Today in Rock History: April 22 – 95.9 The RAT
April 22 has been a significant day in rock music history, with various hit songs, memorable performances, band milestones, and cultural events contributing to the shaping of the industry. From breakthrough hits to iconic performances, April 22 has witnessed some fascinating moments in the world of rock music.
In 1965, The Beatles achieved their seventh consecutive UK No. 1 with the song “Ticket to Ride,” marking a significant milestone in their career. The track, longer than three minutes, remained at the top of the UK singles chart for three consecutive weeks. Similarly, in 1966, The Troggs released “Wild Thing,” which went on to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming the band’s only No. 1 hit song.
The year 1989 saw Madonna’s album “Like a Prayer” reaching No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard albums chart, coinciding with the title track reaching No. 1 on the singles chart. The album held the top spot for six weeks, while the single maintained its No. 1 position for three consecutive weeks.
Television has also played a crucial role in shaping the rock industry, with notable moments on April 22 making an impact. In 1950, Peter Frampton, who later achieved fame with The Herd and Humble Pie, was born in Kent, England. Another significant event took place in 1978, as John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd debuted as the Blues Brothers on Saturday Night Live, accompanied by host Steve Martin, catapulting the Blues Brothers to fame.
The 1970s marked an essential period for rock music, with historic recordings and performances on April 22. In 1969, The Who performed their rock opera “Tommy” in its entirety for the first time in Bolton, England, signaling their transition into an album-oriented band. Deep Purple’s “Machine Head” album reached No. 1 on the U.K.’s Official Albums Chart in its second week of release in 1972, remaining there for three weeks. Additionally, in 1985, Prince dropped his seventh studio album, “Around the World in a Day,” which achieved double-Platinum status and produced two Top 10 singles on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The rock industry faced challenges on April 22, with incidents affecting notable musicians. In 1981, Eric Clapton was hospitalized following a car accident, shortly after being treated for bleeding ulcers in Minnesota. In 2010, Poison’s lead singer, Bret Michaels, suffered a brain hemorrhage, resulting in critical condition and subsequent legal action against CBS and the Tony Awards.
Despite the hurdles faced by musicians and the industry, the impact of these events, songs, performances, and changes on rock music remains undeniable. So, crank up your tunes and revisit these historical moments to keep the spirit of rock music alive.