RANDOM NOTES FROM THE DAY IN MUSIC

March 4th

1966 - John Lennon

John Lennon's statement that The Beatles were 'more popular than Jesus Christ' was published in The London Evening Standard. His opinions drew no controversy when published in the UK, but when republished in the US a few months later, angry reactions flared up in Christian communities. Extensive protests broke out with some radio stations banning Beatles songs and their records were publicly burned. If ever there was a mistaken statement this was it. John was having a pop at the insanity of fandom and the apparent degree of obsession for a poop group compared to something serious like religion.

1986 - Richard Manuel

After just completing a two set show with The Band in Winter Park, Florida, 41 year old Richard Manuel of The Band hanged himself from a shower curtain rod in a hotel room in Florida. His band mate, Robbie Robertson honoured his friend with the song, 'Fallen Angel' in 1987. Sad loss and a distinctive voice and creative force of energy

2019 - Keith Flint

Keith Flint, singer and dancer with English electronic dance group The Prodigy was found dead at his home in Essex, England age 49. The Prodigy scored the 1996 UK No.1 & US No. 30 single 'Firestarter' and the 1997 UK & US No.1 album 'The Fat Of The Land'. He owned a motorcycle race team, Team Traction Control, which won three Isle of Man TT races in 2015 and competed in the British Supersport Championship running Yamaha YZF-R6 motorcycles. He seems to have been universally liked had a strong altruistic streak and a gentle kind and sensitive personality different to his stage persona.

BIRTHDAYS

1951 - Chris Rea

British rock and blues singer-songwriter and guitarist, Chris Rea, who had the 1989 UK No.10 single 'The Road To Hell'. His 1989 UK No.1 album Road To Hell spent 76 weeks on the chart. In America he is best known for the 1978 hit song 'Fool (If You Think It's Over)'. His band The Beautiful Losers received the Melody Maker Best Newcomers award in 1975. You know I always liked Chris but there is something that doesn't quite get me going anymore. He can churn this stuff out without even engaging his brain as evidenced by the number of albums he can release at any one time 2005 saw the release of Blue Guitars, a box set of 11 CDs containing 137 blues-inspired tracks with Rea's paintings as album covers. He has had mixed to poor health and collapsed on stage at the New Theatre in Oxford a couple of years ago so he has ten it easier since. He is a confirmed petrol head and racing enthusiast who owns Ferarris. 

1946 - 'Red Stripe'

Red Stripe (David Gittins), singer from British a cappella vocal group The Flying Pickets who had the 1983 UK No.1 single with their version of Yazoo's track 'Only You', the UK Christmas No.1 of 83. Known for his markedly flamboyant eyeliner. The name "Flying Pickets" refers to mobile strikers who travel in order to join a picket, reflecting the group's radical socialist political views.