On this day today:
1946 - Guitarist Peter Green, born Peter Allen Greenbaum in London, was a key figure in the formation of Fleetwood Mac in 1967. Known for his soulful playing and expressive blues style, Green led the band through its early years, shaping its sound with hits like "Albatross" and "Black Magic Woman." His career took a dramatic turn in 1970, when he left the group amid struggles with mental health, reportedly exacerbated by LSD use. Despite his departure, Green’s influence on Fleetwood Mac and rock music remains profound, with his work often celebrated as some of the finest in blues-rock.
1978 - Rush's Hemispheres hit stores with a level of ambition that pushed even this progressive rock powerhouse to the edge. Known for intricate, sprawling compositions, the album demanded intense focus and precision from the trio, especially on the nearly 20-minute title track, "Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres." Recording sessions were grueling, leaving the band physically and mentally drained. Despite the toll, Hemispheres became a fan favorite, showcasing Rush's dedication to musical and lyrical exploration with themes around duality and balance. This album solidified Rush’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of rock.
1983 - "Islands in the Stream," originally written by the Bee Gees with Marvin Gaye in mind, finds a new life as a duet by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, hitting #1 on the US charts. This classic crossover tune blends pop and country influences seamlessly, creating an unforgettable hit for the duo. With its catchy, heartfelt lyrics and smooth harmonies, the song captures audiences and cements its place as one of the most iconic duets in music history.
1983 - Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon sets a Billboard record by surpassing Johnny’s Greatest Hits by Johnny Mathis with a staggering 491 weeks on the albums chart. The album, famous for its groundbreaking production and themes of mental health, time, and existentialism, goes on to stay on the chart until 1988, ultimately logging an astounding 724 consecutive weeks. With periodic reissues and surges in popularity, Dark Side would continue to return to the Billboard charts, accumulating more than 880 total weeks and solidifying its status as one of the most enduring albums in music history.
1984 - Deep Purple made a triumphant return with Perfect Strangers, their first album in nearly a decade and their first with the classic Mark II lineup since Who Do We Think We Are in 1973. Driven by the reunion of vocalist Ian Gillan, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, bassist Roger Glover, drummer Ian Paice, and keyboardist Jon Lord, the album featured the powerful title track "Perfect Strangers" and the electrifying "Knockin' at Your Back Door." Their subsequent tour was a massive success, drawing huge crowds eager to see the rock legends back in action.
1984 - Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s debut album, Welcome to the Pleasuredome, drops in the UK, marking a bold entrance into the 1980s music scene. Known for its provocative themes and boundary-pushing sound, the double album features hits like "Relax" and "Two Tribes" that fueled the band’s meteoric rise. Produced by Trevor Horn, the record blends pop, dance, and experimental elements, encapsulating the band's flamboyant style and anti-establishment vibe.
1988 - Enya reached a major career milestone when her ethereal single Orinoco Flow began a three-week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart. Known for its haunting "Sail away" refrain and unique New Age sound, the song showcased Enya’s transition from her early days with the family act Clannad to a solo career that has defined Celtic and New Age music.
1991 - In Peoria, Illinois, Metallica kicked off their massive Wherever We May Roam tour, a globe-trotting trek that saw the metal titans perform a staggering 224 shows over the course of 15 months. Starting in 1991, this tour was in support of their self-titled Black Album, which spawned hits like "Enter Sandman" and "The Unforgiven" and catapulted them into mainstream success. By the time they wrapped up on December 18, 1992, Metallica had cemented their reputation as one of the hardest-working, heaviest bands on the planet, bringing thrash metal to arenas around the world.
1993 - Tim Burton's animated musical The Nightmare Before Christmas premiered in US theaters, enchanting audiences with its unique blend of dark whimsy and festive spirit. The film features a captivating score composed by Danny Elfman, the lead vocalist of Oingo Boingo, who also lends his voice to the film's protagonist, Jack Skellington. Elfman's memorable songs, including "This Is Halloween" and "What’s This?", have since become iconic, helping to solidify the film's status as a holiday classic that seamlessly merges Halloween and Christmas themes. The film's innovative stop-motion animation and enchanting soundtrack have continued to resonate with fans, making it a beloved staple of holiday viewing.
1996 - In a major shake-up in the rock world, Axl Rose announces that Slash is no longer a part of Guns N' Roses. The decision signals the end of an era for the band’s original lineup. While Axl keeps Guns N' Roses alive with a rotating lineup, Slash branches out with his own projects, forming Slash’s Snakepit and later Velvet Revolver. Both bands allow him to stay active in the rock scene, drawing a loyal fan base and finding critical acclaim, even as GnR continues under Rose's leadership, eventually leading to a long-awaited reunion years later.
2007 - Kylie Minogue received the prestigious Music Industry Trust Award in London, celebrating her 20-year career and status as a global "icon of pop and style." This honor marked a historic moment as the first time in the award's 16-year history that it was presented to a female artist. Joining the ranks of past honorees like Sir Elton John and Peter Gabriel, Minogue’s achievement recognized her immense contributions to music and fashion, solidifying her place as one of pop's enduring trailblazers.
2009 - To commemorate the 25th anniversary of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a spectacular series of concerts unfolded at Madison Square Garden, bringing together an extraordinary lineup of music legends. The star-studded event featured iconic performances from inductees including Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Mick Jagger, and Aretha Franklin.
2013 - Lady Gaga’s recent UK performance on The X Factor stirred up viewer complaints due to her bold outfit of shells and flesh-colored underwear, deemed by some as too revealing for an early evening slot. Broadcasting regulator Ofcom received around 200 complaints, while ITV itself logged an additional 60 from viewers concerned about the show airing her attire before the 9 p.m. watershed, traditionally reserved for family-friendly content.
2014 - NPR released T-Pain's Tiny Desk concert, showcasing the artist performing three songs entirely without Auto-Tune. Fans and newcomers alike were stunned by his impressive vocal abilities, challenging the preconceived notion that he solely relied on vocal effects. The performance resonated deeply, quickly going viral and ultimately becoming the most popular Tiny Desk concert in the series' history.
2019 - Ed Sheeran claimed the title of the UK’s wealthiest star under 30, amassing an estimated £170 million, nearly doubling his previous year's wealth, as per the annual Rich List. This leap placed him well ahead of second-ranking Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, with £90 million, and former One Direction member Harry Styles, who secured third place.
2022 - Taylor Swift broke a UK chart record previously held by Madonna, achieving nine No.1 albums in the quickest succession for a female artist with her 10th album, Midnights. The album not only clinched the top spot on the UK chart but also emerged as the fastest-selling album of 2022, underscoring Swift's massive and sustained appeal.
