188 Classic Rock

May 9th 1969, Beatles guitarist George Harrison's experimental album Electronic Sounds was released on Zapple records.

May 9th 1962, Born on this day, Dave Gahan, vocals, Depeche Mode, (1984 UK No.4 single 'People Are People', plus over 25 other UK Top 40 singles). Solo.

May 9th 1949, Born on this day, American singer-songwriter Billy Joel who had the 1980 US No.1 single 'It's Still Rock And Roll To Me', the 1983 UK No.1 single 'Uptown Girl', plus over 20 other US & UK Top 40 singles and 4 US No.1 albums.

May 8th 1941, Born on this day, John Fred Gourrier, from John Fred and His Playboy Band, (1968 US No.1 & UK No.3 single 'Judy In Disguise'). Died on 15th April 2005 after a long battle with kidney disease aged 63.

May 8th 1955, Born on this day, Alex Van Halen, Van Halen, drums, (1984 US No.1 & UK No.7 single 'Jump').

May 8th 1940, Born on this day, Ricky Nelson, US singer, (1958 US No.1 'Poor Little Fool', 1961 UK No.2 single 'Hello Mary Lou' plus over 30 US Top 40 hit singles). Played himself on his parent's US TV The Adventures Of Ozzie and Harriet.' Nelson died...

May 8th 1911, Born on this day, Robert Johnson, blues singer, guitarist. Influenced Muddy Waters, Elmore James, Eric Clapton (Cream covered 'Crossroads), The Rolling Stones ('Love In Vain'). Johnson died on 16th August 1938.

May 8th 1984, Roger Waters released his first solo album The Pros And Cons Of Hitch Hiking. The concept album, as originally envisioned by Waters in 1977, rotated around a man's thoughts during a midlife crisis, and featured guest musicians Eric Clapton...

May 8th 1982, Vangelis went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Chariots Of Fire', his only US No.1. Vangelis was accused of plagiarising 'Chariots of Fire' from a song by fellow Greek composer Stavros Logaridis called 'City of Violets'. Vangelis won...

May 8th 1982, Paul McCartney scored his fifth UK No.1 album with 'Tug Of War'. The album featured the duet with Stevie Wonder 'Ebony & Ivory', which was inspired by McCartney hearing comedian Spike Milligan say "black notes, white notes, and you need...