Today in the history of rock music: October 21

On this day in rock history, several significant events took place, including the release of notable albums and the farewell performance of iconic drummer Keith Moon with The Who. October 21 has seen some remarkable moments in the world of rock music over the years.

One of the standout events on October 21 was the achievement of rock and roll pioneer Chuck Berry. In 1972, Berry’s hit song “My Ding-a-Ling” climbed to the number one spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it remained for two weeks. This song, a live recording from a concert in Coventry, England, became Berry’s sole chart-topper in both the U.S. and the U.K.

Another pivotal moment occurred in 1976 when legendary drummer Keith Moon performed his final official concert with The Who at the Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, marking the end of an era for both the band and Moon himself.

In 2006, the American rock band Evanescence achieved a significant milestone by reaching the top spot on the Billboard 200 album chart with their album “The Open Door.” This accomplishment was not only a triumph for the band but also a historic moment for Billboard, as it marked the 700th album to claim the number one position since the magazine began publishing its weekly chart in 1967.

October 21 is also notable for the release of several important albums. In 1970, Bob Dylan unveiled his eleventh studio album, “New Morning,” which quickly rose to the top of the U.K. charts. Just seven years later in 1977, Meatloaf’s debut album, “Bat Out of Hell,” was released by Cleveland International Records and Epic Records. Initially met with skepticism due to its theatrical and grandiose style, the album eventually gained widespread popularity and remains one of the best-selling albums of all time, with an estimated 40 million copies sold.

As Chuck Berry claimed his only number one hit and Evanescence reached Billboard’s 700th chart-topper, October 21 also witnessed the historic final performance of Keith Moon with The Who. This date serves as a reminder of the enduring influence and impact of these iconic figures and their contributions to the world of rock music.