On this day today:
1961 - David Evans, who would later become known as The Edge as the guitarist for U2, was born in East London. As a key member of U2, The Edge's distinctive guitar style and innovative use of effects became integral to the band's sound and success.
1961 - Rikki Rockett, born Richard Allan Ream in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, is the drummer for the glam metal band Poison. Known for their energetic performances and catchy tunes, Poison became one of the most successful rock bands of the 1980s, with Rockett's drumming playing a crucial role in their sound.
1966 - The Beatles released their groundbreaking album Revolver. This album marked a significant shift in their musical style, delving into more experimental and psychedelic sounds. Revolver features tracks like "Tomorrow Never Knows," which is known for its innovative use of tape loops and studio effects, and "Taxman," a biting critique of the British tax system penned by George Harrison. The album is often cited as one of the greatest in rock history, showcasing the band's evolution and creativity.
1966 - The Beatles released the single "Eleanor Rigby" as a double A-side with "Yellow Submarine." This release was notable for its striking contrast between the two songs: "Eleanor Rigby," with its somber tone and string arrangement composed by George Martin, and the whimsical, childlike "Yellow Submarine," sung by Ringo Starr. "Eleanor Rigby" was a departure from the typical Beatles sound, focusing on themes of loneliness and isolation, and it is often praised for its lyrical depth and innovative use of classical instrumentation.
1969 - The Beatles took the iconic photograph for their Abbey Road album cover at the crosswalk outside Abbey Road Studios in London. The image, featuring John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr walking across the zebra crossing, was captured by photographer Iain Macmillan in a brief 10-minute session. The photo became one of the most famous and imitated album covers in music history, symbolizing not just the album but also an era in rock music. The crosswalk itself has since become a popular tourist attraction, with fans from around the world visiting to recreate the famous walk.
1970 - Creedence Clearwater Revival released the song "Lookin' Out My Back Door." The track, written by John Fogerty, is known for its upbeat, country-inspired sound and vivid lyrics, which describe a whimsical scene viewed from the narrator's back porch. The song was featured on the album Cosmo's Factory, one of the band's most successful records. "Lookin' Out My Back Door" became a hit, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and cementing CCR's place as one of the defining American rock bands of the era.
1980 - The fantasy musical Xanadu, starring Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, debuted to a barrage of scathing reviews. Critics panned the film for its incoherent plot, over-the-top visuals, and cheesy dialogue. Despite the star power of Newton-John and Kelly, who came out of retirement for the role, the movie was labeled as a campy, misguided attempt to revive the musical genre with a blend of 1940s nostalgia and 1980s pop culture.
1992 - A disastrous concert unfolded at Montreal's Olympic Stadium during a co-headlining show featuring Metallica and Guns N' Roses. While Metallica was performing, frontman James Hetfield accidentally walked into a pyrotechnic explosion, suffering severe burns on the left side of his body. The band was forced to cut their set short, and Hetfield was rushed to the hospital. Adding to the chaos, Guns N' Roses took the stage but only played for 15 minutes before Axl Rose stormed off, citing vocal issues and frustration with the stage monitors. The abrupt end to both performances sparked outrage among the 53,000 fans, leading to a near-riot as the crowd vented their anger by setting fires, smashing seats, and clashing with police.
1992 - Snap! began a six-week run at #1 on the UK singles chart with their hit "Rhythm Is a Dancer" in 1992. This track, known for its infectious dance beat and catchy refrain, became the dance group's second and final #1 single in the UK.
1992 - Madonna reached #1 on the US singles chart with "This Used to Be My Playground." The song, featured on the soundtrack of the film A League of Their Own, also achieved a #3 position on the UK charts. Its melancholic tone and reflective lyrics resonated with audiences, contributing to its success and making it a standout track in Madonna's discography during the early '90s.
1994 - The Notorious B.I.G. released his debut solo single, "Juicy.". The track, produced by Sean "Puffy" Combs and Poke of Trackmasters, prominently features a sample from Mtume's 1983 funk hit "Juicy Fruit." "Juicy" serves as Biggie's autobiographical anthem, chronicling his rise from poverty to fame. The song's blend of smooth, nostalgic beats and powerful lyrics quickly made it a cornerstone of '90s hip-hop. It was the lead single from his debut album, Ready to Die, and became one of his most iconic tracks, cementing his legacy as a rap legend.
2020 - Taylor Swift made history by becoming the first artist ever to debut at #1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard 200 albums chart simultaneously. Her surprise album Folklore topped the Billboard 200, marking her seventh consecutive #1 album. The lead single "Cardigan" debuted at #1 on the Hot 100, adding to her record-breaking achievement. Folklore received widespread critical acclaim for its introspective and indie-folk sound.
