Happy Birthday to Eddie Van Halen.

Today would have been the 70th birthday of Eddie Van Halen, Dutch-born American rock guitarist and songwriter.

Eddie Van Halen (January 26, 1955 – October 6, 2020) was a legendary guitarist, songwriter, and producer, best known as the co-founder of the rock band Van Halen. 

Widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential guitarists ever, Eddie revolutionised rock guitar with his distinctive style, exceptional technique, and creative use of effects.

He pioneered the "two-handed tapping" technique, which allows guitarists to play rapid arpeggios and melodic lines that would be difficult with traditional picking techniques.

Eddie, a native of the Netherlands, moved to the United States with his family in 1962.

He battled health challenges, including tongue and throat cancer, but continued to perform and inspire musicians until his passing in 2020.

Eddie Van Halen's contributions to music and guitar playing continue to influence generations of artists, cementing his place as a rock icon.

The Death of George Orwell

Today sees the 75th anniversary of the death of George Orwell

George Orwell, the British author best known for his novels 1984 and Animal Farm, died in the early hours of January 21, 1950, in London, England. 

He passed away, aged 46 from complications related to tuberculosis after a pulmonary artery rupture. He was laid to rest at the All Saints parish churchyard in Sutton Courtenay, Oxfordshire.

Born in June 1903, Eric Arthur Blair was an English novelist, poet, essayist, journalist and critic who wrote successfully under the pen name George Orwell.

In a 2008 Times newspaper ranking, Orwell was named the second-greatest British writer since 1945, second only to Philip Larkin.

Trotsky Removed as Red Army Leader

Trotsky pictured in 1918

Leon Trotsky was removed as leader of the Red Army on this date in January 1925, during an intense political struggle within the Soviet leadership. 

This event marked a significant turning point in the power dynamics of the Soviet Union.

Trotsky was a key figure in organising the Red Army during the Russian Civil War (1918–1921). His leadership and strategic acumen were instrumental in securing Bolshevik victories against the White forces and other adversaries.

Stalin pictured in 1943

Lenin's death in 1924 triggered a power struggle between Trotsky, Stalin, and their followers.

Ideological differences between Trotsky ("permanent revolution") and Stalin ("socialism in one country") resulted in conflict.

To weaken Trotsky's standing in the Communist Party, Stalin, in collaboration with his temporary allies Zinoviev and Kamenev, implemented a systematic plan.

Many in the party leadership were alienated by Trotsky because of his criticisms of party policy and his perceived arrogance.

Frunze pictured in 1925

On 15th January 1925, Stalin and his allies succeeded in removing Trotsky from his position as People's Commissar of Military and Naval Affairs (effectively the head of the Red Army). A loyal Stalinist and leading military commander, Mikhail Frunze, became his successor.

The dismissal of Trotsky from the Red Army served as a critical turning point, signifying the end of the post-revolutionary collective leadership and paving the way for Stalin's absolute power.