Today in Rock History: April 22 – 105.7 WROR

April 22 has been a significant day in rock music history, with various events, milestones, and cultural moments shaping the industry. From breakthrough hits and album releases to notable performances and industry challenges, April 22 stands out in the annals of rock music history.

In 1966, The Troggs released “Wild Thing,” a song that would later top the Billboard Hot 100 chart, marking their only No. 1 hit song. Fast forward to 1989, when Madonna’s album “Like a Prayer” reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard albums chart on the same day as the title track reached the top spot on the singles chart, solidifying her status as a pop music icon.

Television has also played a significant role in the rock industry, with memorable moments such as John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd’s debut as the Blues Brothers on Saturday Night Live in 1978, with Steve Martin as host, propelling the duo to fame and leading to several subsequent performances on the show.

The 1970s saw important milestones in rock music, including Deep Purple’s “Machine Head” album reaching No. 1 on the U.K.’s Official Albums Chart just two weeks after its release. Meat Loaf’s infamous jump off the stage during his “Bat Out of Hell” tour in 1978, resulting in a broken leg that required surgery, is also etched in rock history.

Despite industry changes and challenges, rock music has persevered. In 1981, Eric Clapton was hospitalized in Seattle following a car accident, shortly after being treated for bleeding ulcers in St. Paul, Minnesota. In 2010, Poison’s lead singer Bret Michaels suffered a brain hemorrhage, leading him to file a lawsuit against CBS and the Tony Awards, alleging that the hemorrhage resulted from an incident on stage in 2009.

These events, songs, performances, and industry changes have left a lasting impact on rock music. So, whether you’re jamming out to classic tunes or discovering new favorites, the legacy of April 22 in rock history continues to resonate. Tune in daily for more rock history highlights and keep the music alive.