On this date in 1983, on the verge of breaking through in America, Irish band U2 played one of the most important gigs of their career. The band headlined the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado and filmed and recorded the event for future release. The result was the live EP “Under A Blood Red Sky” and an accompanying home video release, which came out later that same year, that showed the world how exciting and dynamic a live band they were. The band is playing Tampa's Raymond James Stadium on June 14. More information on the show is available here.
On this date in 1971, Flint, Michigan rock and roll trio Grand Funk Railroad broke the record previously held by The Beatles when they sold out all available 72,000 seats in New York City’s Shea Stadium. The show scheduled for mid-July ’71 sold out in 72 hours. The opening band on the double bill with British rock group, Humble Pie.
On this date in 1975, founding Pink Floyd member Syd Barrett showed up unexpectedly to see his former band mates as they were recording their new album. During playbacks of the album’s title track, “Wish You Were Here,” Barrett appeared although due to his strange resemblance, no one in the band or the studio recognized him. Syd had shaved off all his hair and his eyebrows and looked nothing like he did when he departed the band in the late 1960’s. Barrett disappeared from the studio without warning. This would be the last time Pink Floyd members would ever see him.
Born on this date in 1947 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois — Avant-Garde composer, singer, electronic music pioneer, poet and artist, Laurie Anderson. A purveyor of art, music and culture, Anderson has released an outstanding string of albums since her astounding 1982 debut, Big Science.
On this date in 2002, Ramones bassist, singer and songwriter Dee Dee Ramone (born Douglas Glenn Colvin) passed away. Ramones fans all over the world mourned the death of this, one of the founding members of one of the most important and influential bands of all time. Dee Dee was 50 at the time of his death.
