On this day in rock history, February 20th has seen pivotal moments that have contributed to the rich tapestry of rock music, marking significant releases, personal milestones, and commemorating the births of influential guitarists who, though no longer with us, have left indelible marks on the genre.
FEBRUARY 20 | TODAY IN ROCK HISTORY: Pat Benatar, Neil Geraldo, George Harrison
George Harrison Releases His Eighth Solo Album
On August 31, 1979, George Harrison released his self-titled eighth studio album, marking another chapter in the former Beatle’s post-Fab Four career. George Harrison arrived after a period in which Harrison had stepped back from the intense spotlight surrounding his earlier solo work, and the album found him returning with a lighter, more relaxed musical approach. The record produced the hit single “Blow Away”, which became one of Harrison’s most successful solo songs in the United States.
The album also featured “Not Guilty,” a song with an unusual Beatles history. Harrison originally recorded it with The Beatles during the sessions for The White Album in 1968, but the recording was ultimately left off the album. More than a decade later, Harrison revisited the composition and recorded a new solo version, giving the song a second life while showcasing the intricate guitar work and reflective songwriting that had become hallmarks of his solo career.
George Harrison also reflected a period of renewed optimism in Harrison’s life and music. Rather than attempting to recreate the intensity of his early solo successes, he embraced a warmer and more accessible sound, combining rock, pop, and his unmistakable melodic sensibility. The album reached the Top 20 in the United States and helped set the stage for the final major phase of Harrison’s solo
Pat Benatar Marries Neil Giraldo
On February 20, 1982, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo married, beginning one of rock music’s most enduring personal and creative partnerships. Giraldo had become an essential part of Benatar’s sound as her guitarist, arranger, and producer, helping shape the powerful rock records that established her as one of the defining female voices of the early 1980s. Their relationship was never simply a story of a singer and the musician behind her; they developed into a genuine creative team whose work was deeply intertwined.
Over the decades, Benatar and Giraldo continued performing and recording together while building a family life away from much of the chaos traditionally associated with rock stardom. Their partnership produced a remarkable catalog of hits, including “Love Is a Battlefield”, “Hit Me with Your Best Shot”, and “We Belong.” Rather than separating their personal and professional lives, the two built a career around doing both together.
More than four decades later, the Benatar-Giraldo partnership remains unusual in an industry where creative relationships often prove far less durable. Their marriage survived changing musical fashions, the pressures of touring, and the enormous demands of maintaining a decades-long career. Their story is ultimately as much about collaboration as romance: two musicians who found that the person standing beside them onstage was also the person they wanted beside them for the rest of their lives.
Bittersweet Birthdays: Remembering Kurt Cobain, Walter Becker, and John Geils
February 20th also serves as a poignant reminder of the talent we’ve lost with the birthdays of three exceptional guitarists: Kurt Cobain of Nirvana, Walter Becker of Steely Dan, and John Geils of the J Geils Band. Each artist brought a unique sound and vision to rock music, pushing the boundaries of the genre and influencing countless musicians and fans along the way.
- Kurt Cobain: As the frontman of Nirvana, Cobain’s raw emotion and powerful songwriting spearheaded the grunge movement, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire.
- Walter Becker: As a co-founder of Steely Dan, Becker’s sophisticated harmonies and jazz-infused rock compositions crafted some of the most intricate and beloved music of the 1970s.
- John Geils: Leading the J Geils Band, Geils’ blues-rock guitar riffs powered hits that became staples of the 1970s and ’80s rock scene.
Three Weird February 19 Rock Factoids
Ozzy Osbourne Was Once Arrested for Urinating on the Alamo
On February 19, 1982, Ozzy Osbourne was arrested in San Antonio, Texas, after urinating on the Alamo. The bizarre incident happened during the Diary of a Madman tour, when Osbourne was reportedly intoxicated and wearing a dress that had been supplied by his wife and manager, Sharon. The city had a strict ordinance against disturbing the historic site, and Ozzy spent several hours in jail before being released. The incident became one of the most infamous episodes of his early solo career, turning a bathroom emergency into a piece of rock folklore.
A Rock Star Recorded an Entire Album While Facing Prison
In 1971, Johnny Cash was working on material for his album Man in Black while dealing with a remarkable legal controversy surrounding his political activism and public persona. Cash had already become famous for performing at prisons, including his celebrated concerts at Folsom and San Quentin, but his willingness to associate openly with prisoners and challenge conventional attitudes toward the justice system repeatedly put him at odds with authorities. His prison performances eventually became so closely associated with his identity that the “Man in Black” persona was inseparable from his fascination with society’s outsiders.
The Rolling Stones Once Released a Song About a Real-Life Drug Bust
In 1967, The Rolling Stones turned their own legal troubles into music when “We Love You” was released following the highly publicized drug arrests of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. The psychedelic single featured backing vocals from John Lennon and Paul McCartney, while its promotional film deliberately referenced the courtroom proceedings surrounding the Stones. It was an extraordinary example of rock musicians transforming a scandal that could have damaged their careers into a public statement of solidarity and defiance.
In Conclusion
February 20th stands as a day of reflection and celebration in rock history, from the release of George Harrison’s significant solo work to the enduring love and collaboration between Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, and remembering the birthdays of three guitar legends who have passed away. These events underscore the diversity and depth of rock music, reminding us of its power to captivate, connect, and endure across generations.
- 1969: The Beatles began recording what would become one of their most famous tracks, “I Want You (She’s So Heavy),” at Trident Studios in London. This session marked one of the early uses of the Moog synthesizer in their music.
- 1976: AC/DC released their third studio album, “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap,” in Australia. It would not be released in the United States until 1981, where it became a huge hit.
- 1980: Bon Scott, the original lead singer of AC/DC, was found dead in London after a night of heavy drinking. His death marked a pivotal moment in rock history and led to the band considering disbandment before ultimately deciding to continue with new vocalist Brian Johnson.
- 1991: The iconic rock band Queen announced that lead singer Freddie Mercury had recorded his final song. Mercury, who was battling AIDS, would pass away later that year, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of rock and pop music.
- 1993: Eric Clapton won six Grammy awards for his unplugged album, which featured an acoustic version of “Layla.” The success of the album revitalized Clapton’s career and introduced his music to a new generation of fans.
- 2003: During a concert by the band Great White at The Station nightclub in Rhode Island, pyrotechnics set off by the band’s crew ignited foam used for soundproofing. The resulting fire killed 100 people, including the band’s guitarist, Ty Longley, and injured more than 200 others. This tragedy led to significant changes in safety regulations for venues and public gatherings.
- 2010: Alexander McQueen’s memorial service was held in London, attended by many music and fashion celebrities. McQueen was a British fashion designer known for his dramatic designs, many of which were inspired by or connected to the rock music scene.
These events highlight the varied and impactful moments in rock history on February 20th, showcasing the triumphs, tragedies, and transformations that have shaped the genre over the years.
