2026-10-20 · On this day
October 20 in Rock History: Steve Gaines, Ronnie Van Zant, Paul Wilson (musician) and 2 more
5 rock stories from October 20: concerts, releases, turning points and the people behind them.
1977: Steve Gaines
On October 20, 1977: Steve Gaines, American guitarist (born 1949)
Steve Gaines was a guitarist and backing vocalist for the Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. He joined the band in 1976, bringing his distinctive guitar style to the group's sound. Gaines' tenure with Lynyrd Skynyrd was marked by the release of the album "Street Survivors," which was the band's final studio album before the tragic plane crash that took his life.
Steve Gaines' death occurred on October 20, 1977, in a plane crash that also claimed the lives of several other band members and crew. This event marked a turning point in the history of Lynyrd Skynyrd, as the band's surviving members were left to navigate the aftermath of the tragedy.
1977: Ronnie Van Zant
On October 20, 1977: Ronnie Van Zant, American singer-songwriter (born 1948)
Ronnie Van Zant was the founder, lead vocalist, and primary lyricist of the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd. He was the older brother of Johnny Van Zant, the current lead vocalist of Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Donnie Van Zant, the founder and vocalist of the rock band .38 Special.
Ronnie Van Zant's death on October 20, 1977, marked a turning point in the history of Lynyrd Skynyrd. The band's plane crash in a swamp near Gillsburg, Mississippi, claimed the lives of Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and backing vocalist Cassie Gaines, among others. This tragic event led to a significant shift in the band's lineup and sound, with Johnny Van Zant eventually taking over as lead vocalist.
1978: Paul Wilson (musician)
On October 20, 1978: Paul Wilson, Scottish bass player and songwriter
Paul Wilson, a Scottish musician, was born in 1978. He is best known as the former bass guitarist for the Northern Irish-Scottish alternative rock band Snow Patrol. Wilson's musical journey began with the Glasgow band Terra Diablo, where he played guitar from 2000 to 2005.
As a multi-instrumentalist, Wilson is trained in piano and has a distinctive left-handed playing style. He often performs with a black Rickenbacker bass guitar. Wilson's tenure with Snow Patrol was a significant period in the band's history, contributing to their unique sound and style.
1951: Al Greenwood
On October 20, 1951: Al Greenwood, American keyboard player
Al Greenwood is an American keyboardist and founding member of the rock band Foreigner. He was born in 1951. As a key contributor to Foreigner's early success, Greenwood played on the band's debut album, released in 1977, as well as their subsequent albums Double Vision in 1978 and Head Games in 1979.
Al Greenwood's career with Foreigner spanned from 1976 to 1980. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2024 as a member of Foreigner, recognizing his significant contributions to the band's sound and legacy.
1950: Tom Petty
On October 20, 1950: Tom Petty, American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer (died 2017)
Tom Petty, American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer (died 2017) This entry marks the documented birthday connected with Tom Petty.
Thomas Earl Petty was an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He was the leader and frontman of the rock bands Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Mudcrutch and a member of the late 1980s supergroup the Traveling Wilburys. He was also a successful solo artist. Readers can follow the cited source for the full biographical and historical context behind this item.