Today in rock history: On this date in 1975, The Eagles announced that founding member Bernie Leadon was officially out of the band. The former member of The Flying Burrito Brothers had been in The Eagles since its formation, but grew weary of the band’s rigorous recording and touring schedule. On the same day, The Eagles announced that former James Gang and Barnstorm member Joe Walsh would be Leadon's replacement. Walsh would play a key role in the group’s continued success and played on some of the group’s most popular albums, including 1976’s Hotel California and 1979's The Long Run. Eagles fans eagerly embraced Walsh as a member and felt that his outstanding guitar work added plenty to the band’s sound.
Today in rock history: on this date in 1966, Chris Robinson was born in Marietta, Georgia. He formed the superb band Black Crowes (FKA Mr. Crowe’s Garden) with his brother Rich in the 1980s and was signed to producer Rick Rubin’s Def American record label by '89. The imprint released the Black Crowes' fantastic debut album, Shake Your Moneymaker, which went on to sell over 5 million copies. Robinson has engaged in other projects including Phil Lesh's Dead-related New Earth Mud and the Chris Robinson Brotherhood. Robinson remains musically active, and the Black Crowes reunite periodically to record and tour. Chris Robinson turns 52 years old today.
Today in rock history: On this date in 1948, musician, producer, engineer, composer and songwriter Alan Parsons was born in London, England. Landing a job as an assistant engineer at famed recording studio Abbey Road, Parsons received his first musical credit on Abbey Road, the 1969 landmark album by The Beatles, and quickly became a respected and in-demand engineer and producer. His most famous production work is undoubtedly from Dark Side of the Moon, the record-breaking, 1973 album by Pink Floyd. Parsons has also had success as a recording artist with his group Alan Parsons Project, which scored several hits including “Eye in the Sky,” “Games People Play” and “I Wouldn’t Want to Be Like You.” The renowned and revered producer and musician celebrates his 70th birthday today.
Today in rock history: On this date in 1945, George Peter John Criscuola, better known as Peter Criss, was born in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. The Italian-American musician worked with several bands throughout the 1960s and came together with fellow NYC musicians Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley to form the band that would eventually be known as KISS. Dressing in outlandish leather costumes and donning a face full of makeup, Criss created the feline-inspired Catman character and performed with the band until his departure in 1980. He is known for lead vocal duties on two of the band’s biggest hits, “Beth” and “Hard Luck Woman.” After leaving KISS, Criss embarked on a solo career that included solo albums and a foray into acting. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee turns 73 years old.
This article appears in Dec 20-27, 2018.