. He does it at a show in Pittsburgh where the band is the support for Manfred Mann and Uriah Heep.
Today in 1971, The Who released their monster album, “Who’s Next?” This is the songs that are left over after their failed “Lifehouse” project, and the album itself is a huge hit with many, many monster tunes on it.
Today, we take a look at the calendar. We find a couple birthdays on it. Born today in 1945, Steve Martin. Yeah, I’m talking about the comedian, but he’s also a musician. He’s well known for being an accomplished banjo player. And then today in 1941, the late David Crosby, member of Crosby, Stills and Nash, Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and the Byrds.