On December 19th, metal history remembers several key events and figures:
– **Jimmy Bain**, the legendary bassist from Dio and Rainbow, was born on December 19, 1947. He passed away in 2016 but left a lasting legacy in heavy metal with his contributions to albums like *Holy Diver* and *Rising*
– **Alvin Lee**, renowned guitarist of Ten Years After, was also born on December 19, in 1944. Lee was a pivotal figure in the British blues-rock scene, known for his fast guitar solos, particularly at Woodstock in 1969. He passed away in 2019
– **Ted Aguilar**, guitarist for Death Angel, celebrates his 50th birthday today. Aguilar joined the thrash legends in 2001 and has been integral to their later albums
– **David Lee Roth** of Van Halen released his version of *California Girls* on December 19, 1985, as his first solo single after leaving the band. This cover of the Beach Boys classic was part of his EP *Crazy from the Heat*, marking a new direction in his career
These moments reflect a range of styles from thrash metal to hard rock and blues, showcasing the diversity and enduring legacy of metal’s many subgenres.
