March 31st: This Month's Final News-in-Brief

The Beatles' Official Fan Club Closes (1972)

Credit: David Magnus/Shutterstock

Despite the Beatles' breakup taking place in 1970, their fan club continued on for another two years in support of each member's solo careers until it was asked to be dissolved by the Beatles themselves. A meeting was held at Apple Corps, where they discussed the value of a fan club for a band that no longer existed when club secretary Freda Kelly also revealed she would be leaving the work force to raise her two children. The final decision was made by George Harrison, who turned to Kelly and said "Freda, you were there in the beginning, you’re there at the end. Let’s call it a day, let’s end the fan club".

Led Zeppelin Releases Presence (1976)

Led Zeppelin released their seventh studio album, Presence, through Swan Song Records. It was recorded in Hollywood, California while singer Robert Plant was recovering from a car accident, as he was forced to recover abroad as a tax exile (hence the location of the recording studio used). Despite being their lowest selling record, it was certified gold on the day it released and spent the next two weeks going from No. 2 to No. 1 on the US Billboard chart.

Attacker Attempts to Rush Stage at Page and Plant Gig (1995)

While playing at a Page and Plant gig, former Led Zeppelin fan Lance Alworth Cunningham attempted to rush the stage in order stab him for making "Satanic" music, but ended up knifing the two security guards who got him, as well as two other attendees. Page was unaware of the incident at the time as the attacker was apprehended 50 feet away from him. 

Chaz Bono Officially Changes His Name Following Sex Change (2010)

Following the medical completion of his sex change, Chaz Salvatore Bono had his name legally changed to match. His middle name is his father, Sonny Bono's legal first name. This part of his transition was two years in the making.

Joni Mitchell Found Unconscious in Her Los Angeles Home, Rushed to Hospital (2015)

Renowned folk singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell was rushed to a local hospital after being found unconscious in her Los Angeles home. She underwent tests during her stay in the intensive care unit, but was awake and in good spirits, according to her website.

Birthdays:

Credit: David Gahr

Hugh McCracken (1942-2013)

Hugh Carmine McCracken was a session musician, arranger, and record producer, based in New York City. He has worked with many artists over his career, which include John Lennon, The Monkees, B.B. King, Paul Simon, Art Garfunkel, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison, Paul and Linda McCartney, and more.

Mick Ralphs (1944-)

Michael Geoffrey Ralphs is best known as a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and founding member of Mott the Hoople and Bad Company. He celebrates his 79th birthday today.

Al Nichol (1946-)

Founding member and former Turtles guitarist Al Nichol turns 77 today. He was with the band from 1965 until their breakup in 1971.

Thijs Van Leer (1948-)

Thijs Van Leer is the primary singer, keyboardist, and flautist for Focus, and has been since 1969. He celebrates his 75th birthday today.

Angus Young (1955-)

Angus Young is the guitarist and last original member of AC/DC. Our favorite school boy celebrates his 68th birthday today!
Hey there! I'm Olive, and I'm a part-time blog writer hoping to share my love of older music and countercultural history. I started this blog during my freshman year of college as a means to get a head start doing what I love most - writing. I've always loved writing and music, and wanted to do something that would involve doing both. Now, I've got this cool (totally not biased) blog page!

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