On May 27, Rock History: Boston’s ROCK 92.9
On this day in 1977, the Sex Pistols caused a stir with their release of “God Save the Queen,” a single that was swiftly banned from major stores and BBC airplay despite selling 150,000 copies in just five days. This historical rock moment is just one of the intriguing pieces of trivia from May 27. For more insights into the rock world on this date, delve into a list of facts encompassing hit songs, cultural shifts, performances, and challenges in the realm of rock music.
Breaking into the music scene with a bang, two iconic moments in rock history occurred on this date, both tied to chart-topping Billboard albums. In 1995, Hootie & the Blowfish achieved No. 1 on the Billboard chart with their debut album, “Cracked Rear View,” a record that remains one of the highest-certified debut albums, having sold over 21 million copies in the U.S. alone. Fast forward to 2006, the Red Hot Chili Peppers celebrated their inaugural No. 1 album, “Stadium Arcadium,” after 22 years of hard work. This album made an impressive debut atop the Billboard 200 chart and maintained its position for three consecutive weeks.
In the realm of cultural milestones, significant events unfolded on May 27 that left a mark on the history of rock music. In 1937, the renowned Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco opened to the public, eventually becoming an iconic backdrop for numerous rock artists’ works, including album covers, music videos, and lyrics. In 2004, the surviving members of the Bee Gees, Barry and Robin, were honored as Commanders of the Order of the British Empire by Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace, with a posthumous award given to Maurice’s son in memory of the third member, Maurice.
Looking back at noteworthy recordings and performances on this date, a glance into rock history reveals memorable moments. In 1957, Buddy Holly and the Crickets released “That’ll Be the Day,” their only chart-topping hit, now hailed as a rock ‘n’ roll classic. In 1988, the Monsters of Rock tour kicked off in East Troy, Wisconsin, treating audiences to nine hours of electrifying performances by bands like Scorpions, Dokken, and Kingdom Come, with Metallica headlining the festival to promote their upcoming album, “…And Justice for All.”
Revisiting industry changes and challenges faced by the rock world on May 27 sheds light on pivotal junctures. In 1994, the Eagles made a legendary comeback after a 14-year hiatus with their electrifying performance in Burbank, California, launching their Hell Freezes Over tour, which broke records by charging over $100 for many tickets. Tragically, in 2017, Gregg Allman, a founding member of the Allman Brothers Band, passed away at the age of 69 after a prolonged battle with liver cancer, marking a somber moment in rock history.
Reflecting on these significant moments from rock history that unfolded on May 27 in various years underscores the enduring impact of songs, albums, recordings, and events on the genre we all cherish. Without the rich tapestry of musical history woven on this date, the landscape of rock music would undeniably be diminished.