Today in Rock History – 12th MARCH:

BIRTHDAYS
1917: Leonard Chess (Founder of Chess Records)
1940: Al Jarreau
1946: Liza Minnelli
1948: James Taylor
1949: Bill Payne (Little Feat)
1949: Mike Gibbins (Badfinger)
1951: Jack Green (The Pretty Things)
1956: Steve Harris (Iron Maiden)
1969: Graham Coxon (Blur)

EVENTS
1955: Death of jazz saxophonist, Charlie Parker [aged 34].
1967: The Velvet Underground released their hugely influential debut album, ‘The Velvet Underground & Nico’. Andy Warhol produced the LP and provided the legendary peeling banana art work.
1969: Paul McCartney married Linda Eastman.
2002: Death of singer / songwriter / drummer / guitarist / keyboard player, John “Speedy” Keen of Thunderclap Newman [aged 56].
2006: David Gilmour of Pink Floyd was No.1 on the UK chart with his third solo album, ‘On an Island’.
2013: Death of drummer, Clive Burr of Iron Maiden [aged 56].
2017: Death of guitarist, Joey Alves of Y&T [aged 63].
2022: Death of guitarist, Barry Bailey of Atlanta Rhythm Section [aged 73].

Happy 69th Birthday to Steve Harris of Iron Maiden! Steve is the bassist / songwriter / mastermind that started the band, back in 1975. He is the only remaining original member (although Dave Murray has appeared on every album) and writes the lion’s share of the songs. Maiden are still going, strong as ever and their latest albums, ‘The Book of Souls’ & ‘Senjutsu’ are right up there with the best they have made.