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.
Aug 20, 2020: Quiet Riot Drummer Frankie Banali Dies
The musician went public with his cancer diagnosis in 2019. Though he’s not an original member, he was a force in their most commercially successful lineup
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August 20, 1952: The Knack’s Doug Fieger Born
Fieger rocketed to fame and best-selling stature in 1979 as frontman for The Knack, powered by the mega-hit single “My Sharona.” He passed away in 2010.
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August 18, 1978: The Who Release ‘Who Are You’
The Who’s 8th studio album was their first in three years. Three weeks’ after its release, the band were in for a shock. Watch the recording of the title track
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August 18, 1979: Nick Lowe, Carlene Carter Marry
The English late-’70s new wave and some of country music’s finest heritage connected when rocker Lowe married rocking country artist Carter
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Aug 17, 1968: Rascals ‘People Got to Be Free’ Hits #1
The third #1 pop single by the popular blue-eyed soul hit machine was a plea for tolerance. And right on time for the summer of ’68
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August 16, 2018: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, Dies
She was one of the most beloved American artists of the past 60 years, gifting us with dozens of hits, and earning every award imaginable
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August 16, 1977: Elvis Presley Dies at 42
The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll had given up recording music, preferring to tour or stay in Vegas. To many who saw his performances it appeared he was in trouble
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August 16, 1974: The Ramones First Concert
The Ramones epitomized a back-to-the-basics sound that became known as punk rock. Although they never achieved mainstream success, the group is now revered.
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August 15, 1965: The Beatles Shea Stadium Concert
How much of an impact did Beatlemania have? In 1964, they sold out Carnegie Hall’s 2800 seats. A year later, they drew 55,000 to the Mets ballpark
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August 14, 2020: Pete Way, UFO Founding Bassist, Dies
Way, vocalist Phil Mogg, guitarist Mick Bolton, and drummer Andy Parker formed UFO in 1969. His death followed the passing of another member by 2 months
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