2026-11-03 · On this day
November 3 in Rock History: Tim McIlrath, Mick Thomson, Steven Wilson and 1 more
4 rock stories from November 3: concerts, releases, turning points and the people behind them.
1978: Tim McIlrath
On November 3, 1978: Tim McIlrath, American singer-songwriter and guitarist
Tim McIlrath, the lead vocalist and guitarist of the punk rock band Rise Against, was born in 1978. As a founding member of the band, McIlrath has been instrumental in shaping the group's sound and message, which often focuses on social and environmental issues.
Rise Against has toured extensively throughout their career, with notable performances at festivals such as the Warped Tour and the Aftershock Festival. The band has also appeared on various television shows, including the Late Show with David Letterman and the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
1973: Mick Thomson
On November 3, 1973: Mick Thomson, American guitarist
Mick Thomson, born in 1973, is a guitarist known for his work with the heavy metal band Slipknot. He joined the band in early 1996, after meeting founding members through their involvement in the death metal band Body Pit. Thomson's tenure with Slipknot has been marked by significant milestones, including the departure of original drummer Joey Jordison in 2013.
Thomson has been a key member of Slipknot since the mid-1990s, and has been designated as #7 in the band's lineup. Following the departure of sampler Craig Jones in 2023, Thomson is now the second longest-serving member of the band.
1967: Steven Wilson
On November 3, 1967: Steven Wilson, English singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer
Steven Wilson, born in 1967, is a multi-talented musician, composer, and producer who has made significant contributions to the progressive rock genre. As the founder, guitarist, lead vocalist, and songwriter of Porcupine Tree, he has been a driving force behind the band's critically acclaimed sound. Wilson's work with Porcupine Tree has been marked by its complexity and experimentation, incorporating elements of psychedelic rock, electronica, and atmospheric soundscapes.
Wilson's solo career has been equally impressive, with eight albums released since 2008. He has also been involved in various side projects, including Blackfield, Storm Corrosion, and No-Man. His work has earned him six Grammy nominations, with two nominations for Porcupine Tree, one for Storm Corrosion, and three as a solo artist. In 2017, The Daily Telegraph recognized Wilson as a "resolutely independent artist" and "probably the most successful British artist you've never heard of," highlighting his unique position in the music industry.
1953: Helios Creed
On November 3, 1953: Helios Creed, American singer-songwriter and guitarist
Helios Creed, born in 1953, initially gained recognition in the mid-1970s as a member of the influential San Francisco band Chrome. Chrome's unique sound, which blended elements of rock and industrial music, earned them a reputation as an early influence on the industrial rock genre. The band's breakup in the mid-1980s, following the departure of founding member Damon Edge to Paris, marked a turning point in Creed's career.
After Chrome disbanded, Helios Creed launched a solo career, recruiting local hard rock musicians to join him. This marked a significant shift in his musical direction, as he transitioned from being a member of a pioneering industrial rock band to a solo artist exploring the hard rock genre.