Significant Events in Rock History on June 28
Every day in history, even those without groundbreaking moments, contributes to the rich tapestry of rock music history with smaller events. On June 28, several key moments shaped the trajectory of rock music, from chart-topping hits to legendary performances, leaving a lasting impact on the genre.
In 1975, The Eagles achieved their first US No. 1 album with “One Of These Nights,” setting the stage for their rise from a country-rock band to one of the most successful groups of all time. Four years later, in 1979, Van Halen’s album “Van Halen II” secured the No. 8 spot on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying their presence in the rock scene. Paul McCartney & Wings made history in 1980 with their innovative single “Coming Up (Live at Glasgow),” featuring a live version on the A side and a studio version on the B side, a rare occurrence that propelled the track to the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
In 1985, Phil Collins’ album “No Jacket Required” began its ascent to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200, overtaking the “Beverly Hills Cop” soundtrack. Radiohead achieved critical and commercial success in 1997 with their album “OK Computer,” capturing the top spot on the UK albums chart and selling millions of copies worldwide.
Rock music also made cultural waves on June 28 throughout history, with Kansas becoming the first rock band named Deputy Ambassadors of Goodwill by UNICEF in 1978. In 2009, the music world lost Irish violinist John Ronayne, known for his work on The Beatles’ hits “All You Need Is Love” and “Yellow Submarine.” Legendary band manager Bill Aucoin, responsible for guiding the careers of KISS and Billy Idol, passed away in 2010 after battling prostate cancer. The death of guitarist Scotty Moore in 2016 marked the end of an era for his collaborations with Elvis Presley and Roy Orbison.
Live performances on June 28 have added to the vibrancy and energy of rock history, with Pink Floyd taking the stage in Shrewsbury, England in 1968, Metallica rocking the Rock Werchter Festival in Belgium in 2003, and The Raconteurs captivating audiences at the Glastonbury Festival in the UK in 2008. The release of The Black Keys’ ninth studio album “Let’s Rock” in 2019 marked a return to their blues roots, thrilling fans with its classic sound.
June 28 holds a special place in rock history, with a tapestry of events that have shaped the genre, from chart-topping albums to iconic performances and poignant cultural moments. Each event on this day serves as a chapter in the narrative of rock music, highlighting its enduring influence and power to captivate audiences worldwide.