On June 29th in Rock History: Boston’s ROCK 92.9
Rock music history is filled with significant moments that have shaped the genre and captured the hearts of fans around the world. June 29, while not always making front-page headlines, holds a variety of smaller yet memorable events that are worth revisiting.
On June 29, throughout the years, rock legends have made breakthrough hits and marked milestones that have left a lasting impact. In 1984, Bruce Springsteen embarked on his iconic Born in the U.S.A. Tour in Saint Paul, Minnesota, introducing Nils Lofgren on guitar to replace Steven Van Zandt. In 1987, Mötley Crüe’s album Girls, Girls, Girls reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying their place in the top 10 for 12 weeks. Additionally, in 1992, Pearl Jam’s album Ten peaked at No. 2 and obtained Gold status after hitting No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Beyond musical accomplishments, cultural milestones have also been celebrated on June 29 over the years. In 1985, John Lennon’s legendary Rolls-Royce Phantom V was auctioned off by the Cooper-Hewitt Museum, attracting attention due to its psychedelic paint job. Ringo Starr made his TV commercial debut in 1995, with an advertisement for Pizza Hut. The day also saw Lisa Marie Presley announcing her divorce from Michael Lockwood in 2016 after a decade-long marriage.
However, not all moments on June 29 have been joyous, as the rock music industry has faced challenges and losses. In 2000, vandals desecrated the graves of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Ronnie Van Zant and Steve Gaines after the musicians had been resting peacefully for 23 years, leading their families to relocate their remains. In the more recent year of 2019, Gary Duncan, the guitarist and vocalist for Quicksilver Messenger Service, passed away at the age of 72, marking a loss in the industry despite the band’s albums making it to the Billboard 200 chart.
These events on June 29 serve as reminders of the complexity and richness of the rock music world. From electrifying performances by Bruce Springsteen to the sale of John Lennon’s iconic car, each moment contributes to the tapestry of rock history. It is these highs and lows that make rock music so enduring and captivating to fans across the globe.