July 18 has seen some unforgettable moments in music and history. In 1940, FDR was nominated for a third presidential term. The day also marked the trial of eight White Sox players, the release of the Titanic wreckage, and the first perfect 10 in Olympic gymnastics. Rock music has had its share of big events on this date too.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
In the late ’90s and early 2000s, rock bands held their ground on the charts. In 1999, Pearl Jam’s “Last Kiss” reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, despite pop and hip-hop dominating the top spots. In 2001, Incubus made it to the top 10 with “Drive,” which held steady at No. 10 after spending 23 weeks on the chart.
Cultural Milestones
The early 2000s brought nostalgia and excitement. In 2001, MTV premiered “Hysteria: The Def Leppard Story,” showcasing the band’s highs and lows, including Rick Allen’s car accident and Steve Clark’s battle with addiction. That same year, KISS unveiled the KISS Kasket, a unique piece of memorabilia featuring the band’s signatures, with some members already buried in them.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Live performances on July 18 have created lasting memories. In 2000, Metallica rocked the House of Blues in West Hollywood, playing hits like “Enter Sandman.” In 2018, Billy Joel celebrated his 100th show at Madison Square Garden, with Governor Andrew Cuomo declaring it “Billy Joel Day” in New York.
Industry Changes and Challenges
The music world faced challenges too. In 2002, Royden Magee, crew chief for The Rolling Stones, passed away suddenly during a rehearsal. In 2018, Sir Cliff Richard won a privacy case against the BBC over its coverage of a police raid at his home.
