August 6: Significant Events in Rock History
On August 6th, throughout history, significant events have occurred that have shaped the world’s course. From the tragedies of Hiroshima to the victories of the Voting Rights Act, August 6th stands as a pivotal moment. The day has also heralded personal milestones, such as the birth of Andy Warhol and Gertrude Ederle’s historic swim across the English Channel. In the realm of rock history, August 6th holds its own share of notable moments and achievements.
August 6th has witnessed its fair share of chart-topping hits and musical milestones. In 1966, Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs climbed to the No. 2 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with their catchy single “Li’l Red Riding Hood.” Having spent a solid nine weeks on the chart by this time, the song had made its mark. In 1980, Billy Joel’s hit “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” maintained the No. 2 spot on the charts. The song had already peaked at No. 1 in the preceding weeks and had a strong presence on the charts for 12 weeks by that time.
August 6th has also been witness to unforgettable performances and milestone recordings. In 1970, the Summer Festival for Peace at Shea Stadium in New York brought together iconic rock bands like Steppenwolf, Johnny Winter, and Poco for a day of memorable performances. In 1999, the Rockin’ the Rockies Festival held in Cardwell, Montana over three days featured powerhouse rock bands such as 38 Special, Foreigner, and Journey. However, not all performances went smoothly. In 2000, Oasis abruptly left the stage after being bombarded with bottles and rocks from unruly festival-goers, marking a tumultuous moment in their career. In a more harmonious turn of events, in 2013, a comprehensive three-CD box set of Elvis Presley’s complete 1973 masters recorded at Stax Studio was released, including 247 outtakes from those sessions, under the title “Elvis at Stax: Deluxe Edition.”
August 6th has offered a diverse array of experiences over the years, from the release of new hit songs to memorable live shows, rare releases, and even some challenges along the way. Whether it was a band facing adversity from the crowd or a beloved classic tune receiving recognition in modern music, this day has certainly etched its place in the annals of music history in various fascinating ways.