Today in Rock History: March 18 – 95.7 BEN FM
The passing of Chuck Berry on March 18, 2017, marked a significant loss in the rock music community, as the legendary rock and roll pioneer had a profound influence on countless rock musicians. Even though his absence continues to be deeply felt, the music industry must confront challenges and adapt to changes to prosper. March 18 has witnessed pivotal events that have shaped the landscape of rock music, paving the way for the music we cherish today.
March 18 has been the backdrop for numerous breakthrough hits and milestones that have left a lasting impact on rock music history. In 1967, The Beatles achieved their 13th No. 1 hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart with “Penny Lane,” a song that remained at the top spot for two weeks and was certified Gold within the month. In 1972, Paul Simon’s self-titled album surged to No. 1 on the UK albums chart, achieving Platinum status in the US for selling over a million copies. The same day, Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold,” part of his “Harvest” album, claimed the top position on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for a week, marking Young’s sole US chart-topper. 1978 saw The Bee Gees dominating the Billboard Hot 100 with “Night Fever,” the year’s longest-reigning No. 1 single, holding the top position for eight weeks.
Key cultural milestones have also been associated with March 18 throughout history. In 1966, Jerry Cantrell, the founder, guitarist, and main songwriter of Alice in Chains, was born, influencing the 1990s grunge scene and selling over 30 million records in the US. 2001 sadly marked the passing of John Phillips, founder of The Mamas & The Papas, who sold close to 40 million records worldwide. In 2002, the 17th Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony saw legends such as Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Talking Heads, and The Ramones joining the prestigious list of inductees.
Memorable rock music recordings and performances have graced March 18 through the years, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. In 1977, The Clash released their debut single “White Riot,” setting them on the path to becoming rock icons. The jam-packed California Jam II Festival in 1978 at the Ontario Motor Speedway broke attendance records for a single-day paid event, showcasing phenomenal acts such as Aerosmith, Foreigner, Heart, and Santana to an audience exceeding 250,000. David Bowie’s monumental comeback in 2013 with his album “The Next Day,” becoming the fastest-selling album in the UK and climbing to No. 1 on the charts within a week, solidified his status in rock and roll history.
March 18 has also witnessed significant changes and challenges within the rock music industry. In 1994, concerns about a possible suicide attempt by Kurt Cobain led to police intervention at his mansion, resulting in the confiscation of guns and ammunition. At the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2002, the Talking Heads staged a memorable reunion performance, marking a rare occasion compared to their last appearance together in 1984 for the same event. These highs and lows of the rock industry on March 18 have played a pivotal role in shaping the diverse and vibrant world of rock music we cherish today.