Rock And Roll History September 7th

September 7th is a date rich with milestones in rock music, from groundbreaking performances to tragic losses and major industry wins.

1968 – Led Zeppelin’s First Live Show

On this day, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones, and John Bonham made their live debut as The New Yardbirds at the Gladsaxe Teen Club in Denmark. They were billed under the Yardbirds name because their old band had broken up before the gig, and they wouldn’t officially become Led Zeppelin until six weeks later

1978 – Death of Keith Moon

The Who’s legendary, high-energy drummer Keith Moon died in London at age 32 after an accidental overdose of the prescription drug Hemenephirin, used to curb his alcoholism. He passed away in the same London apartment where “Mama” Cass Elliot died in 1974

1984 – Queensrÿche’s Debut Album

Queensrÿche released The Warning, their first full-length album, launching a career that would see them tour with major acts like KISS and Iron Maiden

1985 – Bowie & Jagger’s UK No. 1 Hit

David Bowie and Mick Jagger topped the UK Singles Chart with their cover of The Vandellas’ “Dancing in the Street,” which stayed at No. 1 for three weeks

1987 – Pink Floyd’s Comeback Album

Pink Floyd released A Momentary Lapse of Reason, their first album after Roger Waters left. It marked a major comeback for the band, selling around 10 million copies worldwide

2000 – Rage Against the Machine’s MTV Protest

At the MTV Video Music Awards, Rage Against the Machine bassist Tim Commerford climbed the stage after losing the Best Rock Video award to Limp Bizkit, a symbolic act of protest

2003 – Death of Warren Zevon

Singer-songwriter Warren Zevon, known for his sharp wit and songwriting, died from lung cancer at age 56

2004 – Franz Ferdinand’s Mercury Prize Win

Scottish band Franz Ferdinand won the UK Mercury Prize for their self-titled debut album, cementing their place in the Britpop and indie rock scene

2008 – Linkin Park’s MTV Moon Man Award

Linkin Park won the Moon Man for Best Rock Video for “Shadow of the Day” at the MTV Video Music Awards