On May 13, a Look Back at Rock History in Boston: ROCK 92.9
May 13, 1970 marked the world premiere of the documentary film “Let It Be,” showcasing The Beatles rehearsing for a live show in New York City. Interestingly, none of the band members were in attendance at the event or the subsequent U.K. premiere a few days later. This date has proven to be significant in the history of rock music, with several other noteworthy events occurring in the industry on May 13 over the years.
Various breakthrough hits and milestones were achieved by bands on this day, showcasing their talent and reaching new heights in their careers. In 1966, The Rolling Stones released “Paint It Black,” a chart-topping hit that utilized a sitar in a revolutionary way. The Monkees enjoyed success in 1967 with their album “More of the Monkees” and its iconic hit song “I’m a Believer.” Soundgarden made waves in 1994 with the release of their enduring single “Black Hole Sun” from the album “Superunknown,” which spent seven weeks at the top of the Billboard chart.
Cultural milestones also took place on May 13, shaping the landscape of rock music for years to come. In 1941, rock and roll pioneer Richie Valens was born, bringing a unique blend of rock and Mexican folk music to the scene. Stevie Wonder, born in 1950, went on to become one of the most influential musicians in history, selling over 100 million records worldwide. Guitar virtuoso Buckethead, a former member of Guns N’ Roses, entered the world in 1969, releasing numerous solo and collaborative albums throughout his career.
The industry saw notable recordings and performances on May 13, including a riot breaking out at an Elvis Presley concert in 1955, Led Zeppelin becoming the first British rock band to perform in Hawaii in 1969, and the release of the posthumous Michael Jackson album “Xscape” in 2014, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard chart.
Challenges and changes in the rock and roll world also occurred on May 13, such as Courtney Love’s legal troubles in 2004 after being charged with assault and reckless endangerment, and the breakup of the Suicide Machines announced by drummer Ryan Vandeberghe in 2006.
Reflecting on these moments from rock history on May 13 reminds us of the incredible impact of the genre and its ability to evolve and inspire through the ages. Each event, hit song, performance, and cultural shift has played a part in shaping the fabric of rock music as we know it today.