Today in Rock History – 2nd JULY:

BIRTHDAYS
1945: Peter Cruickshank (The Groundhogs)
1949: Roy Bittan (Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band)
1954: Pete Briquette (The Boomtown Rats)
1963: Martin Phillipps (The Chills)
1983: Michelle Branch

EVENTS
1956: Elvis Presley recorded “Hound Dog” at RCA Studios, New York.
1962: Jimi Hendrix was honourably discharged from the 101st Airborne Paratroopers, after breaking his ankle during his 26th and final parachute jump.
1967: Cream, Jeff Beck & John Mayall all appeared at London’s Saville Theatre.
1973: Brian Eno quit Roxy Music after personality clashes with singer, Bryan Ferry.

Bryan to Brian: “This band ain’t big enough for two of us!” There was always a friendly rivalry between Eno and Ferry ~ from who could steal the spotlight onstage, to who could get the most girls backstage. It basically came down to Ferry’s natural stage presence, fighting it out with Eno’s sonic delights and outlandish wardrobe. So, after helping create the brilliant first two Roxy LPs, Eno avoided collision by walking out (and it turned out for the best). 
1979: Neil Young released his ‘Rust Never Sleeps’ album.
1991: Axl Rose caused a riot during a GN’R gig at Riverpoint Amphitheatre, Maryland Heights.

1995: The classic line-up of Pink Floyd reunited for a one-off charity gig, Live 8, at Earl’s Court in London. Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Nick Mason & Richard Wright performed “Breathe”, “Money”, “Wish You Were Here” & “Comfortably Numb”.
2024: Death of bassist, Tom Fowler [aged 73]. Best known for his work with Frank Zappa (1973 – 1978), over the years Tom played with It’s a Beautiful Day, The Mothers of Invention, Jean-Luc Ponty, Ray Charles, Steve Hackett & more.

Happy 61st Birthday to Martin Phillipps! The Dunedin singer / songwriter / musician is best known for his internationally acclaimed band, The Chills. I caught them live in April, 2017 at The Cabana, Napier and they were playing and sounding better than ever! Martin has had some challenging times with health and his musical career over the years, so it’s great to know that he is in a healthy, happy place now. I love my leather jacket, but this is my fave Chills number…