Today in Rock History – 18th MAY:

BIRTHDAYS
1949: Rick Wakeman (Yes)

1949: William Wallace (The Guess Who)
1950: Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo)

1954: William Goulden a.k.a. Wreckless Eric
1956: Jim Moginie (Midnight Oil)
1958: Victoria (Toyah) Wilcox
1961: Russell Senior (Pulp)
1967: Martin Duffy (Primal Scream / The Charlatans)
1969: Martika
1975: Jack Johnson

EVENTS
1967: Pink Floyd started recording their forthcoming single at Sound Techniques Studios, Chelsea, London. Syd Barrett was inspired to write “See Emily Play” by the “looning about” of Pink Floyd fan Emily Young, (who is now a renowned sculptor). Guitarist David Gilmour, playing gigs in France with his own band in that period, visited Floyd in the studio during a trip to London.
1973: Yes released their triple live album,’Yessongs‘. It was recorded live on the ‘Fragile’ & ‘Close To The Edge’ tours in 1972 and features a quad-fold cover, which opens out to amazing Roger Dean paintings!

1980: Death of singer, Ian Curtis of Joy Division [aged 23].
1993: Alan McGee attended a gig by Oasis and signed them to his label, Creation Records.
1999: Death of reggae musician, Horace Swaby a.k.a. Augustus Pablo [aged 44].
2004: Death of jazz drummer, Elvin Jones [aged 76].
2017: Death of singer / songwriter / guitarist, Chris Cornell, of Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog & Audioslave [aged 52].
2022: Death of singer / songwriter, Cathal Coughlan, of Microdisney & The Fatima Mansions [aged 61].

Happy Birthday, Rick!!! Yes, Mr. Wakeman celebrates his 75th today. The photo above was taken on 7 October, 2012, when I met him (for the fourth time) after his concert in Auckland. In case you are wondering, Rick’s shirt says “No Job, No Money, No Car… But I’m In A Band!”. For me there is no doubt that Rick is the best keyboard player on Earth!