35 years ago today, on August 5, 1991, the inaugural Lollapalooza tour rolled into Blossom Music Center. It was the defining ’90s version of a love-in music experience. It was raw, eclectic, and unforgettable.
J.D. Kunes
@jdkunes.bsky.social
Analog Dude In A Digital World Former Brand Manager/Director of Fun & #Music at WLVQ-FM Qfm96, 97.5 WONE, 98.9 Jack-FM, Radio One Inc., WCKX Power 107.5, WDHT HOT 102.9. Cleveland native & Kent State grad. https://linktr.ee/jdkunes
On August 4, 1974, Game 2 of the 1974 World Series of Rock took place at Cleveland Stadium. The bill featured Emerson, Lake & Palmer, with the James Gang and the Climax Blues Band. (1/2)
51 years ago, on August 3, 1975, the inaugural Ohio River Music Festival at Nippert Stadium on the campus of the University of Cincinnati, featuring an epic lineup: Aerosmith, Foghat, Blue Öyster Cult, Styx, Mahogany Rush, The Outlaws, and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. (1/2)
45 years ago, on August 1, 1981, the Charlie Daniels Band headlined a huge show at Legend Valley in central Ohio alongside the Allman Brothers Band, McGuffey Lane, and the Pleasant Mountain Boys. Ad Cleveland Scene
45 years ago today — August 1, 1981, at 12:01 a.m. EDT — MTV launched with the line “You’ll never look at music the same way again.” The first video? The Buggles’ “Video Killed the Radio Star.” It changed music, culture, and how we experience both forever: buff.ly/3j9ntNJ
44 years ago, on July 31, 1982, Queen, with special guest Billy Squier, performed at the Richfield Coliseum. The Hot Space tour would prove to be the band’s final North American concerts featuring the classic lineup of Freddie Mercury, John Deacon, Brian May, and Roger Taylor.
43 years ago, on July 30, 1983, the Police headlined the sold-out Richfield Coliseum with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Simple Minds were promoted in the ads but did not perform. The show was part of the Synchronicity tour, which featured 105 dates across three continents.
Godspeed and farewell, Glen Hansard. Thank you for the songs, the stories, and the heart you’ve poured into every note. Safe travels on whatever road lies ahead. #RIPGlenHansard
Glen Hansard, Irish Musician and ‘Once’ Star Who Won Oscar for Best Song, Dies at 56
Glen Hansard, the Irish musician who starred in the film "Once" and won the Oscar for best song, died on Wednesday in a motorcycle crash. He was 56.
variety.com
45 years ago today, on July 29, 1981, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band played the first of two shows at the Richfield Coliseum on the homecoming leg of The River tour (July 29 & 30, 1981). The first night featured Southside Johnny as a special guest during the encore.
47 years ago, on July 28, 1979, the legendary Game 1 of the 1979 World Series of Rock took place at Cleveland Stadium. Although not listed, the Scorpions kicked off the concert as a late surprise addition, and it was their first performance in America: bit.ly/3becIKb
Step back into the golden era of arena entertainment with this lineup at the Richfield Coliseum this week in 1978. Ad Cleveland Scene
Prayers up for Carly Simon. Sending her strength and healing vibes, plus positive energy and good thoughts. 🙏🏻
Carly Simon has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, treated for skin cancer
Carly Simon, the singer known for “Nobody Does It Better” and other hits, has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
apnews.com
This classic WMMS radio print advertisement, created by artist David Helton, promotes the Euclid Beach Band’s first local appearance in support of their hit single “There’s No Surf In Cleveland” at a special benefit concert for the Red Cross at Geauga Lake.
40 years ago, on July 25, 1986, the Van Halen 5150 tour rolled into the Richfield Coliseum. It was the first tour with Sammy Hagar. Fans also got a surprise when Bachman-Turner Overdrive brought up Leslie West of Mountain to play on a rousing version of “Mississippi Queen.”
47 years ago, on July 20, 1979, the Michael Stanley Band set the all-time single-night attendance record at the Richfield Coliseum with a sold-out show (20,320). The concert was broadcast live on WMMS radio in Northeast Ohio and to nine other cities, with Charlie Wiener opening.
On August 16, 1992, the Beastie Boys brought the energy to Cleveland’s Agora, with special guests L7 and House of Pain. Backstage, a playful food fight broke out between the Beastie Boys and L7, complete with flying cauliflower and broccoli. #RIPJenniferFinch
46 years ago, on July 19, 1980, the final World Series of Rock took place at Cleveland Stadium. It was the only show of 1980 and the last in the legendary series. Headlined by Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band, with the J. Geils Band, Eddie Money, and Def Leppard. End of an era.
Godspeed and farewell to Jennifer Finch of L7. A true punk rock force and legend on bass. Thank you for the riffs and the attitude. #RIPJenniferFinch
Jennifer Finch, L7 Bassist, Dead at 59
Jennifer Finch, the longtime bassist for influential rock group L7, has died at age 59.
rollingstone.com
Godspeed and farewell to Freddy Cannon. A rock ‘n’ roll legend whose explosive hits—“Tallahassee Lassie,” “Palisades Park,” and “Way Down Yonder in New Orleans”—defined an era with unstoppable energy and joy. #RIPFreddyCannon
Freddy Cannon, Rocker Whose Late ’50s and Early ’60s Hits Included ‘Palisades Park’ and ‘Tallahassee Lassie,’ Dies at 89
Freddy Cannon, whose late '50s and early '60s hits included "Palisades Park," "Tallahassee Lassie" and "Way Down Yonder in New Orleans," died at 89.
variety.com
48 years ago today, on July 15, 1978, Game 2 of the 1978 World Series of Rock lit up Cleveland Municipal Stadium. The powerhouse lineup featured Electric Light Orchestra, Foreigner, Journey, and Trickster. Ad Cleveland Scene
41 years ago today, on July 13 1985, Live Aid took the stage. Organized by Bob Geldof, the massive dual-venue concert in London and Philadelphia united the world for Ethiopian famine relief. It raised millions and became a landmark moment in music and charity history. #LiveAid
51 years ago today, July 11, 1975, Game 3 of the 1975 World Series of Rock took place at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, featuring Yes, Joe Walsh, the Michael Stanley Band, and Ace. Ad Cleveland Scene
42 years ago today, on July 10, 1984, R.E.M. performed at the Variety Theatre in Cleveland as part of their Little America tour, in support of their second studio album, Reckoning. The Dream Syndicate opened the show. Ad Cleveland Scene
Godspeed and farewell, Bonnie Tyler. The Welsh singer, celebrated for her unmistakable gritty and powerful voice that defined hits like “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and “Holding Out for a Hero,” has passed away following complications from emergency intestinal surgery. #RIPBonnieTyler
'Total Eclipse of the Heart' Singer Bonnie Tyler Dead at 75
Tyler's long career also included the hits "It's a Heartache" and "Holding Out for a Hero."
ultimateclassicrock.com
32 years ago today, on July 8, 1994, Eagles returned to Cleveland at Municipal Stadium after nearly a 15-year hiatus, with special guest Sheryl Crow on the Hell Freezes Over tour. Ad Cleveland Scene
51 years ago, on July 4, 1975, Eric Clapton lit up the Richfield Coliseum with Santana delivering a blistering opening set as special guest. Joining Clapton on backing vocals was the talented Yvonne Elliman, who helped create a memorable night of blues-rock brilliance.
37 years ago, on July 3, 1989, Bon Jovi rolled into the historic Akron Rubber Bowl on the massive New Jersey Syndicate tour, fresh off their blockbuster New Jersey album. The hair-metal extravaganza featured a stacked lineup: Cinderella, Winger, and BulletBoys as support.
28 years ago, on July 3, 1998, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant brought their Walking Into Everywhere tour to Cleveland’s Gund Arena, with violinist Lili Haydn opening the show. Ad Cleveland Scene
40 years ago today, on July 2, 1986, Bob Dylan, the Grateful Dead, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers played the Akron Rubber Bowl. It was one of only five co-headlining dates with the Dead on the Dylan-Petty True Confessions tour. Ad Cleveland Scene
48 years ago today, on July 1, 1978, the Rolling Stones, Kansas, and Peter Tosh headlined Game 1 of the 1978 World Series of Rock at Cleveland Municipal Stadium. A crowd of 83,000 fans attended, setting the record for the largest rock concert audience in Cleveland at that time.