DJ Fred’s Rock N’ Roll Factoids For December 30th [VIDEOS]

It was this date in 1969 that millions of rocks fans thought that the end of an era had occurred when Peter Tork officially left the Monkees.  The good news is that we survived.

It wasn't a real good move for Tork, who bought his way out of the contract, which left him broke. He'd go on to form a band called Release, and then years later join up with his old band mates for various tours.

On this date in 1970, Elvis Presley, the King of Rock N' Roll was given a tour of the FBI headquarters in Washington DC. Elvis requested and was given a permit to carry a gun in every US state.  Thankfully he didn't shoot anyone with it, just a whole bunch of TVs.

It was on this date in 1999 that a man broke into George Harrison's house during the night and attacked both the former Beatle and his wife.  Harrison's wife Olivia beat the intruder with a fireplace poker and a lamp, but not before George was stabbed in the chest. Harrison suffered a collapsed lung.  When Michael Abram from Liverpool was arrested police determined that he was obsessed with the Beatles.

Diana Ross was arrested for driving drunk in Arizona on this date in 2002.  When cops told her to walk a straight line, she fell over.  The singer had a blood alcohol level of .20.

Also in 2002, a funeral was held for Clash guitarist and singer Joe Strummer, who had passed away of a heart attack at the age of 50.

Happy birthday to Maine's own Noel Paul Stookey, one third of Peter, Paul & Mary! The tall and very funny music man was born in Baltimore and resides in Blue Hill.  He's now 78.

More Monkee news!  Both Michael Nesmith and Davy Jones were born on this day.  Nesmith is 73 and unfortunately Jones is dead.  But their music continues.

Also born on this day was a definite musical genius!  Jeff Lynn of the Electric Light Orchestra is now 68.  Lynn has just released a brand new album, and you can hear all about it during a special show this New Year's Day on I-95, which begins at 6AM!