On this Day in Rock History: September 5
On September 5th, the rock music world celebrates the birthday of one of its most iconic figures. Alongside this notable event, the day also holds significance for other legendary names in the industry such as The Beatles, Aerosmith, and Dire Straits.
Throughout history, September 5th has witnessed groundbreaking moments for some of the most prominent bands in rock music. In 1964, The Animals soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart with their rendition of the classic folk song “The House of the Rising Sun,” maintaining the number one spot for three consecutive weeks. Fast forward to 1967, and The Beatles embarked on the recording of “I Am the Walrus,” a John Lennon masterpiece characterized by its psychedelic and surreal nature. This track, released as the B-side to the hit “Hello, Goodbye,” secured the top two positions on the U.K. singles chart, a feat that remains unparalleled.
The year 1981 saw the release of Stevie Nicks’ debut solo album, “Bella Donna,” which quickly climbed to the summit of the U.S. Billboard 200 chart. Sales of the album surged, achieving Platinum status within a mere three months and eventually exceeding 4 million copies sold in the United States. Aerosmith made their mark on September 5, 1998, when their power ballad “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” leaped onto the Billboard Hot 100 at number one. Featured on the soundtrack of the blockbuster film “Armageddon,” this song secured the band their first and only chart-topping hit, despite their extensive musical career.
In addition to these musical milestones, September 5th commemorates significant cultural events within the rock music sphere. The year 1945 saw the birth of Farrokh Bomi Bulsara, better known as Freddie Mercury, in Zanzibar City, Tanzania. Establishing Queen in 1970 alongside Brian May and Roger Taylor, Mercury would go on to become one of rock music’s most iconic frontmen. Dire Straits’ “Money for Nothing” took home the title of Music Video of the Year at the 1985 MTV Music Awards, revolutionizing the use of computer-generated animation in music videos and solidifying its place as a pioneering visual production in rock music history.
From the emergence of rock legends to the achievement of significant milestones by renowned artists, September 5th stands as a momentous day in the annals of rock music history. Stay tuned for more unforgettable events and achievements in the realm of rock music.