October 2 is a bittersweet day in rock history. The music world lost an icon, but it’s also Sting’s birthday and the anniversary of some legendary albums. Let’s take a look at the key rock events that happened on this day.
Cultural Milestones:
1951: Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, better known as Sting, was born in Wallsend, Northumberland, England. He rose to fame with The Police in 1977 and launched a successful solo career in 1985, selling over 100 million albums combined.
2017: Tom Petty passed away at the age of 66 after suffering a cardiac arrest. His death was linked to an accidental overdose of medication he was taking for hip and knee pain.
Notable Recordings and Performances:
1970: Pink Floyd released their fifth studio album, Atom Heart Mother, in the UK. This was a significant moment for the band as it became their first U.K. No. 1 album and showcased their signature progressive rock sound.
1982: Peter Gabriel reunited with his former band Genesis for a special performance at the Six Of The Best concert in Milton Keynes, England. The reunion helped Gabriel out of financial trouble after a festival he co-founded left him in debt.
1995: Oasis released their second album, (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? This album launched the band to international fame with hits like “Wonderwall,” “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” “Some Might Say,” and “Champagne Supernova.”
From tragic losses to iconic album releases, October 2 has been a memorable day for rock fans. Check back tomorrow to see what else happened in rock history!
