Following the Fourth of July, July 5 isn’t quiet in rock history. It’s a day of births, big shows, and major moments.
Cultural milestones
Born on this day:
1950: Huey Lewis was born in New York City. He formed Huey Lewis and The News in 1980 and has sold over 30 million albums.
1950: Michael Monarch, the original lead guitarist for Steppenwolf, was born in Los Angeles. He played on hits like “Born to Be Wild” as a teen.
1959: Marc Cohn, the singer-songwriter behind “Walking in Memphis,” was born in Cleveland. He won the Grammy for Best New Artist in 1992.
1985: Nicholas O’Malley, bassist for Arctic Monkeys, was born in Sheffield, England.
Notable recordings and shows
1954: Elvis Presley recorded “That’s All Right” at Sun Studio in Memphis. Many call it the start of rock and roll.
1969: The Rolling Stones played a free concert in Hyde Park for more than 250,000 fans. It became a memorial after guitarist Brian Jones died two days earlier.
1975: Pink Floyd debuted “Wish You Were Here” at the Knebworth Festival. The song closed their set with pyrotechnics and WWII plane flyovers.
2002: The Eagles played Freedom Hall in Louisville, with hits like “Hotel California” and “Take It Easy.”
2003: Johnny Cash played his final concert with his son, John Carter Cash. He died two months later.
2015: The Grateful Dead played the last show of their Fare Thee Well series at Soldier Field — the final concert with the classic lineup.
Industry moments
1978: After complaints over artwork, EMI’s pressing plant stopped printing The Rolling Stones’ Some Girls album art.
