Today in rock history: on this date in 1979, the trial for Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious began in New York City. The British musician was being tried for allegedly killing his girlfriend Nancy Spungen three months earlier while staying at the Chelsea Hotel in New York City. Vicious died of a heroin overdose a month after the trial began and therefore, a verdict was never reached in the case.
Today in rock history: on this date in 1971, George Harrison’s first post-Beatles solo album, the triple-LP set All Things Must Pass hit the No. 1 spot on the American Billboard albums chart. The album claimed the top spot for seven weeks and Harrison became the first former Beatle to score a solo No. 1 album. The record included the hit singles “My Sweet Lord” and “What is Life” which were both big solo hits for George as well.
Today in rock history: on this date in 1926, the very first issue of influential British music magazine Melody Maker was published. The magazine billed itself as catering to “all who are interested in the production of popular music.” The magazine was in production until the year 2000 and covered plenty of important British acts like The Rolling Stones, Sex Pistols, Oasis and Blur throughout its tenure. Many bands were formed thanks to advertisements placed within the classified ads section of the magazine. The Stranglers, Supertramp, The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Erasure all came together thanks to ads placed in the publication.
Today in rock history: on this date in 1997, Randy California, best known for his involvement with American rock band Spirit, passed away at the age of 45. California (born Randy Craig Wolfe) drowned in Hawaii as a result of a rip current while attempting to rescue his 12-year old son who almost drowned himself. His son was saved but, sadly, California didn’t survive the rescue attempt. Spirit is best remembered for its 1968 smash hit single, “I Got A Line On You.”
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Review: The real Isaac Hayes gets shine in The Spirit of Memphis
Today in rock history: on this date in 1999, soul and R&B legend Isaac Hayes scored the last big hit of his career when his single “Chocolate Salty Balls” reached the No. 1 spot on the British singles charts. The song, taken from the soundtrack for the popular animated series South Park found Hayes in character of “Chef,” the character he voiced for several seasons on the off-color, adult humored show. Isaac Hayes passed away as a result of a stroke in 2008.
