On This Day in Rock History: March 12 – Country Music Backstage
On March 12, 1971, Paul McCartney made a groundbreaking decision by officially dissolving the partnership of the Beatles. Filing a lawsuit against manager Allen Klein and the other three band members, McCartney secured the Beatles’ name for future recordings solely involving him. This move marked a significant moment in rock history, altering the trajectory of one of the most iconic bands in music.
Besides this pivotal event, March 12 witnessed other notable milestones and breakthrough hits in the world of rock music. In 1983, U2’s third studio album, “War,” achieved the top spot on the UK albums chart, marking their first No.1 album and replacing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” A decade later, in 1994, Swedish group Ace of Base topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart for four weeks with their hit song “The Sign,” becoming the first Swedish group to reach No.1 on the chart. In 2011, Yoko Ono made history by securing a No.1 dance hit with “Move On Fast” at the age of 78, eventually surpassing her own record by achieving the feat again at 84 in 2018.
Cultural milestones on March 12 also left a lasting impact on rock music. In 1983, Bonnie Tyler became the first Welsh singer to reach No.1 on the U.S. Billboard chart with her song “Total Eclipse of the Heart.” Additionally, in 2007, Amy Winehouse’s appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman to perform “Rehab” propelled sales of her “Back to Black” album to the No. 2 spot. Furthermore, in 2013, Bob Dylan’s induction as an honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters marked a significant recognition of his profound influence on American culture, establishing him as the first rock musician to receive such an honor in the organization’s 115-year history.
March 12 also saw the release of several groundbreaking recordings that have come to define the rock music industry. From Elvis Presley recording all 11 songs of his “Something for Everybody” album in a 12-hour session in 1961 to The Allman Brothers Band’s iconic live album recorded at the Fillmore East in 1971, these moments have left an indelible mark on rock history. Additionally, R.E.M.’s “Out of Time” album release in 1991 and KISS’s MTV Unplugged album in 1996 featuring the original lineup marked significant milestones in the trajectory of these bands.
The rock music industry has navigated various challenges and changes on March 12 throughout the years. In 2003, the Rolling Stones faced restrictions from the Chinese government on songs they could play during their China tour, highlighting the intersection of music and politics. Tragically, in 2013, former Iron Maiden drummer Clive Burr passed away, underscoring the personal challenges and losses faced by individuals in the industry.
Reflecting on these March 12 moments in rock history, it becomes evident that they have collectively shaped and defined the genre. Without the contributions and decisions made on these significant dates, the landscape of rock music as we know it today would be vastly different.