On July 24th, Rock History Flashback: July 24 – Rock Music On 92.9
July 24 has been a significant day in rock history, marked by numerous noteworthy events in the music world. Some of the most memorable moments include iconic songs reaching the top of the charts and unforgettable performances by rock legends like Led Zeppelin.
Several breakthrough hits and milestones were achieved on this day. In 1976, Elton John’s collaboration with Kiki Dee, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” claimed the No. 1 spot on the U.K. charts. This retro-inspired song, with lyrics penned by John’s songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, became the artist’s first chart-topping hit in the U.K. Another notable achievement occurred in 1982 when Survivor’s “Eye of the Tiger” reached the pinnacle of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it remained for six consecutive weeks. The enduring popularity of this song can be attributed to its use as the theme for the movie Rocky III. Additionally, in 1993, Irish band U2’s album Zooropa achieved the No. 1 position on the U.S. Billboard Top 200 album chart, garnering the band a GRAMMY for Best Alternative Music Album the following year.
July 24 has also seen its fair share of cultural milestones in the rock world. In 1978, the film Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, featuring The Bee Gees and Peter Frampton, premiered in New York City. Despite its Beatles-inspired theme and star-studded cast, the movie was met with commercial failure and negative critical reviews. In 2019, Queen’s iconic “Bohemian Rhapsody” music video reached a billion views on YouTube, a historic accomplishment not only for Queen but also for any pre-1990 music video. The song’s resurgence in popularity was fueled by the release of the Queen biopic of the same name, making it the most googled song of the previous year.
From legendary recordings to final performances, July 24 has witnessed some remarkable events in music history. Notable among these is Led Zeppelin’s final U.S. performance at the Oakland Coliseum in 1977. Unfortunately, tragic events following this concert, including the passing of lead singer Robert Plant’s son and drummer John Bonham’s death in 1980, meant that this performance marked the end of an era for one of rock’s biggest acts. In 2022, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Joni Mitchell made a triumphant return to the stage at the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island after a long absence due to health issues, including a brain aneurysm in 2015.
July 24 has left an indelible mark on the rock music landscape through its series of breakthrough hits, cultural milestones, and unforgettable performances. Stay tuned for more iconic moments in “This Day in Rock History.”