Rock History: March 31 – 95.7 BEN FM
Rock music enthusiasts have a reason to celebrate on March 31, as it marks the birthdays of iconic rock stars Mick Ralphs from Bad Company and Angus Young from AC/DC. These influential musicians have made significant contributions to the rock genre. On this day in rock history, various breakthrough hits, milestones, and cultural events have left a mark worth commemorating.
In 1958, Chuck Berry released “Johnny B. Goode,” a song that reached No. 2, becoming one of the most recognized tracks in popular music history. Fast forward to 1984, Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose” dominated the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart for three weeks, marking his only No. 1 hit and ranking as Billboard’s fourth song of the year.
March 31 also witnessed significant cultural changes in the rock music scene. In 1972, The Beatles Fan Club disbanded after a decade, signifying the end of an era. Mick Ralphs, born in 1944 in Stoke Lacy, England, made his mark on the rock scene as a guitarist for both Mott the Hoople and Bad Company, leading to his posthumous induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2025. Angus Young, born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1955, co-founded AC/DC and gained recognition for his schoolboy uniform on stage and energetic guitar prowess, solidifying his position as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
In 1994, Madonna’s appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman caused controversy due to her excessive profanity use, resulting in it being one of the most censored talk show interviews in history.
The rock landscape on March 31 saw legendary performances and releases. In 1967, Jimi Hendrix captivated audiences when he lit his guitar on fire on stage for the first time in London. Led Zeppelin released their eponymous debut album in the UK in 1969, quickly climbing the charts. Fast forward to 1976, Led Zeppelin’s seventh album, Presence, was highly successful, despite the band not touring to promote it. In 1989, Guns N’ Roses released “Patience,” an acoustic ballad that peaked at No. 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The year 1992 saw Def Leppard drop their fifth studio album, Adrenalize, which spawned numerous hit singles and sold over 7 million copies worldwide.
March 31 also saw industry changes and challenges. In 1949, RCA Victor revolutionized the singles market with the first 45 RPM single, dominating the format until the 1980s. In 1995, at a concert in Michigan, an assailant attempted to harm Jimmy Page on stage with a knife, but security intervened in time to prevent any harm to the legendary musician.
With a myriad of milestones, cultural events, and iconic music releases, March 31 holds a special place in rock history. Celebrate the legacy of these rock legends and the music that continues to shape our lives.