If you don’t know your music history you are doomed to repeat your music history. Here are all the key events that happened on this day October 29th.
1846: Youth Arrested For Piracy After Transcribing Sheet Music Of Popular Song
“Transcription is killing the music industry,” said an indignant music publisher. “You wouldn’t transcribe a horse-drawn carriage, would you?”
1980: Alvin and The Chipmunks Abruptly End Punk Phase
The short-lived departure from the novelty band’s pop style drew to a close when fourth Chipmunk “Scuz” died from an overdose while on tour in Stockholm.
1983: Slash Adopts His Iconic Nickname
Future Guns N’ Roses guitarist Saul Hudson filled a notebook with possible stage names including Slit, Gash and Slice before finally arriving at his now-famous sobriquet.
1989: Jandek Dropped From Major Label Hours After Being Signed
The reclusive musician was immediately let go after an initial meeting during which his only contribution was a long, graphic story about watching two stray dogs copulate on his lawn.
1991: Carcass Frontman Performs Appendectomy On Self
“Looks like studying all those medical textbooks for lyrical inspiration ended up saving my life,” said Jeff Walker, who had fallen ill during a solo hike.
1994: Mayhem Post Ad Seeking New Guitarist
The ad, which assured prospective members there had been no murders or suicides within the band for nearly a year, asked that applicants have “pro gear and be drama-free.”
1997: Embarrassed Man Shows Up to Barenaked Ladies Concert With Pockets Full of Dollar Bills
“I thought it was a different kind of show,” said the man, who wished to remain anonymous. “I stuck around till the end thinking maybe they were just openers for some actual naked ladies, but no dice.”
1998: Labels Pressure Bands to Come Up With Songs Similar to Semisonic’s Hit “Closing Time”
“Why not a song about opening up a 7-11 in the morning?” suggested a Geffen Records executive. “Or how about a catchy number about the Spanish siesta, where they close for a little while in the afternoon and then open back up again?”
2002: Frank Black and The Catholics Transfer Problematic Drummer To Another Band
The ex-Pixies frontman was accused of taking a page from the Boston Archdiocese when it came to dealing with “bad apples” within his organization.
2011: Lou Reed Blames Recording of “Lulu” on Brief Period of Sobriety
“I was out of my mind sober when we made that fuckin’ record” said Reed. “I just hope I live long enough to record another album all fucked up like usual so I can redeem myself.”