Today in Rock History – 12th SEPTEMBER:

BIRTHDAYS
1943: Maria Muldaur
1944: Barry White
1952: Neil Peart (Rush)
1956: Barry Andrews (XTC, Shriekback, Gang of Four, League of Gentlemen)
1966: Ben Folds (Ben Folds Five)

EVENTS
1966: The Beatles received a gold record for ‘Yellow Submarine’.
1970: James Taylor released his first single, “Fire and Rain”.
1975: Pink Floyd released their album, ‘Wish You Were Here’.
1975: Thin Lizzy released their album, ‘Fighting’.
1980: David Bowie released his ‘Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)’ album.
1987: Morrissey left The Smiths to pursue a solo career.
1989: Aerosmith released their album, ‘Pump’.
1990: Stevie Nicks & Christine McVie both announced that they would no longer perform with Fleetwood Mac.
1993: Danzig played a concert at Auckland Town Hall — I was there!
2000: The family of Jimi Hendrix released 56 rare tracks in a 4-CD boxed set, ‘The Jimi Hendrix Experience’.
2014: Death of bassist John “Gus” Gustafson of The Big Three, Ian Gillan Band, Roxy Music, Quartermass, etc. [aged 72].
2014: Joe Bonamassa played a concert at Auckland Town Hall ~ I was there!
2017: Death of singer / guitarist Jessi Zazu Wariner, of Those Darlin’s [aged 28].
2017: Death of guitarist Phil Whitehead, of NZ progressive rock bands, Think & Human Instinct.
2022: Death of jazz pianist / composer, Ramsey Lewis [aged 87].

Neil Peart of RUSH was born on this day in 1952, but sadly passed away too young, on 7th of January, 2020. He was undoubtedly one of the best percussionists on the planet ever and he also wrote the cerebral lyrics for Rush. Thanks for all the great music, Mr. Peart! Here’s “YYZ”, a showcase for Neil’s incredible drumming…