Are you ready to learn some stuff? It’s August 19th and here’s what happened Today in Rock History!
Starting off in 1972, The Midnight Special debuted on NBC. Originally a TV special, the show would become a regular fixture of late-night television on February 3rd, 1973. The show stood out from other shows of the era by not only having musical acts perform live, but included occasional performances from stand-up comedians of the era like Steve Martin, Richard Pryor and George Carlin. The show is so loved and revered, you can watch full episodes on The Midnight Special’s YouTube page!
With releases we got Flick of the Switch from AC/DC in 1974, Staind’s The Illusion of Progress in 2008 and Indestructible by Rancid in 2003!
We also got Humbug from Arctic Monkeys in 2009 and I Prevail’s True Power in 2022!
In 1977, The S.P.O.T.S. go on tour in the UK. Who the hell are The S.P.O.T.S., you may be asking? Well due to their rowdy reputation, the Sex Pistols used different names in fear that they wouldn’t be able to book shows, or they’d be shut down by the cops. The acronym the band used stood for “Sex Pistols On Tour Secretly”. Other names the Pistols used included “Tax Exiles” and “Mystery Band of International Repute”.
With birthdays we have Ian Gillan of Deep Purple and Ginger Baker of Cream!
Other birthdays include Josh Rand of Stone Sour, Michael Todd of Coheed and Cambria and John Deacon of Queen!
In 1989, Lou Reed broke his ankle during a soundcheck at a show in Cleveland, causing him to cancel the rest of his tour.
In 2005, a life-size bronze statue of Thin Lizzy singer and bassist Phil Lynott was unveiled in his hometown of Dublin, Ireland. The unveiling ceremony was attended by many, including his former bandmates. Lynott died in 1986 at the age of 36.
And finally in 1983, “Pirate Radio” station Radio Caroline returns to the airwaves in 1983 on board the ship Ross Revenge in international waters. Radio Caroline originally shut down in 1968 and it would shut down again six years to the day after the comeback.
This has been Today in Rock History! Keep on Rocking, keep on Rolling! Check back tomorrow for your next rock history lesson!
