The Rolling Stones were trying to prove their critics wrong by booking a free festival to wrap up their 1969 tour at Altamont Speedway on Dec. 6, 1969. But what they intended as a way for their fans to come together for a day of music and celebration turned into a tragic debacle that ended with a homicide -- effectively bring the peace-and-love ethos of the '60s to a jarring end.
Frank Zappa was one of the most innovative and versatile rock musicians of his generation, creating a vast body of work that encompassed almost every genre of music -- but he wouldn't have wanted to hear it. The mercurial genius actively resisted those kinds of labels and effusive public praise, focusing instead on the work itself in a career that spanned more than three decades. He died on Dec. 4, 1993 at the age of 52 after a long battle with prostate cancer.
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.
It's beginning to look a lot like Kissmas -- er, that is, Christmas -- and the New Music Releases for December 2012 list means that classic rock releases are winding down for the year. December is always a light month for new music, but that doesn't mean there aren't still some great stocking stuffers arriving just in time to bring comfort and joy to the classic rock fan on your holiday list.
Van Halen fans around the world wound up being disappointed when the group cut their tour in support of their recent album 'A Different Kind of Truth' short after guitarist Eddie Van Halen underwent emergency surgery. But things appear to be looking up, as the band have booked three new dates for the summer of 2013 to replace the shows they had to cancel in Japan.
There's no denying that Doors singer Jim Morrison was one of the most charismatic front men of his generation. Unfortunately he was one of the most troubled, too. The singer had a terrible alcohol problem that played a big role in his repeated arrests, including one on Nov. 11, 1969 in Arizona that resulted from Morrison and a friend drunkenly heckling a flight crew on a commercial airliner.
Neal Schon has earned a number of accolades during his long career in Journey, but in a new interview the guitarist says he's not that interested in resting on his laurels, preferring to look to the future.
Gram Parsons was one of the most influential musicians of his generation -- though the true extent of his influence would not be felt until after his death. The singer-songwriter, guitarist and pianist was a pioneer in country rock, and the unusual aftermath of his passing -- being burned in the desert by his friend and road manager -- cemented his legendary status. The court case from that incident was settled on Nov. 6, 1973, 39 years ago.
