Today in rock history September 8th

1945 – Kelly Groucutt of the Electric Light Orchestra is born. 1945 – Ron McKernan is born in San Bruno, Calif. Deadheads know him better as “Pigpen,” the keyboardist for the Grateful Dead. 1972 – Howlin’ Wolf headlines at the Ann Arbor Jazz & Blues Festival in Michigan. Other performers include Muddy Waters and Dr. John. 1972 – Neil Young’s girlfriend Carrie Snodgrass gives birth to the singer’s son, Zeke, in San Francisco. 1974 – No. 1 Chart Toppers Pop Hit: “I Shot the Sheriff,” Eric Clapton. The song is a remake of Jamaican Bob Marley’s reggae version. 1977 – Jimmy McCulloch quits Wings. The former Thunderclap Newman guitarist goes on to assist the Small Faces with their reunion tour. 1988 – Elton John clears out his closet, and ends up selling $6.2 million of costumes and concert props – including the enormous pair of boots he wore as the Pinball Wizard in Tommy – at a London auction. 2002: Iron Maiden singer Bruce Dickinson began another job as an airline pilot with airline Astraeus, based in London. Dickinson would later fly Iron Maiden’s plane for their 2008 world tour documented in band’s documentary Flight 666. 2003 – A St. Paul, Minnesota jury deems Marilyn Manson not guilty of assault. He had been sued for damaged after rubbing his crotch against a security guard’s head during a 2000 concert. 2003 – David Bowie premieres his new album Reality in a live London performance that is broadcast to fans in movie theatres around the world. 2003 – Bruce Springsteen pays tribute to the late Warren Zevon at his Toronto show. The Boss plays Zevon’s “My Ride’s Here.” 2012 – Paul McCartney receives France’s highest public distinction. Honoured for his contributions in music from President Francois Hollande by making him an officer of the Legion of Honour at the presidential palace