188 Classic Rock

June 21st 1966, Jimmy Page made his live debut with The Yardbirds at The Marquee Club London.

June 21st 1975, Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore quit Deep Purple to form his own group Rainbow. The group went through many line-up changes with, Ronnie James Dio, Graham Bonnet, Cozy Powell, Roger Glover, and Doogie White all being members.

June 21st 1979, Angus MacLise, Velvet Underground's first drummer died of tuberculosis aged 34. He quit the band in 1965

June 21st 2001, John Lee Hooker, American blues singer and guitarist died in his sleep aged 83. Had hits with 'Boom Boom', 'Dimples' and 'I'm In The Mood'. His songs have been covered by many artists including Cream, AC/DC, ZZ Top, Led Zeppelin, Jimi...

June 21st 1953, Born on this day, Nils Lofgren, guitar, piano, vocals. He joined Neil Young'sband at age 17, playing piano on the album After the Gold Rush. From 1971 to 1974 recorded four albums with his own band, Grin. Solo 1976 UK No.8 album, 'Cry...

Happy birthday to Brian Wilson, born on 20th June 1942. American singer, songwriter with The Beach Boys who scored the 1966 UK & US No.1 single 'Good Vibrations', plus over 25 other UK Top 40 singles. The 1966 classic album Pet Sounds is widely considered...

June 20th 1949, Born on this day, Lionel Richie, vocals, keyboards, The Commodores, (1978 UK & US No.1 single 'Three Times A Lady') solo, (1984 UK & US No.1 single 'Hello' plus over 10 other UK Top 40 hit singles).

June 20th 1924, Born on this day, Chet Atkins, guitarist, 1960 UK No.46 single 'Teensville'. Recorded over 100 albums during his career, major influence on George Harrison and Mark Knopfler. Atkins died on June 30th 2001, aged 77.

June 20th 1969, The first of a three day Festival in Newport, California, featuring: Ike And Tina Turner, Marvin Gaye, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Byrds, The Rascals, Steppenwolf, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Janis Joplin, Johnny Winter, Eric Burdon...

June 20th 1969, David Bowie recorded 'Space Oddity' at Trident Studios London. The track went on to become a UK No.1 when re-released in 1975. Written about the launch of Major Tom, a fictional astronaut; Bowie would later revisit his Major Tom character...