1977 - The Clash released their self-titled debut album on CBS. In the United States, the Clash's debut studio album was released one year after Give 'Em Enough Rope, so it was their second release in the US. CBS in America had decided that the album was 'not radio friendly', so it was initially only available in the States during 1977-1978 as an import, and as such became the best-selling import of the year, shifting over 100,000 copies. The album is widely celebrated as one of the greatest punk albums of all time.
1994 - Kurt Cobain's body was found in his Seattle home by an electrician sent to install a burglar alarm. He was believed to have died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound three days earlier. A suicide note was found that said, 'I haven't felt the excitement of listening to as well as creating music, along with really writing . . . for too many years now'.
2000 - In a Saturday Night Live skit where Blue Öyster Cult is recording "(Don't Fear) The Reaper," Christopher Walken demands more cowbell from Will Ferrell, who complies. A catch phrase is born.
It's a Behind The Music sendup, with Walken playing producer Bruce Dickinson, sent to deliver a hit. When they run through the song, Ferrell plays the cowbell with alarming enthusiasm, but Walken loves it, ordering "more cowbell" and telling him to "really explore the studio space," which he does. Jimmy Fallon, playing the drummer, almost ruins the big by laughing his way through it.
There really is a Bruce Dickinson, but he wasn't the band's producer - he worked on re-mastering the album, which is likely how his name got used. (Photo by Rich Fury/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
2006 - Following 2003's false starts, The Rolling Stones finally performed for the first time in mainland China, at Shanghai's Grand Stage Theatre. The Stones were banned from performing three songs (Brown Sugar, Honky Tonk Women, Rough Justice). Chinese rock star Cui Jian joined the band on stage for a duet with Mick Jagger on Wild Horses.
2012 - It was reported that organizers for the 2012 London Olympics ceremony had recently asked the manager of The Who if legendary drummer Keith Moon would be able to perform at the forthcoming London Olympics Games. Who manager Bill Curbishley, told The Times how he responded to the request. 'I emailed back saying Keith now resides in Golders Green crematorium, having lived up to The Who's anthemic line 'I hope I die before I get old,' he said. 'If they have a round table, some glasses and candles, we might contact him.'
Birthdays:
Belgian singer and songwriter Jacques Brel was born on this day in 1929.
Julian Lennon is 58. Interesting fact: Had a cameo role in the 1995 film 'Leaving Las Vegas', as a bartender.
Ezra Koenig, singer for Vampire Weekend, is 37.
Matthew Healy of The 1975 is 32.
On This Day In Music History is sourced from This Day in Music, Paul Shaffer's Day in Rock, Song Facts and Wikipedia.