Rock history on May 15
On May 15, significant events in rock music history occurred, including the passing of Phil May from the band Pretty Things. This date has been connected to various chart-topping songs, cultural milestones, performances, and challenges in the rock music industry.
In 1965, the Byrds released a cover of Bob Dylan’s “Mr. Tambourine Man,” which swiftly ascended to the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart within a mere six weeks. This iconic song is acknowledged as the first folk rock tune, with the Byrds being credited for popularizing this genre. Another remarkable milestone on May 15 dates back to 1993 when Janet Jackson’s hit track “That’s The Way Love Goes” dominated the Billboard Hot 100 chart for an impressive eight weeks, marking her lengthiest chart-topping single. It also stood as the lengthiest song at the chart’s summit for the year 1993.
Moving into the 1960s, May 15 witnessed culturally significant events that left a lasting impact on the rock music landscape. In 1963, at the Fifth Annual GRAMMY Awards, comedian Vaughn Meader clinched the Album of the Year accolade for his work on The First Family. This comedy album remains one of only two in history to win this prestigious award. Additionally, in 1967, the fateful meeting of Paul McCartney and Linda Eastman took place at the Bag O’Nails nightclub in London, setting the stage for their eventual union in marriage, which endured until Linda’s passing in 1998.
Many memorable rock music recordings and performances have been inspired by events on May 15. In 1971, Pink Floyd graced the stage at The Garden Party at the Crystal Palace in London. A quirky incident unfolded when an inflatable octopus meant to rise from the lake in front of the band malfunctioned due to the unsuspecting audience below the water’s surface, resulting in the inadvertent death of the fish inhabiting the lake. Furthermore, in 2001, Weezer launched their third studio album, often referred to as the Green Album, marking a significant moment for the band and their fans, as it was their first album post-Pinkerton and the sole album featuring bassist Mikey Welsh.
The rock music industry also faced its fair share of changes and obstacles on May 15. In 1947, Graham George Goble, guitarist for the Little River Band, was born in Adelaide, Australia. Fast forward to 1995, the lead singer of Stone Temple Pilots, Scott Weiland, found himself in legal turmoil near the Pasada Motel outside Pasadena, California. Authorities arrested Weiland on multiple charges, including suspicion of drug possession, driving under the influence, and being under the influence of controlled substances, following an incident involving a suspected drug transaction in the motel’s parking lot.
These significant events on May 15 have played pivotal roles in shaping the rich history of rock music. Embrace these moments to delve deeper into the captivating trajectory of this iconic genre.