Just minutes into August 27th of 1990, Stevie Ray Vaughan boarded a helicopter with crew and tour members from Eric Clapton's band after a triumphant performance at Alpine Valley in East Troy Wisconsin.  Vaughn hadn't expected to make the flight back to Chicago, but a seat was available and he took it. 

 

Less than a mile from the takeoff point, the chopper crashed into a ski hill at the resort, claiming the lives of all onboard.  The tragic crash happened not long after Vaughan had fought his way back from serious drugs and alcohol problems and was playing better than ever.  Anyone lucky enough to have caught him in concert during his brief career knows it was a jaw dropping experience.

 

Other Noteworthy August 27 Classic Rock events on August 27 include...

 

1944 Tim Bogert of Vanilla Fudge, Cactus and Beck, Bogert and Appice born.

1953 Alex Lifeson of Rush born.   
1965 The Beatles meet Elvis Presley at Graceland.
1967 Beatles manager Brian Epstein dies in London home of sleeping pills overdose.

1976 Eric Clapton releases No Reason To Cry.
1991 Pearl Jam releases Ten.

1991 Bob Seger releases The Fire Inside.

1992 John Lennon’s hand written lyrics to A Day In The Life auction for $100,000. The sheet of paper sells again in 2010 for $1.2 million.   

1996 Pearl Jam releases No Code.