Valentine’s Day isn’t the only thing special about February 14. It’s also the day Wayne’s World premiered in the U.S. The movie is known for its iconic rock music moments, and its soundtrack topped the Billboard 200. Here are some memorable events in rock music history that happened on this day.
1985: Whitney Houston released her self-titled debut album via Arista Records. After a slow start, it climbed to the top of the US Billboard 200 and became the best-selling debut album by a solo artist, launching her incredible career and earning her a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
1987: Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” from their third album hit No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart, marking their second chart-topping hit.
1999: Lenny Kravitz’s “Fly Away,” the fourth single from his album 5, reached the top of the UK singles chart. It was his first UK No. 1 and won him a GRAMMY for Best Male Rock Performance.
2006: The Veronicas released their debut album, The Secret Life of…, in the United States.
Cultural events also shaped rock music on February 14.
1972: Rob Thomas, lead singer of Matchbox Twenty, was born. Despite a tough start, his band achieved many hits.
2000: KISS announced a farewell tour, which would end with an auction of their stage props. This tour marked the last with Ace Frehley, though the band continued touring until 2023.
Notable performances include:
1967: Aretha Franklin recorded her hit version of “Respect” in New York City, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and winning two GRAMMYs.
1970: The Who performed a legendary concert at Leeds University, later released as the Live at Leeds album, considered one of the best live albums ever.
1973: David Bowie collapsed during a performance at Radio City Music Hall, shocking the audience after a grueling tour.
2010: A cover of REM’s “Everybody Hurts” entered the charts, recorded for charity to help earthquake victims in Haiti.
