Mellencamp Good on October 2nd: Today in Classic Rock 10-2-12

Today in Classic Rock History

In 1965
The Who made its U.S. TV debut, performing "I Can't Explain" on "Shindig!" (and no one else could explain it, either!)

In 1971
Rod Stewart hit number one on the pop singles chart with "Maggie May." (and we were all wondering what Maggie May....  do?)

In 1975
Frank Zappa released the album "Bongo Fury." The record was a collaborative effort with Captain Beefheart.

In 1981
New releases included The Who album "Hooligans" and Bill Wyman's solo single "Come Back Suzanne."

In 1982
John Mellencamp, using the name John Cougar, hit number one on the pop singles chart with "Jack & Diane." (try and keep this guys stage name straight? jeeze)

In 1986
Mick Jagger released the feature-length video for "Running Out of Luck." (It was recorded in Vegas, I bet)

In 1994
John Mellencamp revealed that he had recently had a mild heart attack.  At the time he was 42, smoking four packs of cigarettes a day, and had a cholesterol level of 300. (wonder why he had that heart attack?)

In 1998
Cheap Trick was inducted into Hollywood's Rockwalk.

John Mellencamp released his self-titled album. (Jeeze John, what's with today?)

In 2000
Former Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones played his first solo concert in Galway, Ireland.

In 2001
The tribute concert "Come Together: A Night for John Lennon's Words & Music, Dedicated to New York City & Its People," including Stone Temple Pilots, Alanis Morissette, Moby, and Sean Lennon, took place at New York's Radio City Music Hall.

Heart's Ann Wilson took part in a Seattle theater company's production of "The Vagina Monologues."

In 2002
Blue Oyster Cult performed at the Jammys, an awards ceremony honoring the best in improvisational music.  The Grateful Dead received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the event.

In 2003
John Mellencamp received the Woody Guthrie Award, which recognizes people from the entertainment industry for encompassing the legendary folk hero's ideals into their work with a commitment to social activism and championing the cause of the people.

Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx sued the shoe maker Vans, claiming the company used his image in an ad without permission.

In 2004
Billy Joel married girlfriend Kate Lee in a sunset ceremony at his mansion on Long Island, New York.  The bride, who's 32 years younger than Joel, wore a white Oscar de la Renta dress for the occasion.

In 2006
The bands on Megadeth's Gigantour challenged their road crews in a charity softball game in Norfolk, Virginia.  The match was open to the public and is free to anyone who brought a food donation, which went to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia.

Coldplay denied rumors that the band was breaking up, but confirmed that the group was going to continue taking its time with a follow up to the 2005 album "X&Y."

The Arctic Monkeys' "I Bet That You Look Good On The Dance Floor" topped a British survey of the most popular student anthem.

In 2007
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's CD "Magic" arrived in stores.  In addition, the group launched a tour in Hartford, Connecticut in support of the disc.

In 2008
Phil Spector's retrial on a second-degree murder charge in connection with the 2003 shooting death of actress Lana Clarkson began in Los Angeles.  Spector's first trial in 2007 ended in a mistrial, with the jury unable to reach a unanimous decision.

In 2010
Neil Young and John Mellencamp hosted the Farm Aid 25: Growing Hope For America concert in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, Jason Mraz, and The BoDeans were among the other scheduled performers at the event, while Steven Tyler made a surprise guest appearance. (If it's happening for Mellencamp, it's happening today)