The music releases and cultural milestones of April 16 have shaped the face of rock today. Key recordings, performances, and significant industry changes are why this date will go down in rock history.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
On April 16, some of the best-known names in rock made their mark on music:
- 1964: The Rolling Stones released their self-titled debut album in the United Kingdom a month before its U.S. release.
- 1972: Electric Light Orchestra played its first gig at the Greyhound pub in London.
- 1974: Queen played its first show in the United States, supporting Mott the Hoople at Regis College in Denver.
- 1977: The Damned released its debut album Damned Damned Damned in the United States, two months after its U.K. release. It was the first full-length album from a British punk rock group.
Cultural Milestones
Rock music was never the same after the following cultural milestones, which all occurred on April 16:
- 1964: The Beatles filmed the chase scenes for their movie A Hard Day’s Night and recorded the title track at Abbey Road Studios.
- 1990: Rock icons Lou Reed, Neil Young, Peter Gabriel, and Simple Minds were among the performers at the Nelson Mandela: An International Tribute for a Free South Africa concert at London’s Wembley Stadium. This star-studded show celebrated Nelson Mandela’s release from prison and campaigned for an end to apartheid.
- 2016: Axl Rose officially replaced Brian Johnson as the lead singer of the Australian rock act AC/DC.
- 2024: Journey’s Greatest Hits became the only third album to stay on the Billboard 200 for 800 weeks, after Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon and Bob Marley’s Legend.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Some of the best rock songs and albums of all time entered the world on April 16:
- 1971: The Rolling Stones released “Brown Sugar” in the United Kingdom. It was the lead single from their massive Sticky Fingers album and their first release under their Rolling Stones Records label.
- 1988: Def Leppard released “Pour Some Sugar on Me” in the United States. The song helped the band’s album Hysteria reach the top of the Billboard 200 a year after its release.
- 1991: Temple of the Dog, featuring Chris Cornell, Eddie Vedder, and other Soundgarden and Pearl Jam members, released its self-titled album.
- 1996: Rage Against the Machine released its sophomore album, Evil Empire, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Industry Changes and Challenges
Many of the rock industry’s most important changes and challenges also unfolded on April 16:
- 1969: Elektra Records dropped Detroit band MC5 in response to the group’s protest against Michigan department store Hudson’s refusal to sell its albums.
- 2015: Nielsen SoundScan revealed vinyl sales were up 53% compared to the same time the previous year.
Looking back on the musical memories made on April 16 provides a reminder of the events that forged the modern age of rock. Their impact continues to resonate with rock music fans everywhere.
