2026-10-18 · On this day
October 18 in Rock History: Frank Watkins (musician), Dan Lilker, Catherine Ringer and 2 more
5 rock stories from October 18: concerts, releases, turning points and the people behind them.
2015: Frank Watkins (musician)
On October 18, 2015: Frank Watkins, American bass player (born 1968)
Frank Watkins was a prominent bass player in the heavy metal scene, particularly known for his work with the death metal band Obituary. He was a long-time member of the group, playing with them from 1989 to 1997 and then again from 2003 until 2010. Watkins' tenure with Obituary was marked by the release of several albums, cementing his reputation as a skilled and dedicated musician.
Frank Watkins' death occurred in 2015, marking a significant loss for the heavy metal community. At the time of his passing, he was also a member of the Norwegian black metal band Gorgoroth, where he was known as Bøddel.
1964: Dan Lilker
On October 18, 1964: Dan Lilker, American singer-songwriter and bass player
Dan Lilker, born in 1964, is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist who has made significant contributions to the heavy metal genre. As a bass player, he has been a key member of several influential bands, including Anthrax, Nuclear Assault, S.O.D., and Holy Moses.
Dan Lilker's career has spanned multiple decades, with notable stints in grindcore bands Brutal Truth and Exit-13. His versatility as a musician has allowed him to excel in various roles, including guitarist, pianist, and drummer, in addition to his primary instrument, the bass.
1957: Catherine Ringer
On October 18, 1957: Catherine Ringer, French singer-songwriter, dancer, and actress
Catherine Ringer was born in 1957, marking the beginning of a multifaceted career in the music industry. As a singer-songwriter, dancer, and actress, she would go on to make significant contributions to the world of rock music. Her early life and career are not extensively documented, but her later work with the pop rock group Les Rita Mitsouko is well-documented.
Catherine Ringer co-founded the pop rock group Les Rita Mitsouko in the 1980s, showcasing her talents as a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. As the lead vocalist, she performed with Eduardo Makaroff and Christoph H. Müller, formerly of Gotan Project, in the Plaza Francia Orchestra.
1940: Cynthia Weil
On October 18, 1940: Cynthia Weil, American songwriter (died 2023)
Cynthia Weil, a renowned American songwriter, was born in 1940. She is best known for her collaborative work with her husband, Barry Mann, with whom she wrote numerous hit songs. Weil and Mann's partnership led to their induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1987, a testament to their enduring impact on the music industry.
Weil and Mann's contributions to rock music were further recognized when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. This milestone marked a significant turning point in their careers, solidifying their status as influential figures in the genre.
1926: Chuck Berry
On October 18, 1926: Chuck Berry, American singer-songwriter and guitarist (died 2017)
Charles Edward Anderson Berry, known as Chuck Berry, was born in 1926. He is often referred to as the "Father of Rock and Roll" due to his significant contributions to the genre. Berry's music style, which combined elements of rhythm and blues with showmanship and guitar solos, helped shape the sound of rock and roll.
Berry's impact on rock music was substantial, with hits like "Maybellene," "Roll Over Beethoven," "Rock and Roll Music," and "Johnny B. Goode" showcasing his unique blend of style and sound. These songs, released in the mid-1950s, helped establish Berry as a major force in the development of rock and roll.