2026-10-26 · On this day
October 26 in Rock History: Bobby Bandiera, Bootsy Collins
2 rock stories from October 26: concerts, releases, turning points and the people behind them.
1952: Bobby Bandiera
On October 26, 1952: Bobby Bandiera, American singer-songwriter and guitarist
Bobby Bandiera is a renowned American singer-songwriter and guitarist, born in 1952. As a guitarist, he has had a distinguished career, playing rhythm guitar for Bon Jovi in live performances from 2005 until 2015. This stint with Bon Jovi marked a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his skills to a wider audience.
Bandiera has also been the lead guitarist for Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes for over two decades. He has also had the opportunity to share the stage with Bruce Springsteen at various benefit concerts, further solidifying his reputation as a talented musician.
1951: Bootsy Collins
On October 26, 1951: Bootsy Collins, American singer-songwriter and bass player
Bootsy Collins, born in 1951, rose to prominence in the early 1970s as a bass guitarist and singer with James Brown. He later joined the Parliament-Funkadelic collective, where he became a leading name and innovator in funk music with his distinctive basslines and humorous vocals.
Collins formed his own P-Funk side project, Bootsy's Rubber Band, and collaborated with musicians from various genres, including dance music, electronic big beat, and alternative metal. In 1997, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, alongside 15 other members of Parliament-Funkadelic.