One of the titans of Progressive Rock guitar was born on this day in 1946 in Cambridge, England. David Gilmour would become a member of Pink Floyd shortly before Syd Barrett exited the band. Raised on the music of Bill Haley, Elvis, the Everly Brothers and other Rock pioneers, getting introduced to Barrett and the other members of Pink Floyd redirected him into a whole new realm of creative expression on guitar. When it became apparent that Barrett's personal demons would make it impossible for him to continue in the band, Gilmour stepped up. Barrett's parting with the band was announced on Gilmour's birthday in 1968.

 

Other Noteworthy Classic Rock events on March 6 include...

 

1966 The Rolling Stones record Paint It Black.

1968 Syd Barrett announces he has left Pink Floyd.

1970 Beatles release Let It Be as a single in the UK.

1973 New York Immigration officials cancel John Lennon's visa extension just five days after it was approved.

1990 Aerosmith gets honored on Hollywood Rock Walk.

2000 Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt & James Taylor are among those inducted into Rock Hall Of Fame.

2001 Aerosmith releases Push To Play.

2001 The National Academy of Recording Artists sues Napster over music sharing.

2004 David Crosby gets arrested on marijuana and weapons charge in New York City hotel.

2009 U2 does a free morning concert at Fordham University.

2013 Ten Years After guitarist, vocalist Alvin Lee dies unexpectedly in Spain from complications following a surgical procedure to address atrial arrythmia.

2016 Eagles co-founding member Randy Meisner's wife dies in what was deemed an accidental shooting in couple's Hollywood home.

2018 Bon Scott statue gets unveiled on Melbourne, Australia street named in his honor...