February 8

 

Woodstock lost its unlikely hero today in 1973 when Max Yasgur died of a heart attack at 53, ending the life of the New York dairy farmer whose willingness to lease his land made the 1969 festival possible despite community opposition and financial losses…

 

Pop's most tragic falsetto Del Shannon took his own life today in 1990 with a self-inflicted gunshot wound at 55, ending the career of the "Runaway" singer whose depression had plagued him despite his 1960s success and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction…

 

College rock history began today in 1981 when R.E.M. had their first recording session at Bombay Studios in Smyrna, Georgia, the Athens band capturing the jangly sound that would make them alternative music's most important American group of the 1980s…

 

Hair metal's prettiest frontman Vince Neil was born today in 1961, the Mötley Crüe vocalist whose high harmonies and photogenic looks made him the band's commercial focal point despite his vehicular manslaughter conviction and volatile relationship with bandmates…

 

Psychedelic pop met sitcom fame when Creed Bratton celebrates his 83rd birthday today, the Grass Roots guitarist whose real name and persona were used for his bizarre character on 'The Office,' giving him unexpected second-act recognition decades after "Let's Live for Today."