Born on September 14, 1949, Steve Gaines became the brilliant guitarist and vocalist whose tragically brief time with Lynyrd Skynyrd left an enormous impression. Gaines joined the band in 1976 at the recommendation of his sister, backing vocalist Cassie Gaines, bringing fiery guitar work, a soulful voice, and fresh songwriting energy to an already formidable three-guitar attack. His impact was captured magnificently on 1977's Street Survivors. Gaines wrote or co-wrote "I Know a Little", "You Got That Right", and "Ain't No Good Life", singing lead or co-lead on the latter two. Ronnie Van Zant reportedly recognized Gaines' extraordinary potential, but tragedy ended the partnership almost as soon as it began. Steve and Cassie Gaines, Van Zant, and three others were killed in the October 20, 1977 plane crash. Steve was only 28. His time with Lynyrd Skynyrd lasted barely a year, but what he left behind showed just how much more music he had to give.

Born on September 14, 1949, Ed King became a guitarist and songwriter whose playing helped forge the classic sound of Lynyrd Skynyrd. King first found success as a member of Strawberry Alarm Clock before joining Skynyrd in 1972, initially playing bass and later moving to guitar, completing the band's celebrated three-guitar lineup alongside Gary Rossington and Allen Collins. King co-wrote several Skynyrd classics, but his name is permanently attached to "Sweet Home Alabama", which he co-wrote with Ronnie Van Zant and Gary Rossington. That unforgettable opening guitar figure became one of the most recognizable riffs in rock history. King also contributed to songs including "Saturday Night Special" and "Workin' for MCA". He left the band in 1975, returned for the 1987 reunion, and remained through 1996. King died in 2018 at age 68, leaving an unmistakable mark on Southern rock.

On September 14, 2004, Megadeth released The System Has Failed, their tenth studio album and Dave Mustaine's return after a severe arm injury had temporarily brought the band to an end. Originally conceived as a Mustaine solo project, the record ultimately carried the Megadeth name and delivered a sharp return to the politically charged, riff-driven metal that had defined the band's strongest work. Featuring "Die Dead Enough", "Of Mice and Men", "The Scorpion", and the blistering opener "Blackmail the Universe", the album also reunited Mustaine in the studio with former Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland, who contributed lead guitar parts. The System Has Failed reached No. 18 on the Billboard 200 and marked the beginning of a new era for the band, proving that Mustaine's career was far from finished. Produced by Dave Mustaine and Jeff Balding.