On This Day in Rock History: June 19 – Boston’s Rock 92.9
June 19 has been witness to several crucial moments in rock history, spanning from the Uxbridge Blues Festival to fans booing Amy Winehouse. This day has hosted a variety of events, ranging from past performances to significant milestones in the realm of rock music.
Throughout the years, June 19 has marked numerous breakthrough hits and important milestones for rock artists. For instance, in 1971, The Carpenters achieved four consecutive weeks of their hit song “Rainy Days and Mondays” taking the No. 1 spot on the Adult chart. Another song by Paul Williams and Roger Nichols, this track became yet another success for the band. Similarly, in 1972, The Carpenters released “Goodbye To Love,” which also climbed the ranks on the Billboard Hot Top 100 chart. Another noteworthy milestone happened in 1982 when Asia’s self-titled album reached the No. 1 spot, pushing Paul McCartney’s album down the list.
On June 19, various performances, both memorable and disappointing, have taken place. In 1969, The Doors graced the stage at P.N.E. Garden Auditorium in Canada after a recent performance at the Minneapolis Convention Center. In 1973, Pink Floyd performed at the Civic Center Arena in Pennsylvania, treating the crowd to songs like “Obscured By Clouds,” “Echoes,” and “The Dark Side of the Moon.” The Rolling Stones also made their mark on June 19, performing at the Palladium in New York City as part of their summer tour across North America. On a more somber note, in 2011, Amy Winehouse faced backlash from fans in Serbia for appearing too inebriated to perform, a stark reminder of her battle with alcohol addiction.
As with any industry, the rock music scene has been shaped by various occurrences on June 19. In 1970, Brian Welch, also known as Head, was born, ultimately becoming a founding member of the nu-metal band Korn. Tragically, in 2006, Duane Roland, guitarist for Molly Hatchet, passed away from natural causes at the age of 53, leaving behind a legacy of helping to craft the band’s distinctive sound. In 2012, Rickey Goodrich, the former CFO of Pearl Jam, faced legal charges for alleged theft of funds from the band’s management company to support his extravagant lifestyle.
June 19 marks a significant day in rock history, encompassing notable chart-topping achievements, unforgettable live shows, as well as births, deaths, and industry controversies. These moments, whether triumphant hits, legendary performances, or sobering industry tales, collectively contribute to the rich history of rock ‘n’ roll.