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This Week in the 80s — April 11 to April 17

Here’s another look back on what happened all those years ago…

April 11 – (1981) Van Halen’s lead guitarist Eddie Van Halen marries actress Valerie Bertinelli.

Eddie Van Halen (left) and Valerie Bertinelli (right) married April 11, 1981.

April 12 – (1979) Mickey Thomas replaces Marty Balin as the lead singer of Jefferson Starship.

April 13 – (1979) During a concert by Van Halen in Spokane, Washington, David Lee Roth collapses from exhaustion. A local doctor treats him for a stomach virus and advises him to “calm down”.

April 14 – (1980) A member of the New Jersey State assembly introduces a resolution to make Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” the official state song.

(1980) Iron Maiden release their self-titled debut album.

April 16 – (1990) A massive tribute concert is held at Wembley Stadium for recently freed anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela, who appears in a pre-taped 45-minute speech at the event. Performers include Anita Baker, Tracy Chapman, Peter Gabriel, The Neville Brothers and Neil Young. The event is broadcast to 61 countries around the world.

Tens of thousands of fans gathered at London’s Wembley stadium for a tribute concert honoring recently freed anti-apartheid activist Nelson Mandela.

April 17 – (1991) Nirvana performs the demo of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” at the OK Hotel in Seattle, Washington.

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