Whether you love heavy metal or the early rock ‘n’ roll tunes, April 3 is a significant date in rock history. This day has seen classic hits, chart-topping albums, and key moments that shaped the genre.
1959: The Coasters released “Charlie Brown,” but the BBC banned it for using the word “spitball,” claiming it encouraged bad behavior. The ban was lifted two weeks later due to popular demand, and the song climbed to No. 6 in the U.K.
1960: The Everly Brothers performed their first UK show at the New Victoria Theatre in London, backed by Buddy Holly’s former band, The Crickets. This successful tour marked a turning point for American bands in the UK.
1971: The Temptations scored a No. 1 hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 with “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me),” which became one of their signature songs and was the last to feature Paul Williams and Eddie Kendricks.
Cultural shifts also occurred on April 3. 1968: Sebastian Bach, former frontman of Skid Row, was born in Freeport, Bahamas. He later became the lead singer of Twisted Sister.
1989: Outside the Civic Arena in Pittsburgh, fans of the Grateful Dead clashed with police while trying to rush the gate for a free show, resulting in over 20 arrests.
1991: MTV Unplugged with Paul McCartney premiered, leading to the release of the Unplugged (The Official Bootleg) album.
Notable performances include 1956: Elvis Presley’s first appearance on the Milton Berle Show, which was watched by a quarter of American TV viewers.
1960: He recorded “It’s Now or Never” at RCA’s studio in Nashville, topping charts in 10 countries.
1968: Simon & Garfunkel released their album Bookends, exploring life’s stages and reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
1979: Kate Bush launched her first concert tour, The Tour of.
