November 4, 1977 – The Last Waltz, director Martin Scorsese’s acclaimed documentary of The Band’s star-studded last concert, premieres in New York City, featuring Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Neil Diamond, The Staple Singers, Dr. John, and more.

Classic Rock Birthdays

November 4, 1956 – James Honeyman-Scott, guitar (Pretenders) (d. 1982)
November 4, 1954 – Chris Difford, guitar, vocals (Squeeze)
November 4, 1956 – Jordan Rudess (born Jordan Charles Rudes), keyboards (Dream Theater)
November 4, 1965 – Jeff Scott Soto, guitar, vocals (Yngwie Malmsteen)

Rock Remembrances

November 4, 2020 – Ken Hensley, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter best known for his work with Uriah Heep, dies in Spain after a short illness.  He was 75. Hensley wrote most of Uriah Heep’s hits, including “Look At Yourself,” “Stealin'”, “Easy Livin'” and “Lady In Black.”  

November 4, 1994 – Fred “Sonic” Smith (born Frederick Dewey Smith), dies of heart failure in Detroit. He was 45. Smith was the guitarist and co-founder of the MC5, innovators of the punk movement in the U.S. Smith married fellow artist and songwriter Patti Smith in 1980 and had two children with her.  The band Sonic Youth took its name from Smith’s nickname.

November 4, 2016 – Eddie Harsch (born Edward Hawrysch), ex-keyboardist of The Black Crowes, dies in Toronto.  He was 59.  Harsch had been the band’s keyboardist from 1991 to 2006.