Today in Rock History – 27th AUGUST:

BIRTHDAYS
1937: Phil Shulman (Gentle Giant)
1944: Tim Bogert (Vanilla Fudge / Beck, Bogert & Appice)
1949: Jeff Cook (Energy / Songwriter with Tommy Bolin)
1950: Neil Murray (Whitesnake)
1953: Laurie Wisefield (Wishbone Ash)
1953: Alex Lifeson (Rush)
1955: Gary Barden (Michael Schenker Group / Praying Mantis / Statetrooper / Silver)
1956: Glen Matlock (The Sex Pistols)

EVENTS
1965: The Beatles met Elvis! John, Paul, George and Ringo along with their manager, publicist and assistants came to Presley’s house on Perugia Way in Los Angeles to meet their rock and roll hero. The King didn’t allow any of the visit to be photographed or recorded. A jam session ensued and lasted about an hour. “There was Elvis playing bass, Paul and John on guitars — and I just sat there with my mouth open all night”, Beatles roadie, Mal Evans recalled.
1967: Death of Brian Epstein [aged 32].
1978: Jon Lord joined Whitesnake.
1990: Death of Stevie Ray Vaughan [aged 35].
2020: Death of Gabrielle Mullins, owner of The Powerstation music venue, Auckland [aged 61].

Happy Birthday to Alex Lifeson of Rush ~ he’s 71 today! With drummer / lyricist Neil Peart now no longer with us, it is the end of the road for Rush, sadly. Here is just one of countless Rush numbers that feature amazing guitar work from Alex…