Are you ready to learn some stuff? It’s September 2nd and here’s what happened Today in Rock History!
Starting off this chaotic day with, well, CHAOS, as in 1989, Ozzy Osbourne got into legal trouble when he was charged with threatening to kill his wife Sharon. He was later released as long as he immediately went into detox. The case was later dropped as the couple decided to reconcile.
One release today at it’s the Dead Kennedys’ debut record Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables in 1980
Moving onto birthdays, we have Jerry Augstyniak of 10,000 Maniacs and Sam Rivers of Limp Bizkit!
Oh and I have to mention this too, as its Keanu Reeves’ birthday!
In 1972, the Erie Canal Soda Pop Festival began in Griffin, Indiana. The festival, held on Bull Island, was marred with anarchy as promotors expected over 50,000 fans, but ended up with 200,000 attendees instead. A bunch of bands pulled out due to this steadily forming anarchy. Groups on the bill that stayed included Foghat, Cheech and Chong and the Eagles. Due to the chaos, three festival goers drowned in the nearby Wabash River as the festival continued and on the final day, the final chunks of crowds burned the stage down.
In 2008, Rage Against the Machine planned to perform a protest show outside the Republican National Convention being hosted in Minneapolis, but the band was blocked by police. So instead of turning back, RATM began playing two songs in the crowd with just a megaphone. Riots ensued
In 1993, Pearl Jam win big at that years MTV Video Music Awards by winning four awards, including Video of the Year for their Jeremy video. Also at that year’s award show, Stone Temple Pilots won the award for Best New Artist.
And finally, we spoke about it yesterday, in 1995 the Concert for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame took place at Cleveland Stadium and featured an all-star lineup! And because I’m feeling nice, here’s the FULL show! Just for you!
This has been Today in Rock History! Keep on Rocking, keep on Rolling! Check back tomorrow for your next rock history lesson!