\\
Today in rock history: A fatal motorcycle accident claimed the young life of guitarist Duane Allman on this date in 1971. Only 24 years old, Allman was already a superb, accomplished guitarist at the time of his passing. The now classic live Allman Brothers album At Fillmore East — which features some of Duane's finest work — had only been out for three months at the time of Duane's death. Taken way too early, his body of work lives on forever.
\\
Today in rock history: On this date in 1984, Frankie Goes To Hollywood released it's debut album, the 2-LP set, Welcome To The Pleasuredome. The band had been steeped in controversy before the record had even been released thanks to singles that preceded the release of the album. "Relax" drove censors crazy with its suggestive lyrics and the initial video the band had made for it which was rich with sexual images. "Two Tribes," its political commentary and its equally controversial music video was also a problem. Thanks to the attention, the album debuted at No. 1 on British album sales charts and became a hit all around the world.
TODAY IN ROCK HISTORY
Neil Peart played his first show with Rush on this day in 1974
Today in rock history: On this date in 1978, Canadian power trio Rush released its four-song prog-rock epic, Hemispheres, which features the single "The Trees" and the band's stunning instrumental powerhouse track, "La Villa Strangiato." On this very date three years later, in 1981, the band released its second live album, Exit…Stage Left. The concert album captured the band on tour while supporting its breakthrough album, Moving Pictures, which was also released in 1981.
\\
Today in rock history: On this date in 1966, the garage rock classic with one of the most memorable organ riffs of all time, "96 Tears" by ? and the Mysterians hit the No. 1 spot on the US singles chart. Although he closely guarded his identity at the time, ? (Question Mark) turned out to be Rudy Martinez from Saginaw Valley, Michigan. The song was later covered by artists like Garland Jeffreys and The Stranglers.
\\
This article appears in Oct 25 – Nov 1, 2018.