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bmusic
Newsletter No.198
 November 28th - December 4th 2005

Subscriber Jade brought an excellent article in The Age during the week to our attention. The piece is an interview with former Idol judge and record executive Ian Dickson. The guy really does tell it like it is and it makes for excellent reading. Now well out of the recording and Australian Idol game "Dicko" sheds a little bit of light on the elements of Australian Idol we all knew were there but never got any attention. Check the article out for yourself by clicking HERE. On ya Dicko, I always figured you would speak your mind at some point and give some insight into the show and it's record company association. Thanks to Jade for letting us know about the article!

Back on the subject of downloading and bricks and mortar record stores and such.
One aspect of purchasing digital downloads versus traditional hard copy, which in this day and age is the CD, that doesn't often get raised is the loss of quality in compressed files commercially downloaded from the likes of iTunes and so forth. Now I've had a bit of a theory going on for a while that many companies from a range of industries related to music, from retailing of recorded music to the sales of the tools with which to create music (our game), have a vested interest in lowering the expectation of the masses of what good tone actually is. But that's a whole other conspiracy theory of mine, right up there with "who shot J.F.K." :D

The quality of mp3 is nowhere near that of a CD by virtue of the fact it's compressed and data considered "non-essential" is discarded to reduce file size. We bemoaned the loss of quality during the shift from vinyl to CD all those years ago. The latter is debatable, but no one can argue the quality of compressed audio formats such as mp3 can rival the 16-bit linear PCM used in audio CD's. Now, the technical aspects that can be argued between the two formats include the available frequencies and the equalisation that encoding to mp3 can cause. Even at the highest mp3 encoding bitrate of 320kbps the fact remains that the 20kHz capable of being reproduced by 16-bit linear PCM can not be reached by mp3 encoding. I can hear those of you saying, "but the human ear can't really perceive much above 16kHz", and that is true. But what are those frequencies being in there doing to the overall EQ of the work. There is often a perceived mid-range boost in mp3 encoded music also. There is a stack of scientific data that can be studied and argued, and one could perform blind test after blind test. But these would only apply to bitrates far above commercial distribution rates for a start. The main point is though, you are NOT listening to the music in the way in which the artist put it down. Presumably they were happy with the result and they and their engineering and production team spent who knows how long getting the sound they were happiest with in the studio. I will go off on a slight tangent and relate this to my "conspiracy theory" about gear and the like to try and qualify that particular left field idea of mine. If you're able to lower expectations of tone of a generation you can save companies a whole bunch of R & D and manufacturing expense in developing and producing new products. Make crap recording gear to record the crap amplification another company has built so someone else can play it on their crap stereo! No one will be any the wiser from go to woe. Kinda far fetched I know, but who knows.....is there a master plan, a secret global partnership conspiring to make music production and listening so sterile and generic that the psyche of music consumers will be able to be ultimately manipulated into buying and thinking they're enjoying music made by robots? (OK, I'm taking it a bit far, and it's my little conspiracy theory I'm joking with. Fact is, the tone of most popular music is not improving in terms of listening enjoyment in my opinion).

I sort of wonder, what will become of home stereo systems and the like. I mean, if more and more people rely on highly compressed encoded music formats for the delivery of their music then listen to it through two, what may as well be, big cotton buds jammed down their eardrums, what's the future for high quality home audio systems for the playback of music? There's your future for bricks and mortar record stores. More and more people are investing in high quality DVD players and digital TV systems. As mentioned last time I touched on the subject, the DVD (and now the "DualDisc" with CD and DVD content on the one double-sided disc) is being adopted more and more by record stores as an alternate (and significant) revenue stream. If someone's outlaid all those bucks on a huge tele and sound system they're going to want to listen to music on it at some stage. And such a system would quickly reveal the shortcomings of an mp3 if the owner's ears are still intact. Enter the music DVD, and buying this from the record store may even give them the idea to buy an actual CD again. Listen to that on their system and bang, they're back with us!

There you go, I've gone from a global threat to tone with my conspiracy theory to hypothetically solving the issue in a few paragraphs. My work here is done. In all seriousness, I expect there will always be enough ears around yearning for what tone is all about to keep flying the flag. Vinyl still has it's place (and I don't mean for scratching across a stylus in some club where glow sticks bounce around like a dozen tribes of fireflies having a heated argument) and it's fans who keep the vinyl record pressing plants ticking over, and so it will be with CDs and 16-bit linear PCM hard copy music I expect.

Be sure and check out our Featured Artist this week. The boys from Dreadnaught have been working long and hard on their newest release out in a couple of weeks and the mainstays of the Melbourne rock scene deserve everything that should be forthcoming from this newest release after battling every conceivable consequence of the recording industry as it is these days. Speak to a band like this and ask them what impact illegal downloads can have on them for some insight about who and where it hits the hardest.

As mentioned last week, the present time of year in retail is less than conducive to me putting together new and fresh Where Are They Now? features so re-runs will be the order of the day for the next few weeks. But we will update them with new information where possible, as is the case in this week's feature on an Australian band that made a huge impact both here and overseas during their heyday.
Regulars including Feature Article, The Week Ahead in Music History, Featured Artist and more are all inside Issue 198 of the bmusic Newsletter.
Links in the Table of contents below will launch your browser, so you'll need to be online to view the newsletter. If you are unable to receive html format e-mails then copy and paste the following link into your browser's address bar to view the newsletter:
http://www.bmusic.com.au/links/whatsnew/newsletters/archives/newsno198.html

Thanks to everyone for reading, we'll see you next week!

TABLE OF CONTENTS (You will need to be on-line to use the Table of Contents to jump through sections)
  • Where Are They Now? - The Divinyls (Updated)
  • This week's Music Quote
  • Featured Product - Warwick Streamer LX Bass
  • This week's Specials
  • This week's Feature Article - Mastering: What It Is And Why You Shouldn't Do It In Your Garage
  • This week's Feature Artist - Dreadnaught
  • Musicians Wanted
  • Gear Wanted
  • Band Links
  • The Week Ahead In Music History
               Events
               Births
               Deaths
  • Give us your suggestions
  • Don't want the bmusic Newsletter?
  • Privacy Statement
  • See you next week

    • WHERE ARE THEY NOW? - THE DIVINYLS (UPDATED)

     As far as a "band" goes one generally associates The Divinyls as Chrissie Amphlett and Mark McEntee, but there were a few other musicians to move through the band and be credited as such, beyond that the rest were generally hired guns. We'll take a look at The Divinyls up to the 90's thanks to the bio on the official (and sadly outdated) Divinyls official site www.divinyls.com.
    The following was written by Bruce Pilato, Contributing Editor of MIX magazine when the bio was put together.
    It's one of those legendary rock and roll stories, the kind you hope is true but might actually be the dream of an overzealous publicist Yet the incredible story of how Christina Amphlett and Mark McEntee first met and formed the Divinyls is quite real.

    The scene: Australia's prestigious Sydney Opera House.
    The date: sometime in 1980.

    "I had been singing in this eight-piece choir to develop my voice," Amphlett recalled. "One night, we had a religious concert at the Operal House. The audience was full of priests and nuns, and Mark was there. During the concert my stool fell over and my microphone cord got wrapped in it, and I ended up dragging the stool from one end of the stage to the other." McEntree was mesmerized as Amphlett--while singing like a woman possessed--carried on as if nothing had happened. "From that moment," he said, "I knew something had to be done; that we should form a group." It was an auspicious beginning.

    Divinyls became a powerful, challenging unit that was brash yet often tender. (What other powerhouse rock band could call their publishing company Astute Lullaby Kings?) And they remain one of the most distinctive bands to emerge in the 1980's. Divinyls were first introduced to world audiences as part of the Australian Assault that spawned Men At Work, Midnight Oil, INXS, and New Zealand's Split Enz. But that's about as close as they've come to being placed in any kind of familiar category. In many ways, they are the quintessential rock outfit: great songs and passionate performances, wrapped in the unforgettable persona and brazen sexuality of Christina Amphlett. She and McEntee had begun writing together almost immediately after the opera house incident. "I just rolled up at Chrissie's place with guitars and some amplifiers and we just started writing," McEntee has said. "We said,'This is pretty good,' so we kept on." Augmenting Amphlett on vocals and McEntee on lead guitar were keyboardist rhythm guitarist Bjarne Ohlin, bassist Richard Grossman (who had replaced short term original bassist Jeremy Paul - Ed.) and drummer Richard Harvey.

    They played the sleazy bars around Kings Cross, Sydney's "sin capital." It was Divinyls' pay-your-dues period. Australian film director Ken Cameron caught the group in one of those bars. He happened to be castin a film version of Helen Garner's dramatic book, "Monkey Grip," the story of a volatile relationship tainted with heroin addiction. The result was a six-song soundtrack EP through WEA International, featureing two 1982 hits, "Boys in Town" and "Only Lonely," as well as a supporting role in the film for Christina Amphlett. To the surprise of many, she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Australian Film Awards. But it was Divinyl's brilliantly energetic and upredictable live show that won over club audiences.

    When they had a falling out with WEA, they were pursued by no less than four international record companies. Chrysalis won'the bidding war. In late 1982 the group was flown to New York to record their debut album with producer (and fellow Aussie) Mark Opitz. The LP, simple titled Desperate, raged with feelings of hopelessness. Aided by a ballsy Bob Clearmountain mix, it exploded with new versions of "Boys In Town" and "Only Lonely," plus a pure pop cover of the Easybeats' "I'll Make You Happy." The critics raved. Rolling Stone called Desperate "1983's antidote to technopop burnout." Their live performances received similar praise. In fact, Divinyls' first show in support of the album was at the US Festival in front of no less than 300,000 people. A four-week spring tour was extended through the end of the summer. But the public didn't know what to make of Divinyls. The group couldn't be quite labelled new wave (despite Amphlett sporting a dead mouse on her blouse and fishnet stockings that looked like they had been washed in a Cuisninart). They were too accessible to be called heavy metal, too raw to be power pop.

    The group returned to Australia. Recording began on Desperate's followup, with Mark Opitz again producing. They cut three songs, including "Don't You Go Walking" and "Sleeping Beauty". Yet Amphlett and McEntee were disenchanted. They returned to the road, replacing drummer Richard Harvey with J.J. Harris, and wrote more songs. A year later they tried recording again, this time with producer Gary Langan, a Trevor Horn protege and a member of Art of Noise. He brought a sophisticated, high-tech edge to Divinyl's sound, but a full album failed to gel.

    Once more, recording stopped. Eventually, Amphlett and McEntee journyed to Los Angeles, where they convinced acclaimed producer Mike Chapman to return with them to Australia and finish their second album, now dubbed What A Life! Chapman ended up producing only two cuts, but they were Divinyls at their best: "Pleasure & Pain" (which Chapman co-wrote with Holly Knight) and "Sleeping Beauty." Still it was a hodge podge effort. The album failed to ignite (on an international scale that is, the single "Pleasure & Pain" was also one of Australia's biggest songs for the year - Ed.) and the group, disappointed, disbanded. Amphlett and McEntee relocated to Los Angeles to concentrate on songwriting.

    It paid off. Divinyls returned in April 1988 with Temperamental, produced by Chapman and mixed by Bob Clearmountain. More focused and back-to-basics, the album re-established the group in hard rocking fashion. And it further developed Divinyl's growing audience outside Australia. Amphlett and McEntee returned to New York that summer with a new band, performing for delegates of the New Music Seminar at a sold-out Ritz theater. For anyone who was there, or saw the band that summer, the sight of Amphlett jumping around the stage, flailing her arms like some sex kitten gone beserk, remains forever etched in the mind.

    As the 1990s began, Divinyls went through strange time. The group left Chrysalis and temporarily moved to the red light district in Paris, France. They returned with a new record deal, a slicker sound and the U.S. single that somehow eluded them in those earlier years. "We're very careful and particular about what we do," Amphlett said. "Although people think we sometimes contradict each other and we're at cross purposes, it's because we both think it's important to get things right...to express ourselves."
    It should be noted, though it's not pointed out in the above bio, that The Divinyls really became no more than Christina and McEntee after around 1987 when a procession of musicians from both Australia and the U.S. joined the band on touring engagements.

    Following "Temperamental" the band released their first self-titled album, the last album of which the bio above speaks but doesn't name. That album featured the smash single "I Touch Myself". That was in 1991/1992 and was followed by a significant amount of touring and promo for the release but as far as new material goes it was some time before the Divinyls were back. 1997 saw a new release along with a number of collections, compilations and reissues. The 1997 album of new material, "Underworld", was an Australian only release and that was the last new material from The Divinyls.

    Christina then turns up in 1998 playing the role of Judy Garland to critical acclaim in the stage production "Boy From Oz" playing in Australia whilst Mark McEntee formed himself a new group. She then turned up again in 1999 when she appeared as part of the Australian "supergroup" Antenna. The band featured Hoodoo Gurus' Dave Faulkner, Surrealists' Kim Salmon and Southend members Justin Frew and Stuart McCarthy. Christina wrote and appeared on the single "Divine" from the group's "Installation" album.

    In September of 2001 Christina performed "Pleasure and Pain" and "I Touch Myself" at Sleaze, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, and in October of 2001 she performed at a benefit show in New York. In 2002 she appeared on a Paul Kelly tribute album giving Kelly's "The Women at the Well" her own touch. She has lived in the US since 1997, now residing in New York, and has most recently been writing and recording an album in Woodstock and writing a book about The Divinyls which is said to document some pretty wild tales.

    Mark McEntee and his wife Melanie Greensmith split their time between Perth and LA. You see Mark's wife owns and operates the clothing label Wheels and Dollbaby. Mark helps his wife run the label which has dressed many stars including Goldie Hawn, Christina Ricci, Nicolette Sheridan, and many more, whilst still keeping an interest in his music. Whilst the label has it's head office in Sydney Melanie and Mark prefer the space and lifestyle afforded them 30kms outside Perth so do a lot of commuting in the day to day operation of Wheels and Dollbaby. Most recently he's been playing low key affairs around L.A. with Chris Robinson of Black Crowes fame.

    In April, 2004 Chrissie Amphlett was in town on the Easter long weekend to perform at super club, ARQ SYDNEY. Mark joined Chrissie on stage, playing 3 of their hits - "Boys in Town", "I Touch Myself " and " Pleasure & Pain". This was The Divinyls first performance in Australia in 6 years.

    The official line is that The Divinyls do indeed still exist, it's just that Amphlett and McEntee have been pursuing separate and solo projects since the last Divinyls recorded output.

    UPDATE 26th NOVEMBER 2005
     Chrissie Amphlett has just released her tell-all book "Pleasure and Pain", opening up about her battle with alcohol, the mismanagement of her band, and how she played Judy Garland for two years to pay off a pile of debt. Ironically, it was also Judy Garland who struggled with a similar situation when she had to work to try and pay off large debts to the U.S. tax departments. Amphlett has put those debts to rest and is happy living in New York with her husband. I guess her ending worked out a little better than Judy Garland's.

    Receoved a much appreciated e-mail from Rob of Everything Entertainment which contained some more information about Chrissie's movements, and her heritage. The e-mail is as below, our thanks again to Rob for the information:

    As you may or may not be aware Chrissie is the cousin of another famous Amphlett, Patricia.
    Patricia Amphlett is better known as Little Pattie, Australia's very first superteen popstar who sang such hits as "Stompy whompie blonde haired real gone surfer boy"

    Patricia is now a singing teacher in Sydney (she also tours regularly) and is a very good friend (and teacher) of mine.

    Anywho what I thought might be of interest is that Chrissie is now married to the drummer of the american band The B-52's. They live in New York together and very rarely visit Australia.
    Zachary Alford is his name and he apparently comes from a long line of famous jazz drummers.
    Funny thing is that Patricia has been married to 2 drummers herself, the first was one of the Joy Boys (a Jacobson) and the second is known as one of the worlds greatest jazz drummers.
    Patricia and Chrissie are great mates and speak to each other once a week by phone.
    You wouldn't think that they would have much in common seeing as how different their careers have been but there you go. Well thats it Shane, I very much enjoy your Feedback emails and I hope this has helped.
    Drop us an e-mail if you'd like us to track down some of stars of the past for you and feature them in Where Are They Now? or if you have anything to add or correct from one of our features.

    BACK TO CONTENTS

    THIS WEEK'S MUSIC QUOTE

     "I can only think of music as something inherent in every human being - a birthright. Music coordinates mind, body and spirit."
    - Yehudi Menuhin

    BACK TO CONTENTS

    FEATURED PRODUCT - WARWICK STREAMER LX BASS

    WarwickWarwick
  • Warwick Streamer LX......just as desirable but now more affordable
    The Streamer range of basses has long been one of the most successful of all the Warwick bass designs. The body has been carefully selected and ergonomically shaped for increased stability and a reduced weight. The extraordinary versatility of the Streamer is further enhanced by the proven combination of timbers & electronics. In true Warwick fashion the sound is naturally balanced from the lowest note to the sweetest highs.
    And the best bit is, THEY'RE BACK. After being discontinued by Warwick Germany the Australian importer has been able to negotiate with Warwick to recommence supply of this favourite of Warwick designs. So the Streamer LX is back, AND it's cheaper than ever before.
    Click HERE to take a closer look at the Streamer LX.

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    • SPECIALS AT bmusic

     ESP GUITARS AND BASSES ON SALE ALL DAY EVERY DAY!
    We aren't the ones to "match" prices - we set 'em! Compare our LIST prices with any in Australia, good ol' bmusic.com.au is the cheapest hands down. You see, we don't need to price match when we are the thing other stores are trying to match. There's a lot to be said for taking the lead instead of following.

    SCHECTER GUITARS AND BASSES ON SALE ALL DAY EVERY DAY!
    Just like with our industry leading ESP prices and reputation, with our new Schecter dedicated site we are stepping up the profile and dropping the prices to never before seen levels with Schecter. We are also landing some of the only Schecter models of their type in Australia, and some of the very few anywhere in the world throughout 2005.

    Specials this week include:
    FRAMUS DRAGON GUITAR HEAD - $3595 save $500 off RRP
     FRAMUS COBRA GUITAR HEAD - $3795 save $600 off RRP
     HUGHES & KETTNER ZENTERA HEAD - $4595 save $1100 off RRP
     HUGHES & KETTNER ALEX LIFESON TRIAMP - $4759 save $836 off RRP
     HUGHES & KETTNER TRIAMP MK II - $4275 save $1020 off RRP
     HUGHES & KETTNER TRILOGY HEAD - $2495 save $504 off RRP
     HUGHES & KETTNER PURETONE HEAD - $2795 save $700 off RRP
     HUGHES & KETTNER WARP-T HALF STACK - $3259 save $740 off RRP
     HUGHES & KETTNER MATRIX 100 HEAD - $725 save $170 off RRP
     HUGHES & KETTNER MATRIX 100 COMBO - $999 save $200 off RRP
     OVATION BALLADEER S771 - $1869 save $330 off RRP
     JIM DUNLOP ZAKK WYLDE WAH - $269 save $50 off RRP
     DIGITECH® GNX-4 GUITAR WORKSTATION - $1189 save $210 off RRP
     DIGITECH® GNX-3 GUITAR WORKSTATION - $799 save $400 off RRP
     HUGHES & KETTNER BASSFORCE 100 - $869 save $180 off RRP
     WARWICK TAKE 12 80 WATT BASS COMBO - $789 save $210 off RRP
     ROCKTRON GAINIAC 2 PREAMP - $339 save $60 off RRP
     ROCKTRON XPRESSION GUITAR EFFECTS - $679 save $120 off RRP
     ROCKTRON BLUE THUNDER BASS EFFECTS - $759 save $140 off RRP
     ROCKTRON PROPHESY PREAMP - $2359 save $540 off RRP
     ROCKTRON VOODU VALVE PREAMP - $1359 save $240 off RRP
     ROCKTRON HUSH SUPER C - $339 save $60 off RRP
     ROCKTRON VELOCITY 100 POWER AMP - $479 save $70 off RRP
     All prices include GST

    Check out our Specials page for more info on these specials.

    BACK TO CONTENTS

    THIS WEEK'S FEATURE ARTICLE - MASTERING: WHAT IS IT AND WHY YOU SHOULDN'T DO IT IN YOUR GARAGE

    Ron Boustead speaks about the importance of having your work professionally mastered in his excellent article, "Mastering: What It Is And Why You Shouldn't Do It In Your Garage". As Ron points out, you've lived with your music from Day One, the professional mastering engineer can bring much needed fresh ears to your vision and has the necessary skills to allow you to hear more than perhaps you even thought possible. As far as the actual process goes, as Ron states, "it's trickier than squashing the life out of it with massive amounts of compression." Never a truer word was written!

    Click HERE to read Ron Boustead's "Mastering: What It Is And Why You Shouldn't Do It In Your Garage".

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    FEATURED ARTIST - DREADNAUGHT

    First becoming more than a concept in 1994, Dreadnaught have become one of Australia's most diverse and dynamic heavy rock bands. Combining the elements of rock and metal Dreadnaught create music that is as unqiue as it is powerful.
    FINALLY, Dreadnaught's latest album is due for release on December 4th with the launch gig on December 9th at 'The Tote' in Melbourne. "Dirty Music", the band's fifth release, will be available from the official Dreadnaught web site www.dreadnaught.com.au from November 28th, a week before it hits stores.
    Visit the site to learn more about the band and, if you like what you hear or have been waiting for the latest and greatest work ever produced by the Dreadnaught camp, secure yourself a cop of "Dirty Music".

    Each week's Feature Artist is selected from the Band Links page, so get on and list your favourite group at the Band Link page and they could be the Feature Artist at bmusic.com.au.

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    MUSICIANS WANTED

    Our 'Musicians Wanted' pages are getting more and more listings every week with musicians from across the country (and the globe) looking for singers and instrumentalists of all types.
    Get on over to Musicians Wanted to see all the new listings. Check back regularly as new listings are received almost every day.

    There are two simple sections at the FREE Musicians Wanted pages. 'Musicians Wanted by Bands' and 'Bands Wanted by Musicians'. If you fit one of these categories click HERE to see if there is a candidate to fit the bill. If not, then send us your new listing and we'll have it up inside a day. Just be sure to let us know if you fill the vacancy so we can remove it from the page.

    BACK TO CONTENTS

    GEAR WANTED

  • Ibanez Series 10 Pedals:
    Pretty short and to the point request from a bloke without the ability to type capitals on his keyboard it would appear :)
    "i'm looking for ibanez series 10 pedals most of all the ph10 bi mode phaser"
    Let us know if you can help. Who was it looking for this, we have located one and I've lost your contact details!


  • Guitar promo catalogues:
    A good friend of ours here at bmusic is after any old catalogues from days gone by. At the moment he's particularly keen to get a hold of any Washburn catalogues from the late '70's. Those that feature the Washburn Wing Series of basses and guitars would be of particular interest.

  • Second-hand saxes, clarinets and flutes. We are looking for good quality, good condition, saxophones, clarinets and flutes to help out those parents who are a little dubious about their child's level of commitment to their chosen instrument and, subsequently, don't want to spend a bomb on what might turn out to be a fad. If you or your kids have taken up the horn but chucked it in, don't take it to Cashies. Brands like Yamaha, Yanigasawa, Selmer, Buescher etc. are always welcome at bmusic.


  • Marshall JCM800's. That's right, we STILL want 'em. JCM800 2203 and 2204 models.


    • If there's something you've been trying to get your hands on, let us know and we will list it here for you. You never know.

    If you spot something in the U.S. or Canada you're keen on let us know. We have contacts in those territories who, for a small fee, can act on your behalf in any transactions and make sure you get your stuff safe and sound.

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    BAND LINKS

    Click HERE to visit the Band Links page and be sure to check back regularly to see new listings.
    If you're in a band or are a supporter of any local bands in your area, why not create a link for them on our FREE Band Links page. Each week's Featured Artist is selected from our Band Links pages. List your band and you could be the next bmusic Featured Artist.

    BACK TO CONTENTS

    THE WEEK AHEAD IN MUSIC

  • Events

    • In 1967, Jimmie Rodgers, the son of country music star Hank Snow, was found in his car with a fractured skull after a serious accident. He eventually recovered from the car accident, but his career was over.

    In 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono were cleared of drug charges in a British court after successfully arguing that cannabis found in a bust that earned Lennon a 200 pound fine was from an "old, forgotten stash" and that he and Ono no longer used cannabis.

    In 1971, the Montreaux Casino burned to the ground during a show by Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention. Deep Purple immortalized the incident in their song "Smoke on the Water", released two years later.

    In 1974, The Eagles' "Best Of My Love" was released.

    In 1976, the Sex Pistols made their infamous appearance on Bill Grundy's "Today Show" on UK TV. Grundy taunted the band about their attitude and reputation resulting in Glenn Matlock audibly swearing. The interview went downhill from there and in the resulting uproar the Sex Pistols were banned from appearing in all but five cities on the itinerary of their first U.K. tour. By the following month, no club or concert hall in Great Britain would book the group.

    In 1976, seven gunman sprayed bullets into Bob Marley's house in Kingston, Jamaica where he and the Wailers were rehearsing. The shots hit Marley, his wife Rita, a friend and Wailer manager Don Taylor. None of the four were severely hurt. The gunmen were never found.

    In 1976, Jerry Lee Lewis was charged with discharging a firearm within in city limits after shooting his bass player Norman "Butch" Owens whilst trying to hit a soft drink bottle.

    In 1979, the four original members of KISS played what was supposed to be their final show ever. The four played again together in 1996 on a reunion tour in full make-up.

    In 1982, Epic Records released "Thriller," Michael Jackson's first solo album in three years.

    In 1988, LL Cool J performed the first ever rap concert held in Africa.

    In 1991, Gilby Clarke replaced Izzy Stradlin as Guns and Roses' rhythm guitarist.

    In 1994, rapper Tupac Shakur was shot five times while being robbed outside a New York City recording studio. He survived that shooting, but was killed in another shooting nearly two years later in Las Vegas.

    In 1994, while recovering from gunshot wounds suffered the day before, rapper Tupac Shakur was convicted on charges of sexually abusing a woman in a hotel room.

    In 1995, Van Halen on again, off again vocalist Sammy Hagar married Kari Karte on a mountain in California.

    In 1998, singer/guitarist Jewel stopped her show at a Creative Coalition benefit in New York to ask for nail clippers. An audience just so happened to have a set and leant them to the singer. She soon continued with the show after trimming her nails.

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  • Births In 1933, John Mayall of John Mayall and The Bluesbreakers.

    In 1941, Mamas & Papas vocalist Deniss Doherty.

    In 1942, Chris Hillman, bass player for the Flying Burrito Brothers and the Byrds.

    In 1943, Randy Newman was born.

    In 1944, Rascals keyboardist Felix Cavaliere.

    In 1944, Beach Boy drummer Dennis Wilson was born. Dennis died in 1983.

    In 1945, Deep Purple bass player Roger Glover.

    In 1945, Doors drummer John Densmore.

    In 1948, Ozzy Osbourne was born.

    In 1949, Dave Letterman show band leader Paul Schaffer. The Late Show band is known as the "CBS Orchestra".

    In 1949, Mickey Thomas of Jefferson Starship.

    In 1951, Gary Rossington of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

    In 1951, Eric Bloom from Blue Oyster Cult.

    In 1955, veteran punk rocker Billy Idol/

    In 1960, Def Leppard drummer Rick Savage.

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  • Deaths In 1969, Chicago bluesman "Magic" Sam Maghett died at the age of 32 after suffering a heart attack.

    In 1979, eleven Who fans were trampled to death in the rush to gain admittance for general or unreserved seats to the band's concert at Cincinnati's Riverfront Coliseum. The eleven died when the doors were open and the mob waiting outside stampeded for the doors.

    In 1993, Frank Zappa died of pancreatic cancer at age 52.

    In 2000, Loverboy bassist Scott Smith was declared "lost at sea" after being swept out to sea by a 25-foot wave while sailing. Loverboy were most famous for their hits such as "Working For The Weekend" and "Turn Me Loose".

    In 2001, metastatic non-small lung cancer ultimately took the life of former Beatle George Harrison. Besides his solo work Harrison also worked with Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne in the group The Traveling Wilburys. He was also a film producer responsible for movies such as "The Life Of Brian" and "Time Bandits".

    In 2001, former Beatle George Harrison passed away peacefully after battling cancer for much of the year. He was 58 years old.

    In 2002, Billy Knight (David Leon Knight), brother of and percussionist for soul star Gladys Knight.

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