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Today in rock history, on this date in 1989. A new group fronted by David Bowie called Tin Machine released its debut, self-titled album. Meant to be a return to more stripped-down, straight ahead rock and roll, Bowie enlisted the talents of guitarist Reeves Gabrels along with brothers Tony Sales and Hunt Sales on bass and drums, respectively, to form this new band. Bowie fans and critics both praised the project and the return to the a more raw, ragged style. The band would release one more studio album and a live album as well before their short tenure would come to an end.
Today in rock history, on this date in 1959. Steven Patrick Morrissey was born in Davyhulme, Lancashire, England. Soon to be referred to by his last name only and after a brief stint as a music journalist, Morrissey would meet fellow music fan Johnny Marr and form what's now considered one of the most influential bands to ever emerge from the UK, The Smiths. Happy Birthday to this unpredictable yet always fascinating front man.
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Today in rock history, on this date in 1981. Daryl Hall and John Oates were awarded a Gold record award (marking sales in excess of 500,000 copies) for their no. 1 hit single, "Kiss On My List." The song would start a string of no. 1 hits the best selling duo of all time would carry well into the 1980's.
Today in rock history, on this date in 1955. A dance featuring rock and roll piano player Fats Domino at the Ritz Ballroom in Bridgeport, Connecticut was cancelled by local police. The authorities cancelled the appearance by the singer of such hits as "Ain't That A Shame" and "Blueberry Hill" due to a riot that had recently occurred at a rock and roll dance in nearby city New Haven.
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This article appears in May 18-25, 2017.