March 28 in Rock History: 105.7 WROR
On March 28, 1964, The Beatles became the first rock band to be immortalized in wax at Madame Tussauds in London. The unveiling of their wax sculptures marked a significant moment in rock history, capturing the essence of the iconic group. The wax figures of The Beatles underwent several updates in the ’60s to reflect the changing image of the band, showcasing their evolving style and persona.
Throughout the years, numerous notable rock musicians have achieved breakthrough hits and milestones that have left a lasting impact on the music industry. In 1970, Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water” soared to the top of the U.K. singles chart, solidifying their place in music history. In 1981, Blondie made history with “Rapture” becoming the first song featuring rap vocals to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, breaking new ground in the rock genre.
March 28 has also been marked by cultural milestones that have shaped the landscape of rock music. In 1971, The Ed Sullivan Show, a pivotal platform for early rock and roll musicians, aired for the final time after 23 years of influential broadcasting. In 1996, Phil Collins announced his departure from Genesis to pursue a successful solo career, ultimately winning an Academy Award for his song “You’ll Be In My Heart.”
The realm of notable recordings and performances on March 28 is rich with history and significance. In 1958, Eddie Cochran recorded the timeless hit “Summertime Blues,” which became an iconic teenage anthem despite peaking at No. 8 on the charts. Van Morrison’s 1967 recording of “Brown Eyed Girl” at A&R Studios in New York City was a labor of love, taking 22 takes to perfect before its release. Led Zeppelin made waves in 1973 with the release of their album “Houses of the Holy,” a departure from their blues-based sound that incorporated reggae and funk influences.
On March 28, 2005, U2 kicked off their groundbreaking Vertigo Tour in San Diego, playing to a crowd of nearly 30,000 fans and selling over 4.6 million tickets worldwide throughout the tour. Queen embarked on their first tour with guest vocalist Paul Rodgers in 2005 at the Brixton Academy in London, laying the foundation for their collaboration on “The Cosmos Rocks” studio album. In 2018, George Ezra topped the U.K. Albums Chart with his second studio album, “Staying at Tamara’s,” becoming the nation’s best-selling album of the year.
March 28 has seen its fair share of industry changes and challenges that have shaped the rock genre. In 1984, Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy despite the band’s previous success, highlighting the financial struggles that can accompany a music career. These events and milestones from March 28 have left an indelible mark on the rock industry, shaping its evolution and trajectory through the years.