On This Day
1976 — Tommy Bolin dies at age 25
The brilliant American guitarist behind Deep Purple, the James Gang and Zephyr passes away from a drug overdose in Miami. His fusion-driven style continues to inspire guitarists worldwide.
1980 — Led Zeppelin officially announce their split
Following John Bonham’s death in September, the band releases a statement declaring they “could not continue as we were.” It’s one of the most definitive endings in rock history.
1988 — Roy Orbison performs his final concert
Orbison’s last show takes place at the Front Row Theater in Cleveland. He closes with “Running Scared”; two days later, he dies of a heart attack.
1993 — Frank Zappa dies at 52
The composer, guitarist and avant-garde pioneer passes away at his Los Angeles home due to prostate cancer. His family announces: “Composer Frank Zappa left for his final tour just before 6:00 p.m. Saturday.”
1979 — Fleetwood Mac perform “Tusk” with USC Marching Band
A live recreation of their iconic studio collaboration takes place at The Forum, Inglewood — still one of the strangest and boldest stadium moments of its era.
1995 — Beatles release “Free as a Bird”
Their first “new” track in 25 years — based on a John Lennon demo — arrives as the lead single from Anthology 1.
2010 — Billboard launches the Social 50 chart
Rihanna claims the first-ever No.1 spot, followed by Justin Bieber and Eminem.
2015 — Coldplay release A Head Full of Dreams
Their seventh studio album drops, featuring contributions from Beyoncé and Noel Gallagher.
Birthdays
Jay-Z (born 1969)
One of the most influential artists and executives in hip-hop history — a cornerstone of modern culture.
Sign: SAGITTARIUS Read Weekly Horoscope
International News
Steve Cropper dies at 84
Booker T. & the M.G.’s guitarist, Stax Records architect and co-writer of “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” passes away. A monumental loss for soul and R&B.
Bad Bunny Reigns Again as Spotify Wrapped 2025 launches
Bad Bunny tops the global charts yet again. Users react strongly to the new “listening age” feature, sparking discussion about algorithmic profiling.
Miley Cyrus confirms engagement
The Grammy winner announces her engagement to musician Maxx Morando, saying she was “so surprised” by the proposal.
Sabrina Carpenter condemns White House video
Carpenter criticizes the use of her song “Juno” in an ICE-related government clip, calling the message “evil and disgusting.”
Megan Thee Stallion wins defamation case
A Florida jury awards the artist $75,000 after finding blogger Milagro Gramz liable for intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Jimmy Cliff dies at 81
The Jamaican reggae legend — star of The Harder They Come and voice of “You Can Get It If You Really Want” — has passed away.
Industry News
Eurovision debates Israel’s participation
High-level meetings in Geneva evaluate the geopolitical and ethical implications for next year’s contest.
AI Music Survey: 97% of listeners cannot tell AI vs human-composed songs
A sweeping industry survey rattles labels and creators. Warner and Universal move in dual directions: lawsuits and partnerships.
BBC acquires new Beatles biopic series
A six-part dramatization of the band’s early Hamburg years enters production.
Jonas Brothers discuss their early fame
They describe their teenage stardom as “a bizarre time” shaped by “very inappropriate” media scrutiny.