August 6: Significant Moments in Rock History – Boston’s ROCK 92.9
August 6 has been a pivotal day in history, marked by significant events like the bombing of Hiroshima and the signing of the Voting Rights Act. The day has also witnessed the birth of notable figures like Andy Warhol and Gertrude Ederle, the first woman to conquer the English Channel. In the realm of rock history, August 6 holds its own important moments worth exploring.
Throughout the years, August 6 has seen its fair share of breakthrough hits and chart milestones. In 1966, Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with their single “Lil’ Red Riding Hood,” after spending nine weeks on the chart. Fast forward to 1980, and Billy Joel’s track “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” surged to the No. 2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, having already peaked at No. 1 in previous weeks and spent 12 weeks on the chart.
The day has also been marked by notable performances and recordings that have left a lasting impact on rock history. In 1970, the Summer Festival for Peace at Shea Stadium in New York featured performances by rock bands like Steppenwolf, Johnny Winter, and Poco. Fast forward to 1999, the Rockin’ the Rockies Festival held in Cardwell, Montana, brought together big rock bands like 38 Special, Foreigner, and Journey on its opening day.
However, not all performances have gone smoothly on August 6. In 2000, Oasis abruptly left the stage after being pelted with bottles and rocks by festival goers. This incident was not an isolated one, as the band had faced similar challenges before. In 2013, a three-CD box set titled Elvis at Stax: Deluxe Edition was released, featuring the complete 1973 masters recorded by Elvis Presley at Stax Studio, along with 247 outtakes from the same sessions.
Over the years, August 6 has delivered a diverse range of experiences in the music world, from new hit songs to memorable live shows, rare releases, and even some challenging moments. Whether it was a band facing adversity on stage, a beloved artist showcasing their talent, or the unveiling of hidden gems from recording sessions, this date has undoubtedly etched its mark on the tapestry of music history in multifaceted ways.