Today in Rock History – 4th NOVEMBER:

BIRTHDAYS
1954: Chris Difford (Squeeze)
1956: Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater)
1957: James Honeyman-Scott (Pretenders)
1965: Jeff Scott Soto (Yngwie Malmsteen Band / Journey)

EVENTS
1968: Cream played their final American show, in Long Island.
1969: The Allman Brothers Band released their self-titled debut album.
1974: Sweet released their third album in the UK, ‘Desolation Boulevard‘. A different version of the album was issued in USA in July, 1975.
1974: Deep Purple released the ‘Stormbringer‘ album, their second LP to feature singer, David Coverdale and bassist / singer, Glenn Hughes.
1977: Martin Scorsese’s movie of The Band’s final concert, ‘The Last Waltz’ premiered in New York.
1981: Black Sabbath released the ‘Mob Rules‘ album, their second LP to feature singer, Ronnie James Dio.
1994: Death of guitarist, Fred “Sonic” Smith of MC5 [aged 44].
1997: Yes released their ‘Keys to Ascension 2’ double CD set.
2008: Chris Squire, Steve Howe & Alan White of Yes began their ‘In the Present’ tour with singer, Benoit David and Rick Wakeman’s son, Oliver on keyboards.
2016: Death of keyboard player, Eddie Harsch of The Black Crowes [aged 59].
2020: Death of songwriter / singer / keyboard player / guitarist, Ken Hensley of Uriah Heep [aged 75].
Rest in Peace: Ken Hensley ~ one of my favourite songwriter / musicians. A very sad day indeed, but what an amazing legacy Ken has left us with all those wonderful songs.
2024: Death of record producer / conductor / arranger / pianist / songwriter, Quincy Jones [aged 91].

Rest in Peace: Fred “Sonic” Smith passed away on this day in 1994. Here’s some raw footage of the guitarist’s band, MC5 ~ it was Detroit in 1969! MC5 were an explosive, unpredictable live act, who influenced The Stooges and were around long before Ramones and other punk rockers that followed suit. In 1980, Fred married Patti Smith (conveniently, she didn’t have to change her surname) and they remained together until his death. Kick out the jams, brothers and sisters!