thebuzzr Independent Music Coverage

September 17, 1982 

Pink Floyd’s seminal double album The Wall makes it to the big screen as a feature-length musical. Few expected the sprawling concept album to be turned into a feature film, but the band’s celluloid collaboration with director Alan Parker and animator Gerald Scarfe becomes a surprise box office hit and a cult classic.

September 18, 1970

Jimi Hendrix is found dead in his basement. He had taken nine pills of the barbiturate Vesparax, that along with alcohol, caused a fatal overdose.

September 19, 1997 

The pitch-correction software Auto-Tune hits the market and soon becomes ubiquitous in recording studios, especially after Cher hits #1 with her Auto-Tuned “Believe.”

September 20, 1979

The Clash bass player Paul Simonon, frustrated because the crowd at The Palladium in New York City isn’t standing, smashes his instrument on stage. The photo is later used as the cover of their London Calling album.

September 21, 2011

R.E.M. announce that they’re calling it quits after more than 30 years. In a post on their website, the band members write, “To our Fans and Friends: As R.E.M., and as lifelong friends and co-conspirators, we have decided to call it a day as a band. We walk away with a great sense of gratitude, of finality, and of astonishment at all we have accomplished. To anyone who ever felt touched by our music, our deepest thanks for listening.”

September 22, 2015

The “Happy Birthday” copyright is ruled invalid, putting the song into the public domain.

September 23, 1980

Bob Marley plays his final concert: a 20-song set at the Stanley Theater in Pittsburgh with his group, The Wailers.

September 24, 1991 

Nirvana’s breakthrough album Nevermind is released.