Wow, a whole lot happened on this day in music’s past! Join us as we take a look back at some of the noteworthy events—and even some under-the-radar stories you may have missed—that occurred on this day in music history.
1968: Led Zeppelin Introduces the Blues to the United States
The long-haired British lads delighted US audiences when they brought their unique, new musical genre across the pond for their first stateside show.
1973: Kraftwerk’s Ralf Hütter Discovers the 58008 Trick With His Pocket Calculator
The remarkable finding would go on to thrill generations of middle schoolers.
1979: David Byrne Develops Trademark Erratic Dance
The Talking Heads frontman had a eureka moment on stage while trying to shake a spider out of his shirt.
1982: Alleged Fifth Ramone Sues Band for Songwriting Credits
Disgruntled former member Gary Ramone claims to have come up with shouting “1-2-3-4!” before songs during his brief tenure with the band.
1984: Would-Be Assassin Foiled By Bruce Dickinson’s Codpiece
The Iron Maiden singer was saved when his medieval crotch accessory blocked a sniper’s bullet. The deflected bullet then struck and killed an unlucky fan in the front row.
1987: The Fall’s Mark E. Smith Records Stop Announcements for London Underground
The unintelligible announcements quickly caused chaos and system-wide disruption, resulting in The Tube’s “Celebrity Stop Announcement” program being immediately scrapped.
1990: Fugazi’s Guy Picciotto Interrupts Washington Wizards Game by Running Onto Court and Dunking Himself
The singer was barred from attending future NBA games until he sought treatment for his self-dunking compulsion.
1991: Michael Winslow Saves The Day After Slash Falls Ill
The talented vocal artist was called in last-minute to replicate Slash’s guitar parts with his mouth for Guns N’ Roses’ Madison Square Garden concert.
1997: Iggy Pop Tries in Vain To Cut Himself With a Plastic Beer Bottle
The singer later complained that the increased use of plastic bottles was impacting his ability to perform.
2008: Lars Ulrich Reveals “The Unforgiven III” is About Napster Users
“Just remember: Metallica never forgives and never forgets,” warned the drummer in a Rolling Stone interview.
David Byrne photo by Craig Howell.