February 18

 Jim Griffiths

February 18, 1953 - Jim Griffiths a guitarist for the progressive rock band Crack the Sky from 1974 to 1978. In 1974, he joined the initial lineup following the group’s transition from their previous name, ArcAngel. He performed as a lead and rhythm guitarist on their self-titled 1975 debut album, which received significant critical acclaim from major music publications.

Griffiths continued his role for the 1976 record Animal Notes and the 1978 release Safety in Numbers. Throughout this period, he contributed to the band's reputation for technical precision and complex arrangements. His stage work included touring alongside prominent stadium acts before the original incarnation of the ensemble dissolved toward the end of the decade.

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Robbie Bachman

February 18, 1953 – January 12, 2023. As the powerhouse behind the kit, Robbie Bachman was the drummer for Brave Belt from 1971 to 1972. In 1973, he co-founded the hard rock group Bachman-Turner Overdrive, serving as their drummer from 1973 to 1979. He provided the driving backbeat for massive hits like Not Fragile and Takin' Care of Business during the mid-seventies.

His steady rhythmic foundation and occasional songwriting contributions were vital to the band's international commercial success. Following a brief hiatus, he rejoined a revamped lineup of Bachman-Turner Overdrive in 1980. His signature shuffle style and heavy drums sound defined the group's blue-collar rock aesthetic throughout their most productive decade, solidifying his reputation within the North American arena circuit.

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Dennis DeYoung

February 18, 1947. Dennis DeYoung was the keyboardist and accordionist for the band Tradewinds from 1961 to 1970, which later evolved into TW4 from 1970 to 1972. In 1972, the group rebranded as Styx, and he served as their keyboardist and accordionist from 1972 to 1999. As a primary songwriter and vocalist, he was fundamental in transitioning the ensemble from their early progressive rock roots toward a highly melodic arena rock sound during the mid-seventies.

Throughout the decade, his theatrical flair and distinctive synthesizers defined landmark albums such as The Grand Illusion and Pieces of Eight. By 1979, his composition Babe became a major international success. His creative vision and soaring vocal range remained central to the group’s identity through the release of Paradise Theatre in 1980.

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