This Day In Rock History – April 18th

April 18

1957

Buddy Knox  hit with the song “Party Doll” when he got called up for six months of active duty with the US Army Reserve. Roulette Records rushed to book Knox at a studio to cut over 20 songs so his career wouldn’t stall while he’s serving his country. It doesn’t help.

1963

British actress Jane Asher appears on the TV show Juke Box Jury to review a show at The Royal Albert Hall. She thinks the opening acts, including Gerry And The Pacemakers, are “noisy”, but when The Beatles appeared she said excitedly “Now these I could scream for!” She would soon be linked to Paul McCartney.

1981

Yes  bassist Chris Squire and drummer Alan White leave Yes for a time to rehearse with Robert Plant and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin fame. The intended super group was to going be called XYZ (Ex Yes and Zeppelin).  Plant soon backs out, saying he didn’t like “complicated music.” Yes would get back together a couple years later releasing “90125”, with the number 1 single, “Owner of a Lonely Heart”.

2023

The guitar Eddie Van Halen played in the classic video “Hot for Teacher” .. “Frankenstrat”…is  sold at a Sotheby’s auction for $3.9 million.