Few dates are as significant in rock history as April 5. On this day, we remember the loss of two iconic grunge frontmen, Kurt Cobain and Layne Staley. However, it’s not all sad; we also celebrate R.E.M. playing their first-ever gig and the release of “We Are the World,” which raised millions for famine relief. Here are some key events that took place on this day in rock history.
In 1980, Genesis achieved their first UK No. 1 album with “Duke” after nine attempts. The album sold around 5 million copies worldwide and received mostly positive reviews. In 1985, at 3:50 p.m. GMT, thousands of radio stations around the world played “We Are the World” at the same time. This charity single featured stars like Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, Paul Simon, and Bob Dylan, raising over $80 million for famine relief in Ethiopia.
On the cultural side, Mike McCready, founding member and lead guitarist of Pearl Jam, was born in 1966 in Pensacola, Florida. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with his bandmates in 2017. Tragically, in 1994, Kurt Cobain died by suicide at his home in Seattle after struggling with substance abuse. In 2002, Layne Staley was found dead in his apartment, having passed away two weeks earlier from a drug overdose.
In 1968, following the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., James Brown performed a live concert in Boston to help keep the peace. And in 1980, R.E.M. played their first show at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Athens, Georgia, performing for about 100 people. Despite the darker moments, April 5 has seen its share of important events in rock history. Check back tomorrow for more updates!
