August 7, 2006 – Gene Simmons Family Jewels premieres on the A&E Network. The show runs for seven successful seasons and features Simmons, his longtime partner Shannon Tweed, and their two kids Nick and Sophie.
August 7, 1981 – The movie Heavy Metal is released to lukewarm response, but goes on to become a cult classic (mainly because of its soundtrack) and grosses close to $20 million. Almost as an afterthought, an all-star soundtrack is added, and features Sammy Hagar (with the title track), Blue Öyster Cult, Cheap Trick, Journey, and Black Sabbath.
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August 7, 1974 – J. Geils Band singer Peter Wolf marries movie star Faye Dunaway in Beverly Hills, CA. The couple divorce in 1979.
August 7, 1981 – Motörhead drummer Phil “Philty Animal” Taylor is fined $90 for marijuana possession and for not showing up for the initial date of his trial in April.
August 7, 1983 – Black Sabbath release their 11th studio album Born Again. It is the only Black Sabbath album with former Deep Purple singer Ian Gillan as frontman. The album was released to mixed reviews but has become a favorite over time for metal musicians and fans. Even Ozzy Osbourne gave it the thumbs up.
Original Names of Famous Classic Rock Bands
Classic Rock Birthdays
August 7, 1958 – Bruce Dickinson (born Paul Bruce Dickinson), vocals (Iron Maiden)
August 7, 1949 – Carlo Novi, saxophone (Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes) (d. 2010)
August 7, 1950 – Rodney Crowell, guitar, vocals
August 7, 1960 – Jacquie O’Sullivan, vocals, bass (Bananarama)
Rock Remembrances
August 7, 2001 – Harmonica player Larry Adler dies in a London hospital. He was 87. Adler was an in-demand player and late in his career worked with George Gershwin, Kate Bush and Sting. He also appeared in five movies and was nominated for an Oscar for the 1953 film Genevieve.
August 7, 1984 – Esther Phillips (born Esther Mae Jones), dies from liver and kidney failure due to drug use. She was 48. Phillips was a soul singer originally known as “Little Esther.” Her highest charting and biggest selling single was “What A Difference A Day Makes,” which she performed on Saturday Night Live.
