The classic rock supergroup Asia won't be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the release of their debut album quite like they planned with their fans in the UK. The band have abruptly cancelled all of their upcoming overseas dates due to drummer Carl Palmer's bout with E. coli.
Kiss were one of the top arena draws of the '70s, staging some of the most impressive concert spectacles of that era with their over-the-top theatrical performances. But the power of their live production almost cost guitarist Ace Frehley his life at a gig on Dec. 12, 1976 at the Lakeland Civic Center in Florida, when an unforeseen technical glitch caused him to nearly be electrocuted onstage.
Former Eagles guitarist Don Felder and actor/musician Johnny Depp joined legendary shock rocker Alice Cooper onstage this past Saturday night (Dec. 8) as part of his eighth annual Christmas Pudding show in Phoenix, Ariz.
One of the most mythologized and romanticized figures in rock history, Doors front man Jim Morrison possessed a deep-seated anti-authoritarian streak that repeatedly landed him in trouble. On Dec. 9, 1967, the rebellious rocker was arrested at a Doors gig in New Haven, Conn., earning him the dubious distinction of being, as far as we know, the first rock star ever arrested onstage during a performance.
Ed Cassidy, the drummer for the classic rock band Spirit, died in San Jose, Calif. on Thursday (Dec. 6) of undisclosed causes. Notable for his shaved head (which inspired the nickname "Mr. Skin"), head-to-toe black wardrobe and massive drum kit, Cassidy was considered very influential on other drummers of the '60s rock era. He was 89 years old at the time of his death.
Aerosmith were coming off the peak of their success when they went into the studio for 'Draw the Line.' In the wake of back-to-back classics 'Toys in the Attic' and 'Rocks,' the group were positioned to deliver an album that would have cemented their legacy alongside '70s stalwarts like Led Zeppelin. Instead, they turned in an oddly dispirited album that heralded a dramatic reversal of fortunes in their career.
Pete Townshend is undeniably one of rock music's most dynamic performers. The Who guitarist has always been notable for his energetic stage exertions -- particularly his signature "windmill" move, which consists of Townshend swinging his arm around in a furious windup before delivering a powerful strike to sound power chords on his guitar. In an interview with David Letterman, the musician says his trademark move was inspired by fellow rock icon Keith Richards.
Ozzy Osbourne was in a terrible spot both personally and professionally at the end of 1982, but he somehow managed to pull it together enough to release the 'Speak of the Devil' album on Nov. 27, 1982.
