TODAY IN ROCK HISTORY-MAY 17
May 17 in rock history features reunion success, personal resilience, and progressive rock innovation. In 1989, the Doobie Brothers released Cycles, their reunion album that returned the band to radio success with the hit single “The Doctor.” In 1987, a devastating fire destroyed much of Tom Petty’s Los Angeles home, though Petty and his family escaped safely before investigators later determined the blaze was caused by arson. And today we celebrate drummer Bill Bruford, whose groundbreaking work with Yes and King Crimson helped redefine progressive rock music. These milestones continue to influence generations of musicians and fans throughout the world of rock history.
The Cars: Benjamin Orr – the Frontman Who Wasn’t
While Ric Ocasek was the creative architect behind The Cars, it was co-founder Benjamin Orr’s striking visual charisma and warm, effortless vocals on tracks like “Just What I Needed” and “Drive” that made him the face of the band. Explore the unique, ego-free partnership that balanced avant-garde New Wave songwriting with classic rock appeal.
TODAY IN ROCK HISTORY-MAY 16
May 16 in rock history features chart topping anthems, legendary folk rock, and the birthday of a grunge pioneer. In 1987, U2 reached number one in America with “With or Without You,” the emotional breakthrough single from The Joshua Tree. In 1970, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young landed their first number one album as Déjà Vu topped the United States charts with classics like “Teach Your Children,” “Our House,” and “Woodstock.” And today we celebrate Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic, whose work helped redefine rock music during the grunge explosion of the early 1990s. These milestones continue to influence generations of music fans worldwide.
Z-GR! Radio Episode 82 Wrap-Up
Z-GR! Radio’s Episode 82 brings Annette GIl,Yota, Bec Sandridge, Everything In Colour, Sam Saint Jones (Samuel Muir), Isaac Howlett, Nouveau Arcade, Julie Hicklin, Niina Soleil, The Kernow Mafia, Chris Boddington and Zero-G Racetrack!
CALEB’S NEWHD TOP TEN COUNTDOWN | WEEK OF MAY 11, 2026
This week’s Caleb’s NEWHD Top Ten Countdown for May 15, 2026 features Ella Langley holding number one for an eighth non-consecutive week with “Choosin’ Texas,” while Bruno Mars, Olivia Dean, Olivia Rodrigo, Alex Warren, Noah Kahan, and Kehlani round out a chart filled with country crossover, soul-driven pop, folk storytelling, and modern R&B. Langley dominates the countdown with three songs in the Top Ten, including “Be Her” and her Morgan Wallen collaboration “I Can’t Love You Anymore.” Olivia Dean also earns two major placements, proving her breakout momentum continues to grow.
Queen: Roger Taylor’s Automotive B-Side
Roger Taylor’s “I’m In Love With My Car” is often labeled a novelty deep cut, but its history reveals a high-stakes internal battle within Queen. From engine sounds sourced from an Alfa Romeo to the legendary B-side dispute with “Bohemian Rhapsody,” discover how this track solidified Taylor’s creative standing in the band’s hierarchy.
