EAR FARM Rock History Lesson: Leap Day AND March 1st

Following up on our first Rock History Lesson a few months back, we thought it would be interesting to crack open the cadaver of yet another day of the calendar year and see what rock goodies lie within. In doing so, we've decided to up the ante as well, featuring TWO days in music history this time around. Why two? For starters, Leap Day is at a distinct disadvantage to the other 365 days; there's like 25% as much of a chance that anything rocking happened on it. I think it deserves our sympathies. Also, you just know a day is worth noting when McDonalds gives away free breakfast burritos to commemorate it.

Okay, so why March 1st too? Well, there are broader considerations to keep in mind here, namely the fact that tomorrow is my birthday and I like to know what kind of company I'm keeping in the grand scheme of things. So, (once again) without further ado, here's a very loose guide to today, Leap Day, and tomorrow, March 1st, in ROCK:

February 29th - The Rarest Day in Rock?

1792 - Composer Gioacchino Antonio Rossini was born. Little did he know that 215 years later, his grave would be the setting for a Chuck Klosterman and Frosty the Snowman-themed 8+.

1972 - John Lennon's US immigration visa expires, starting a three-and-a-half year battle to remain in the country. A battle waged mostly naked. And in bed.

1972 - Saul Williams is born

1976 - Ja Rule is born. His physical stature and views on homosexuality would make sense if Leap Days actually made people mature 4 times as slowly.

1980 - Police discover a file containing Buddy Holly's glasses and a watch owned by The Big Bopper that were found in the wreckage of their plane crash in 1959.

That's it? Kind of a letdown, Leap Day. Is it possible free McSkillet Burritos are the most notable thing going on here? No need to dwell further, on to the next day in history, which just happens to be....

March 1st - I'm Completely Biased

1927 - Harry Belafonte is born.

1944 - Roger Daltrey is born. Despite his many assurances, he's been fooled many times since.

1958 - Buddy Holly begins his only British tour. To ensure stereotypes of bad dental health in the UK would persevere stateside, his front teeth would get knocked out before a British television appearance. Ouch.

1964 - The Beatles start working on A Hard Day's Night, their very first film, while also holding the top two spots on Billboard's Hot 100 with "I Want to Hold Your Hand" and "She Loves You".

1968 - Johnny Cash and June Carter get married. Their honeymoon plans involve a stop in Reno with vague talk of renting firearms and befriending a drifter.

1969 - Jim Morrison is arrested for exposing himself during a Doors concert in Miami.

1982 - Pete Townshend, Stevie Nicks, Mick Jagger, Adam Ant, Pat Benatar, the Police and David Bowie kick off the “I Want My MTV” advertising campaign. A two-year old Mike asks for cable for his birthday and nudges closer to the TV set.

1991 - Oliver Stone's The Doors premieres. Jeez, Frank Whaley just represents in these EF History Lessons, doesn't he?

1994 - Aretha Franklin receives a Lifetime Achievement Grammy award. Beyonce watches on with a cold stare, carefully enunciating the words "Queen of Soul" and "Tina Turner" together in the same sentence.

Ta da, that's just about all folks. To those history buffs and steel-trap minded brethren, anything else? Happy Leap Day....