On This Day
We take you back into classic rock’s history and legacy to note important events that happened on this date as well as celebrate the birthdays of major musical artists and mourn their passing.
March 19, 1982: Guitarist Randy Rhoads Dies
He was only 25, and one of the most promising guitarists in rock. One night in Florida he boarded a small plane and it didn’t end well. RIP.
Read MoreBobbi Ercoline, Mystery Woman on Iconic Woodstock Album Cover
“We were passing the [album] jacket around. Then we saw the blanket. That’s us!”—said her husband, Nick
Read MoreMarch 18, 1978: California Jam 2 Rocks LA
The original festival was a success so the promoters decided to go for a sequel: a day of music featuring Aerosmith, Heart, Foreigner, Santana and more.
Read MoreMarch 18, 1967: The Beatles’ ‘Penny Lane’ Hits #1
How much of the song is about real places in the Beatles’ hometown of Liverpool? Click and learn some stories behind the single
Read MoreMarch 16, 2017: The Kinks’ Ray Davies Gets Knighted
He’s a well-respected man! The co-founder of the British Invasion band received his honours in a ceremony presided by the Prince of Wales
Read MoreMarch 16, 2019: Dick Dale, King of Surf Guitar, Dies
He was given the title ‘King of the Surf Guitar’ by his fellow surfers, with whom he surfed from sun-up to sun-down. RIP, Dick Dale!
Read MoreMarch 15, 1999: The Rock Hall Induction of Bruce Springsteen
There was no doubt whatsoever that The Boss would be a first-ballot inductee when he became eligible for entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Read MoreMar 14, 2023: Queen’s Brian May is Knighted
The guitarist and songwriter joined a short list of British music stars who have been so honored over the years
Read MoreMarch 14, 1983: The Band Bon Jovi is Formed
With his song “Runaway” getting some airplay and a record deal inked, Jon Bon Jovi puts together a group that will make music under his name.
Read MoreMar 13, 2023: Jim Gordon, World-Class Drummer—And Convicted Killer—Dies
He was one of the elite Hollywood studio musicians known as the Wrecking Crew and member of landmark rock bands including Derek and the Dominos
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