- 1960: A campaign was started in the UK to ban the American hit “Tell Laura I Love Her” by Ray Peterson. The song was being denounced as likely to inspire a teenage “glorious death cult.” The song told the story of a lovesick youngster who drives in a stock car race to win the hand of his sweetheart. He crashes and, just before dying, groans out the words of the title.
- 1985: “We Are the World” won Best Group Video and the Viewers Choice awards at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York. Don Henley’s “The Boys of Summer” won four awards, including Best Video. Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m On Fire” got the nod for Best Male Video and Tina Turner won Best Female Video for “What’s Love Got to do With It.”
- 2000: Elton John threw a tantrum when he was set to appear at a sell-out show at the Estoril Casino near Lisbon. John was unhappy after the audience was slow in leaving a VIP dinner before the concert. He left the building and flew home on his private jet without playing a note.
- 2010: George Michael was sent to jail for eight weeks after being convicted of driving under the influence of drugs and possessing cannabis in Hampstead, North London in July. He smiled in disbelief as the sentencing was read.
