Today in Rock History – 24th AUGUST:

BIRTHDAYS
1944: Jim Capaldi (Traffic)
1945: Ken Hensley (Uriah Heep)
1948: Jean Michel Jarre
1951: Michael Derosier (Heart)
1963: John Bush (Anthrax)
1968: Andreas Kisser (Sepultura)

EVENTS
1980: The 20th Reading Rock Festival featured Rory Gallagher, Whitesnake, Gillan, Ozzy Osbourne, Iron Maiden, Budgie, Gary Moore, Def Leppard, UFO, Pat Travers Band, The Angels and more!

1981: The Rolling Stones released their album, ‘Tattoo You’.
1991: Metallica scored their first UK No.1 album with ‘Metallica’.
2020: Death of singer, Riley Gale, of Power Trip [aged 34].
2021: Death of drummer, Charlie Watts, of The Rolling Stones [aged 80].
2023: Death of guitarist / singer / songwriter, Bernie Marsden [aged 72]. Mainly known for his work and songs with Whitesnake (1978 – 1983), Bernie had a solo career and played with many bands over the years, including UFO, Wild Turkey, Babe Ruth, Paice Ashton Lord, Alaska, Moody Marsden Band, The Company Of Snakes & more.

Remembering Ken Hensley, on what would have been his 79th birthday. Songwriter / singer / keyboardist / guitarist / producer, Mr. Hensley was a founding member of Uriah Heep and led them through their classic era (from 1970 to 1980) before briefly joining Blackfoot and pursuing a solo career. He wrote most of Uriah Heep‘s songs during his tenure with the band, including the hit singles “Lady in Black”, “Easy Livin'”, “Stealin'”, and “Free Me”. Other works of genius from the pen of Ken include “The Wizard”, “Poet’s Justice”, “Rain”, “Wise Man”, “Paradise / The Spell” and “July Morning”.

This fantastic footage is from 7th December, 2001, when Ken reunited with Uriah Heep for one night, as part of ‘The Magician’s Birthday Party’. It had been over 21 years since he had performed live with the group that he formed in 1970.