June 18 has been a significant date in rock history, marked by many important events. Let’s take a look at some standout moments that happened on this day.
1976: ABBA performed at Sweden’s Royal Variety Performance to celebrate King Carl XVI Gustaf and his future wife, Silvia Sommerlath. This was one of their first performances of the hit “Dancing Queen.”
1977: Fleetwood Mac achieved their only No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Dreams.” This song would later regain popularity 43 years later thanks to a viral video.
1994: The Beastie Boys released their fourth album, III Communication, which hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Beyond music, June 18 has also seen cultural milestones.
1942: Paul McCartney, the legendary bassist of The Beatles, was born. The band would go on to revolutionize rock music.
1963: Dizzy Reed, the longtime keyboard player for Guns N’ Roses, was born in Hinsdale, Illinois. He joined the band in 1990 and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
1977: The Sex Pistols faced violence as Johnny Rotten and Paul Cook were attacked by drunks reacting to their song “God Save the Queen,” showing how rock often challenges the norm.
June 18 is also known for notable recordings and performances.
1963: Peter, Paul and Mary released their version of Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind,” which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
1967: The Jimi Hendrix Experience closed the Monterey International Pop Festival with a legendary performance, famously ending with his guitar on fire during “Wild Thing.”
Finally, June 18 has seen industry changes.
1948: Columbia Records announced the 12-inch 33 ⅓ RPM LP record, changing how people listen to music and introducing the album concept.
