On this day in Rock History: July 5
On July 5th, the music world experiences significant events that have left a mark on rock ‘n’ roll history. Despite the quietness following the Fourth of July, this date has seen its fair share of memorable moments, from tragic incidents to legal disputes and celebrity uproar.
Some notable rock stars were born on July 5th, showcasing their talents and leaving a lasting impact on the music industry. Michael Monarch, the original lead guitarist for Steppenwolf, was born in 1950 in Los Angeles, California, joining the band as a teenager and performing hits like “Born to Be Wild” and “Magic Carpet Ride.” Marc Cohn, the American singer-songwriter behind the popular song “Walking in Memphis,” was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1959, ultimately winning a GRAMMY Award for Best New Artist in 1992. Nicholas O’Malley, the bass guitarist for Arctic Monkeys, was also born on this day in 1985 in Sheffield, England.
July 5th has also witnessed memorable recordings and performances by legendary bands. In 2002, The Eagles took the stage at Freedom Hall in Louisville, Kentucky, treating fans to iconic songs like “The Long Run,” “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy,” and “Desperado.” Five years later, in 2015, The Grateful Dead concluded their Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of the Grateful Dead series with a final show at Soldier Field in Chicago, marking their last concert with the classic lineup.
Aside from musical milestones, July 5th has also seen industry changes and challenges that have reshaped the rock music landscape. In 1978, EMI’s record pressing plant halted the printing of The Rolling Stones’ Some Girls album cover due to complaints from celebrities featured in the artwork. This led to a revised cover that excluded the controversial images. In 1995, over 100 Grateful Dead fans, known as Deadheads, were injured when a wooden deck collapsed at a campground lodge in Missouri. Additionally, in 2002, the family of Jimi Hendrix achieved a partial victory in a legal battle concerning the late star’s early recordings, challenging PPX Enterprises over master tapes released based on an insufficient verbal agreement.
From paying tribute to icons like Elvis Presley and Jimi Hendrix to celebrating the new generation of rock musicians, July 5th serves as a reminder of the lasting legacy of rock music. Whether through unforgettable performances, milestone birthdays, or pivotal legal decisions, this date continues to resonate throughout rock history.