From top hits to memorable performances, April 11 has made significant contributions to rock music. Here’s a look at this day in rock history and some key moments in the genre you love.
1964: The Beatles made history when “Can’t Buy Me Love” topped the Billboard chart. They set a record by having 14 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time, a record that lasted for 50 years until Billboard changed its entry metrics.
1970: The Beatles released “Let It Be,” their final single before breaking up. It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and topped charts in several countries, though it only hit No. 2 in the UK.
1981: Hall & Oates scored a hit with “Kiss on My List,” which spent three weeks at the top of the US Billboard Hot 100.
2022: The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ album Unlimited Love debuted at No. 1 on the U.K. albums chart, marking their first hit since 2011.
Culturally, April 11 has seen musicians break into acting.
1967: Paul McCartney conceived the idea for the Magical Mystery Tour film while flying to London. The film was released later that year but received mixed reviews.
1970: Peter Green left Fleetwood Mac to join a commune in Munich, though he completed the tour first.
1988: Cher won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Moonstruck, beating out nominees like Meryl Streep.
1991: Ringo Starr made a guest appearance on The Simpsons in the episode “Brush With Greatness.”
Notable performances include:
1961: Bob Dylan made his live debut in Greenwich Village, opening for John Lee Hooker at Gerde’s Folk City.
1966: Buffalo Springfield, featuring Stephen Stills and Neil Young, had their live debut at the Troubadour in West Hollywood.
