May 7, 2016 – Axl Rose temporarily becomes the lead singer of AC/DC at a show in Lisbon, Portugal, replacing Brian Johnson who had been told by his doctor that continuing to tour could result in permanent deafness. Johnson returned to AC/DC several years later, with the help of new technology for in-ear monitors.

May 7, 1998 – Steve Perry officially leaves Journey. He is replaced by Steve Augeri, after an agreement made with the rest of the band that if Perry decided not to tour, a new singer could be hired.  Augeri lasts 8 years but must retire after recurring vocal issues.

Backstage Access:
Herbie Herbert and the Incredible Story of Journey

May 7, 2003 – Pete Townshend is cleared of possessing child pornography, after he uses a credit card to view a child porn website.  He claims that he accessed the site for research on child abuse while he was writing his autobiography.  Forensic analysis of his computer hard drive backs up his story.  Townshend asserts he was sexually abused as a child.

May 7, 1972 – Reginald Dwight changes his name to Elton Hercules John.

May 7, 1994 – Randy Bachman sets a world record for “largest number of people playing the same song simultaneously” when he leads 1,322 guitarists in a performance of  his song “Takin’ Care of Business”.  The performance lasts 68 minutes.

30 Rock Stars That Changed Their Name

Classic Rock Birthdays

May 7, 1963 – Johnny Lee Middleton, bass (Savatage, Trans-Siberian Orchestra)
May 7, 1961 – Phil Campbell, guitar (Motörhead)
May 7, 1946 – Jerry Nolan, drummer (The New York Dolls) (d. 1992)
May 7, 1950 – Prairie Prince (born Charles Lempriere Prince), drummer (The Tubes)