2026-10-04 · On this day
October 4 in Rock History: Saki (musician), Richard Reed Parry, M. Ward and 4 more
7 rock stories from October 4: concerts, releases, turning points and the people behind them.
1990: Saki (musician)
On October 4, 1990: Saki, Japanese guitarist and songwriter
Saki, a Japanese guitarist and songwriter, was born in 1990. As a teenager, she was sponsored by Killer Guitars and began using their custom-made Fascist models. She was briefly a member of the pioneering all-female metal band Destrose before joining the short-lived rock trio Mixx in 2010.
Saki's professional career took off in 2012 as the guitarist of the band Mary's Blood, a position she held until the band's hiatus in 2022. She has also been active as a solo artist, forming the duo Amahiru with Frédéric Leclercq, and as a member of the rock band Like-an-Angel. In 2021, Killer Guitars released her signature model, the seven-string KG-Fascinator Seven the Empress.
1977: Richard Reed Parry
On October 4, 1977: Richard Reed Parry, Canadian guitarist, songwriter, and producer
Richard Reed Parry, Canadian guitarist, songwriter, and producer This entry marks the documented birthday connected with Richard Reed Parry.
Richard Reed Parry is a Canadian multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, best known as a core member of the indie rock band Arcade Fire, where he plays a wide variety of instruments, often switching between guitar, double bass, drums, celesta, keyboards, and accordion. Readers can follow the cited source for the full biographical and historical context behind this item.
1973: M. Ward
On October 4, 1973: M. Ward, American singer-songwriter
Matthew Stephen Ward, known professionally as M. Ward, was born in 1973. As a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer, Ward's work is characterized by its folk and blues-inspired Americana sound. He has released numerous albums since 1999, primarily through the independent label Merge Records.
Ward's career has been marked by his work with various musical projects, including the indie pop duo She & Him and the folk-rock supergroup Monsters of Folk. He has also collaborated with and produced music for other artists, showcasing his versatility as a musician and producer.
1971: Darren Middleton
On October 4, 1971: Darren Middleton, Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist
Darren Middleton, Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist This entry marks the documented birthday connected with Darren Middleton.
Darren Middleton is an Australian musician, best known as lead guitarist and songwriter for alternative rock band Powderfinger. He was also lead singer/songwriter for Drag. Readers can follow the cited source for the full biographical and historical context behind this item.
1957: Yngve Moe
On October 4, 1957: Yngve Moe, Norwegian bass player and songwriter (died 2013)
Yngve Moe, a Norwegian bass player and songwriter, was born in 1957. As a founding member of the rock band Dance with a Stranger, Moe's early career was marked by his contributions to the band's sound. The band's formation and early years are notable in Norwegian rock history, with Moe's bass playing being a key element in their development.
In the years following his work with Dance with a Stranger, Moe's career continued to evolve. Unfortunately, specific details about his post-band activities are not readily available in the provided research note.
1948: Duke Robillard
On October 4, 1948: Duke Robillard, American singer-songwriter and guitarist
Duke Robillard, born in 1948, is a highly respected American guitarist and singer known for his work in the blues and rock genres. As a founding member of the band Roomful of Blues, he helped shape the group's unique sound, which blended traditional blues with a more modern, energetic style. This distinctive approach earned the band a loyal following and critical acclaim.
Duke Robillard's career has been marked by numerous notable performances and collaborations. He was a key member of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, a band that gained a significant following in the 1980s with their blend of blues, rock, and roots music. Robillard's guitar work and vocals were instrumental in shaping the band's sound, and he remains a highly respected figure in the blues and rock communities.
1942: Bernice Johnson Reagon
On October 4, 1942: Bernice Johnson Reagon, American singer-songwriter (died 2024)
Bernice Johnson Reagon was born in 1942. As a founding member of the Freedom Singers, she was part of the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee's (SNCC) Albany Movement for civil rights in Georgia in the early 1960s. This experience highlighted the power of collective singing in unifying disparate groups, a lesson she would later apply in her own musical endeavors.
Reagon founded the all-black female a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock in 1973, based in Washington, D.C. She was the ensemble's founder and first member until 2006. Her work with the Freedom Singers and Sweet Honey in the Rock showcased her commitment to using music as a tool for social activism and community building.