Today in Rock History: May 13 – 95.7 BEN FM
On the day of May 13, 1970, in New York City, The Beatles’ documentary film, “Let It Be,” premiered worldwide, showcasing the band’s rehearsal for a live show. Interestingly, none of the band members were present during the event, nor at the subsequent U.K. premiere a few days later. This date in rock history has proven to be significant, with various influential events taking place.
One of the notable occurrences on May 13 in the history of rock music is associated with breakthrough hits and milestones achieved by renowned bands. In 1966, The Rolling Stones made waves with the release of their chart-topping single “Paint It Black,” which utilized a sitar in a groundbreaking way, reaching No. 1 in both the U.S. and the U.K. Similarly, in 1967, The Monkees achieved top positions on the UK albums chart with their album, “More of the Monkees,” featuring their iconic hit “I’m a Believer.” This album also reigned at No. 1 on the US Billboard 200 chart for an impressive 18 weeks. In 1994, Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun,” a single from their album “Superunknown,” made a significant impact by spending seven weeks at the top of the Billboard chart.
Cultural shifts on May 13 have also left a lasting imprint on the rock music industry. For instance, in 1941, rock and roll pioneer Richie Valens was born, showcasing a unique blend of rock and roll with Mexican folk in his music. The tragic plane crash incident that claimed his life, along with Buddy Holly and “The Big Bopper” J. P. Richardson, marked a somber day in music history. Furthermore, the birth of Stevie Wonder in Michigan in 1950 introduced a musical legend whose influence has transcended generations, selling over 100 million records globally. In 1969, the birth of renowned guitarist Buckethead in California paved the way for his prolific career with 31 solo albums and numerous collaborative projects. Additionally, in 1996, British group Oasis set a record by selling out 330,000 tickets for their Knebworth Park shows in just nine hours, solidifying their status as the fastest-selling group in the UK.
Throughout the years, notable recordings and performances have also graced May 13. In 1955, an Elvis Presley performance in Jacksonville, Florida, resulted in a riot, demonstrating the overwhelming influence of the King of Rock and Roll on his fans. Led Zeppelin’s historic concert at The Civic Auditorium in Honolulu in 1969 marked a milestone as the first British rock band to perform in Hawaii, showcasing their groundbreaking music and unique approach to security by carrying their album’s master tapes as hand luggage. Additionally, in 2014, Michael Jackson’s posthumous album “Xscape” was released, featuring eight previously unreleased songs that resonated with fans and debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard chart.
Looking back on May 13, various industry changes and challenges have impacted the rock and roll scene. In 2004, the legal issues surrounding singer Courtney Love, founder of Hole, shed light on the darker side of fame, with Love facing charges of assault and reckless endangerment. Similarly, in 2006, the announcement of the breakup of Suicide Machines underscored the challenges and dynamics within the music industry, particularly regarding band members’ differing perspectives on future tours and projects.
In summary, the events that transpired on May 13 in the history of rock music have shaped the landscape of the genre, paving the way for iconic bands, influential musicians, groundbreaking recordings, and intriguing industry dynamics. These historical moments serve as a testament to the enduring impact of rock and roll on music history, inspiring generations of artists and fans to continue pushing boundaries and embracing the essence of rock culture.