DECEMBER 4
TODAY IN 1971, THE MONTREAUX (MONT-ROW) CASINO IN SWITZERLAND BURNS DOWN DURING A SHOW BY FRANK ZAPPA AND THE MOTHERS OF INVENTION. THE EVENT INSPIRED THE DEEP PURPLE CLASSIC, “SMOKE ON THE WATER.”
TODAY IN 1980 LED ZEPPELIN MAKE IT OFFICIAL: TWO MONTHS AFTER THE DEATH OF DRUMMER JOHN BONHAM, LED ZEPPELIN ANNOUNCE THEY WILL DISBAND. THEY NEVER FULLY RE-FORM, BUT DO PLAY SOME SHOWS WITH JASON BONHAM FILLING IN FOR HIS FATHER.
FOUNDING MEMBER OF LYNYRD SKYNYRD AND 2006 ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE, THE LATE GARY ROSSINGTON IS BORN IN JACKSONVILLE TODAY IN 1951.