On This Day: Nick Cave turns 69

From a small Victorian country town to stages around the world, one of Australia’s most distinctive musicians celebrates his birthday today. September 22 also marks a remarkable escape for an American president and an important moment in Australia’s long relationship with the United States.

Nick Cave turns 69

Nick Cave was born in Warracknabeal, Victoria, on September 22, 1957.

Cave emerged from Melbourne’s post-punk scene with The Boys Next Door, which evolved into The Birthday Party, before forming Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds in the early 1980s.

Over the decades, Cave built a body of work unlike almost anyone else in Australian music, with songs including The Ship Song, Into My Arms and Red Right Hand becoming enduring favourites.

Today he turns 69.

And Cave has some impressive company on the September 22 birthday list.

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and American rock star Joan Jett were both born on this day in 1958.

A president escapes a bullet

On September 22, 1975, US President Gerald Ford survived the second attempt on his life in just 17 days.

As Ford left San Francisco’s St Francis Hotel, Sara Jane Moore fired at him and narrowly missed.

As she attempted to fire again, former Marine Oliver Sipple grabbed her arm, deflecting the second shot. Ford escaped unharmed.

The incident came just 17 days after Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme had pointed a gun at Ford in Sacramento.

Australia, America and ANZUS

On September 22, 1952, military representatives from Australia, New Zealand and the United States began a three-day meeting at Pearl Harbor.

It was the first meeting of military representatives under the ANZUS alliance.

The treaty had been signed on September 1, 1951 and came into force in April 1952, strengthening security ties between the three Pacific nations.

Australia was represented at the Pearl Harbor meeting by Lieutenant General Sydney Rowell, then Chief of the General Staff.

Born on this day

Along with Cave, September 22 has produced some serious musical talent.

Andrea Bocelli turns 68 today, while Joan Jett — whose I Love Rock ’n Roll became one of the defining rock hits of the early 1980s — also turns 68.

Do you remember?

Nick Cave, Andrea Bocelli or Joan Jett — whose music takes you straight back? Tell us your favourite song in the comments.