Today in Rock History – 20th JUNE:

BIRTHDAYS
1924: Chet Atkins
1928: Eric Dolphy
1942: Brian Wilson (The Beach Boys)
1954: Michael Anthony (Van Halen / Chickenfoot)

1958: Kelly Johnson (Girlschool)

EVENTS
1969: David Bowie recorded “Space Oddity” at Trident Studios, London.
1969: JImi Hendrix received an unprecedented US$125,000 for his performance at Newport Festival.
1974: Van Morrison, Allman Brothers, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Tim Buckley, The Sensational Alex Harvey Band & Doobie Brothers appeared at Knebworth Festival, England.
1981: Guitarist, Bernie Torme quit Gillan.
2004: Organisers at a Paul McCartney gig in Russia hired three jets to spray dry ice into the clouds so it wouldn’t rain during the concert!
2018: Death of producer, David Bianco [aged 64]. He had recorded / produced Bob Dylan, Ozzy Osbourne, Mick Jagger, AC/DC, Fleetwood Mac and many more. Bianco won a Grammy for his work on Tom Petty’s ‘Wildflowers’ album.
2020: Death of guitarist / singer, Aaron Tokona [aged 45]. Aaron performed as A Hori Buzz and was part of bands Weta, Cairo Knife Fight, Bongmaster and Fly My Pretties, and collaborated with some of New Zealand’s top musicians.

The musical genius of David Bowie… he was only 22 years old when he recorded his new song, “Space Oddity” on this day, 55 years ago!