December 18

 Keith Richards

December 18, 1943

Keith Richards co-founded the Rolling Stones with Mick Jagger, Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, and Ian Stewart in 1962. Playing guitar while becoming the band's principal songwriting partner with Jagger, he helped shape one of rock's most enduring catalogs on albums including Beggars Banquet, Sticky Fingers, and Exile on Main St.

Richards remained with the Rolling Stones through every stage of the band's career while also releasing solo recordings and collaborating with a wide range of artists. His distinctive guitar style, built around memorable riffs and open tunings, has influenced generations of players, and he continues to perform with the Rolling Stones.

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Chas Chandler

December 18, 1938 – July 17, 1996

Chas Chandler became the bass guitarist for the Animals in 1962, helping the group achieve international success during the British Invasion. He appeared on albums including The Animals, Animal Tracks, and Animalisms before leaving the band in 1966 to move into artist management and record production.

Chandler discovered Jimi Hendrix in New York later that year, brought him to England, and helped form the Jimi Hendrix Experience with Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell. He produced the group's first recordings before later managing and producing Slade, playing a major role in the band's rise during the 1970s.

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Bill Nelson

December 18, 1948

Bill Nelson founded Be-Bop Deluxe in 1972, becoming the band's lead singer, guitarist, and principal songwriter. His inventive guitar playing and melodic songwriting helped the group evolve from progressive rock into a more polished art rock sound on albums including Futurama, Sunburst Finish, and Drastic Plastic.

After Be-Bop Deluxe disbanded in 1978, Nelson formed Red Noise before launching a prolific solo career that explored rock, electronic, ambient, and experimental music. He has continued composing, recording, and producing an extensive body of work from his own studio while collaborating on selected projects with other artists.

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Elliot Easton

December 18, 1953

Elliot Easton co-founded the Cars in 1976 with Ric Ocasek, Benjamin Orr, Greg Hawkes, and David Robinson. Playing lead guitar, he brought melodic, concise solos and rockabilly influences to the band's new wave sound on albums including The Cars, Candy-O, and Panorama.

After the Cars disbanded in 1988, Easton released a solo album, worked as a session guitarist, and performed with several groups, including the New Cars. He reunited with his former bandmates for the Cars' 2011 reunion album and continues to make occasional concert appearances and guest performances.

Uli Jon Roth

December 18, 1954

Uli Jon Roth joined the Scorpions in 1973, replacing Michael Schenker and bringing a more melodic, technically advanced guitar style to the band's evolving sound. His playing and songwriting became central to albums including In Trance, Virgin Killer, and Taken by Force as the group gained an international following during the 1970s.

Roth left the Scorpions in 1978 to form Electric Sun, giving him the freedom to explore a broader blend of rock, classical, and progressive music. He later developed an extensive solo career, collaborated with numerous artists, and regularly performed concerts celebrating both his own music and the Scorpions years.

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